Local Artist Spotlight – Miranda Barnaby

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Miranda Barnaby’s love for beading started at a young age. When she was in middle school, she looked forward to class with Claudia Gray every week. In high school, she spent many lunch breaks beading and learning with Lita Isaac. Her eagerness to learn eventually led to a passion for beading. She was gifted a pair of beaded earrings and beading supplies from her aunt, and this inspired her to practice making earrings and dreamcatchers, and the rest is history.

Over the years, Barnaby developed her own personal style when it comes to her creations. Her work is very vibrant and intricate with a bohemian flare. She uses birch bark, porcupine quills, and fox or rabbit fur for her hand-sewn poms-poms. As of recently, Barnaby has been crafting beautiful genuine leather purses with removable pom earrings.

With over 6200 followers on social media, her work has evolved significantly over the past six years. Her earrings have been modeled in a fashion show in Edmonton, Alberta, and most notably featured in Sephora’s Native Women’s Association of Canada on Indigenous Beauty.

Barnaby’s work can be found on the Facebook page, “Beadwork/Dreamcatchers by Miranda.” Here you will find what pieces are available for purchase, and information on custom items.

Barnaby’s creativity is unmatched, and she states she does not look online for inspiration, but the designs come naturally to her. “I’m so excited for what the future holds. I don’t think I could ever stop being creative, it’s in my blood,” said Barnaby.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Listuguj Win Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat Awards

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The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government Office of Chief & Council and Natural Resource Department would once again like to extend their congratulations to the following community members and departments on their Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat Fisheries Awards:

Captain of the Year – Frank Brisk

Deckhand of the Year – John-Daniel Wysote

Exemplary Conduct & Workplace Safety Award – Listuguj Health and Safety and Natural Resources Departments

Innovation in Fisheries Award – Dr. Fred Metallic

The APC Fisheries Awards Program is meant to recognize exceptional achievements by First Nation community members, organizations, or businesses within the Atlantic and Gaspé regions. The winners will have achieved distinction through their dedication and commitment to fisheries within their communities.

The winners in each category were selected by an independent jury and received special recognition and an award at the APC Fisheries Awards Banquet and Ceremony held in Membertou, Unama’gi, on January 24, 2024.

By Julianne Wysote

Local Author Spotlight – Emily Angel Isaac Johnson

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Emily Angel Isaac Johnson is from right here in Listuguj, but grew up in the Fredericton, New Brunswick area. She attended the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design and obtained a diploma in Wabanaki Visual Arts. She is currently working on becoming a certified doula and is planning on going back to school for a degree in design and plans on writing more books on Indigenous teachings.

Johnson created the book, Mitzy’s First Time Picking Sweetgrass after a class assignment for an oral tradition course. She created the watercolor images and script. Johnson said, “I got the idea by brainstorming my favourite things to do traditionally. Sweetgrass picking has always been a favourite! My cat Mitzy is very adventurous, and I figured why not make her the main character?”

This book is a great tool to introduce these kinds of teachings to children who may not be familiar with sweetgrass picking. Here is a summary of the book provided by Johnson:

Mitzy the cat is invited by her mom to go sweetgrass picking for the very first time! As her mom passes the important Indigenous teaching down to the next generation, Mitzy learns that this beautiful plant is a traditional medicine that is used for ceremonies, healing, and art.

Mitzy’s First Time Picking Sweetgrass is available on Monster House Publishing’s website. Order your copy today!

By Ann Marie Jacques

Tanner Isaac – Entertaining and Educating Today’s Youth

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Listuguj’s Tanner Isaac is no stranger when it comes to the media and has a lot of experience with it at an educational level, and a personal level.   Isaac’s family has been in the media for over a decade, since Isaac’s brother, Chris Metallic went missing in November 2012 while attending Mount Alison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. Isaac graduated from Algonquin College in Ottawa for TV Broadcasting. He was employed at the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government’s Communication department as a summer student, producing videos and articles for the Wi’gatign. He worked for APTN’s radio station 95.9 Elmnt FM in Ottawa. He has an impressive social media following with 31.0K followers on TikTok. Most recently, Isaac was a recipient of an Indigenous Journalist Fellowship with CJF and CBC, where he was sent to work with CBC Indigenous in Winnipeg for one month as an Associate Producer and Journalist.

Over the years, Isaac expressed his dissatisfaction with the media when it comes to twisting words for his missing brother’s case. When he applied for the fellowship, he spoke about his brother a lot. He stated a lot of information that went out to the public was not accurate. Some sources did not get the correct information or permission which caused his family great hardship. Originally when applying for the fellowship, Isaac expressed his intention of covering missing Indigenous person cases. Once he was accepted for the fellowship, he realized he had become a little more sensitive to these topics. Isaac said, “It makes me emotional to relive it with other families.” He decided to go in a new direction and cover the Indigenous entertainment industry.

“I’m trying to look into what is pulling our generation in the media, what attracts them. TikTok is a great start, and I did have a presence on TikTok before. I never thought making TikToks for fun would get me a job at CBC News,” said Isaac. Right away CBC Indigenous recognized that Isaac was a natural in front of the camera, and he was a great spokesperson for younger generations.

When Isaac started with CBC Indigenous in Winnipeg, it was during elections for the premiere of Manitoba. Wab Kinew was voted in as the first First Nation Premiere of the province at this time. It was a very monumental and hectic start with CBC Indigenous, but Isaac learned a lot from the experience. Going in, he wasn’t familiar with Indigenous politics, and CBC used this to their advantage in making relatable videos for young generations. Isaac incorporates humour in a lot of his videos but also provides facts and education on topics that the youth might not be familiar with.

A TikTok page had been in the works at CBC Indigenous for quite some time, but when Isaac arrived, this was a perfect opportunity to create an account. CBC Indigenous’s TikTok page consists of several Indigenous journalists from across the country sharing all kinds of Indigenous stories and topics, ranging from inside the AFN (Assembly of First Nations) in Ottawa, to a story about a “rez goat” named Bruce from Beaver Lake Cree Nation in Alberta. Isaac played a major part in accumulating followers and working with the journalists on trends, and tips and tricks when it comes to video editing on TikTok.

Once Isaac’s fellowship in Winnipeg was over, he continued working for CBC News in Ottawa. At this time, the company sent him to cover the AFN Elections, which Isaac refers to as his proudest moment.  At the AFN Elections, Isaac spoke with many politicians, councilors, and leadership across Canada, including former Interim National Chief, Joanna Bernard. Isaac also interviewed Listuguj’s Rosalie LaBillois. LaBillois is the Co-Chair of the AFN National Youth Council and spoke to Isaac about today’s youth becoming involved in politics. Isaac stated that he was inspired by LaBillois’s determination and mindset when it came to politics. There are several videos on CBC Indigenous’s TikTok page of Isaac covering the AFN Elections.

Isaac also spoke about his past collaboration and inspiration when it comes to Listuguj’s Nation Isaac. Nation is working as a journalist for CBC Quebec from right here in Listuguj. Isaac credited his interest in journalism to Nation after they worked together on an award-winning video, Mi’gwidelmag gnitjgamitj (Remembering Our Grandpa) about Nation’s grandfather and his experience of the 1981 raid in Listuguj.

Isaac was offered a permanent position with CBC in Winnipeg but declined the offer to move back to Listuguj. Ultimately, he would like to stay in the journalism/entertainment industry and could see himself with a future in politics. He laughed, and said, “I think I just like talking to people on a screen.” Isaac certainly made a name for himself whilst working for CBC and made several memorable videos.

Be sure to check out CBC Indigenous on TikTok to see Isaac’s videos, alongside many other talented Indigenous journalists.

By Ann Marie Jacques

LCSSD – Moose Meat Distribution

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Earlier this month, the Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate held a moose meat distribution at their building. Erwin Molley works in collaboration with local hunters and butchers, to provide moose meat for the community of Listuguj.

Thank you to the staff at Listuguj Community Social Services for organizing and distributing the moose meat to elders and community members.

Book Launch of Nipugtug by Emma Metallic and Natalie Laurin

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On January 20th a book launch was held at Campbellton’s The Flying Canoe Bookstore for the book “Nipugtug.” The book is written by Listuguj’s Emma Metallic and illustrated by Natalie Laurin.

“Nipugtug” centers around a young girl named A’le’s who uses nature to help her on a journey to learn about her culture and the Mi’gmaw language.

The book launch was a success in The Flying Canoe Bookstore’s cozy atmosphere. Metallic and Laurin explained their inspirations for the book, and how it came to be. Metallic also read excerpts from her book to the crowd.

Delicious pizza was also served at the event and was made and donated by Listuguj’s Buddy Vicaire.

“Nipugtug” is written in both English and Mi’gmaw, and can purchased at Kegedonce Press online, Amazon, or locally at The Flying Canoe Bookstore in Campbellton.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Listuguj Christmas Turkey Basket Distribution

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Earlier this month, Christmas turkey baskets and toys were distributed to community members.  The turkey baskets consisted of a Butterball turkey, and all the fixings to make the perfect holiday meal.

A big thank you to all involved in making this happen for the community:

  • Annette Barnaby, Rose Vicaire, Ranay Metallic, and Lisa Metallic for organizing and distributing the turkey baskets.
  • Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government’s Beautification team for carrying the turkey baskets out to community members’ vehicles.
  • Provigo Réjean Lévesque for providing the food for the turkey baskets.
  • Various local businesses in the community, and the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government for cash donations for the toys.

Rheal Raymond, Administrator – Waqatasg Elder’s Care Facility

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On behalf of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, the Listuguj Community Health Services is pleased to welcome Mr. Rheal Raymond, BSW as the Administrator for our Waqatasg Elder’s Care Facility.

Born and raised in Campbellton, he comes from a local hard-working family and understands the challenges we face as a border community between two Provincial health care systems. He graduated High School in 1981 and received his bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Moncton in 1987.

Since then, he has worked with the Quebec Provincial CISSS in various social programs supporting youth, elderly, and families. He most recent role within the CISSS was that of Interim Manager for the CHSLD Long Term Care Home in Matapedia. As a result of his extensive experience within the Quebec Health Care System, Rheal has worked directly with our Home & Community Care Program as a consultant at the LCHS since 2014. Over the years, he has advocated for our Home Care clients ensuring access to a wide range of services through the CISSS and CHSLD. Rheal has come to understand the communities’ need for our own Elder’s Care Facility, and the significant role it will have for the clients and their families of Listuguj.

As a local boy, he enjoys long rides in the woods with his ATV, is a Montreal Canadiens Fan (whether they win or not), action movies and having family and friends over to share a meal and life stories. He recently stated that “Waqatasg is a major challenge for me, and I am honored to be part of the start-up team”.

Please join me in welcoming Rheal to his new role with us as the Administrator, Waqatasg

Elder’s Care Facility.
Donna Metallic
Director, Listuguj Community Health Services

Local Business Owner Spotlight – Kirt Dedam

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Kirt Dedam has significant involvement and a number of key roles in the community of Listuguj. He has a Bachelor of Business degree and has always been passionate about entrepreneurship. He has done consulting with community members looking to start businesses.  He is the Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n Project Manager with Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC) and is involved with Listuguj’s Economic Development department and the Mawo’ltjig Mijjuaji’g Childcare Centre. Dedam also owns and operates the advertising company, Archer Marketing.

Archer Marketing was created in early 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. In its early stages, it began with digital advertising. Dedam started with roughly six TV screens placed inside indoor locations in the area that feature advertisements for local businesses. “Part of why I wanted to get into this, was to try to help small businesses. It was a mix of my passion and trying to help the community and small businesses in our area,” said Dedam. In the beginning, business was fairly slow due to the pandemic, but Dedam saw it as an opportunity to iron out and resolve any challenges that come with operating a new business.

In 2021, Dedam decided to launch outdoor billboard advertising with four billboard structures, which can be seen on the 132 highway and Interprovincial. From the beginning, the outdoor advertisements were successful and continue to sell out every year.

Today, Archer Marketing has 22 outdoor advertisement spaces and nine indoor TV advertisement spaces.

Each TV advertisement consists of roughly 20 clients, that loop on 15-second intervals. Dedam charges a very reasonable fee of $5 per month to promote businesses.

When it comes to Archer Marketing’s operations, Dedam said, “I handle all the aspects. I do the graphic design; and installation and I do the construction.” As of more recently, he has been receiving help with construction due to the company’s success.

Dedam takes pride in advertising in the Listuguj area. He is working on building clientele and expanding Archer Marketing, hoping to put up more TV screens in Campbellton and even in Dalhousie.  Dedam realizes that the messages his billboards and advertisements give off are important in the community. He is striving for family-friendly advertisements that promote healthy messages and positivity.

If you are interested in advertising with Kirt Dedam of Archer Marketing, you can contact him via email at: kirtdedam@gmail.com, or on social media. His contact information can also be found on the indoor TV screen advertisements throughout the area.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Six New Certified Mediators in Listuguj

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On behalf of the Restorative Civil and Mediation Program I would like to introduce to you our six certified mediators who were recently trained by Redwolf Mediation Inc. Mr. David Noganosh is a Mediator, Negotiator, and Trainer from the Anishinabek Nation, Wolfclan. David is the Principal and Founder of Red Wolf Mediation & ADR Services. The mediators went through two phases of in-person training in the Community. Our mission is to resolve conflict with a safe and positive approach that will ensure effective communication skills for our people. So, let’s give a warm welcome to Sylvia Isaac, Natalie St. Laurent-Rioux, Michael Aaron Barnaby, Vicky Leblanc, Katy Scerba, and Erika Bacon as our new mediators for the Community of Listuguj.

By Tracy Morrison