September is FASD Awareness Month

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FASD – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb.  These disabilities could be physical, behavioral or intellectual. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause permanent birth defects to babies and other defects such as:

  • Brain damage (difficulties with learning, remembering, thinking things through, getting along with others.)
  • Vision and hearing difficulties
  • Bones, limbs and fingers that are not properly formed
  • Heart, kidney, liver and other organ damage
  • Slow growth

The safest choice during pregnancy is no alcohol at all.

On September 9th, the Listuguj Community Health Services Directorate held a Lunch and Learn open to the community. They provided important information regarding FASD, and several prizes were given out.

If you have any questions on FASD or how to ensure a safe pregnancy, please reach out to Listuguj Community Health Services at 418-788-2155.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Waqatasg Elders Care Facility Holds Grand Opening Celebration

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The vision for an Elders Home in Listuguj has been in the works since 2001. In the summer of 2024, that vision became a reality as the Waqatasg Elders Home opened its doors to its first Listuguj Elders.

Although the Elders Home has been open and operational for the past year, on July 24, 2025, an official grand opening celebration was held.

The event consisted of guest speakers, Listuguj Community Health Services Director, Donna Vernon Metallic, the Chief of Listuguj, Scott Martin, and the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bassem Abdrabou. The drum group, Eastern Eagle came from Nova Scotia to perform for the guests and residents, accompanied by dancers, Laya Morrison, Alexa Metallic, Tayla Larocque, Vernon Metallic and Tanya Metallic.

A special monument was unveiled at the event, displaying a powerful message that touches on the strength and resilience of Mi’gmaw people, who continue to persevere despite the lasting effects and trauma of Indian Residential School, Indian Day Schools, Boarding Homes and Sanitoriums. While the unveiling of the monument occurred, Carol Metallic read the Mi’gmaw inscription engraved on the monument. The monument is situated in front of the Waqatasg Elders Home at 2 Isaac Street in the community and can be viewed any time.

Several special guests were in attendance:

  • Listuguj’s current Chief and members of Council
  • Former Listuguj Chiefs, Jerry Wysote, Brenda Gedeon Miller, Allison Metallic, and Darcy Gray
  • Tribal Chief Clarissa Sabattis, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians
  • Chief Sheila McCormack, Mi’kmaq Nation, Presque Isle, Maine
  • Patty Martin, Mi’kmaq Nation, Presque Isle, Maine
  • Marjolaine Siouï, Executive Director, FNQLHSSC
  • Rosalee Siouï, Nation Wendat
  • Brad Mann, Business Development Manager, Port of Belledune
  • Chief Céline Cassivi, Gespeg First Nation
  • Connie Jacques, Executive Director, Gespeg First Nation
  • Dr. Luce Picard
  • Dr. Gilles Pelletier
  • Dr. Jean-Paul Dedam
  • Tina Hamel, Mi’kmaq Tribal Vice-Chief, Presque Isle, Maine

Tobacco offerings were given out to the guests, and they were asked to sign a guestbook to commemorate the grand opening. To conclude the event, refreshments were served, courtesy of the kitchen staff at the Elders Home.

From the beginning, the main goal of the Waqatasg Elders Home was to create a space where Elders truly feel at home within their own community. This goal was made possible by the collaborative efforts of the Listuguj Community Health Services Directorate and staff at the Waqatasg Elders Home, Capital and Infrastructure, and past and present Chiefs and Councillors.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Honouring and Remembering MMIWG2S+

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May 5th is the National Day of Awareness and Remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQ+, also known as “Red Dress Day.”  

A few statistics regarding MMIWG2S+ according to the Assembly of First Nations:

  • Indigenous women are four times more likely than non-Indigenous women to be victims of violence.
  • Indigenous women make up 16% of all female homicide victims, and 11% of missing women, yet Indigenous people make up only 4.3% of the population of Canada.
  • Indigenous women are twice as likely to experience violence from their current or former partner.
  • A little more than 13% of Indigenous people experience violence from their current or ex-partner, a proportion twice as high as non-Indigenous people (5.7%).
  • Indigenous women are more likely to experience physical and sexual assault than non-Indigenous women.
  • 56% of Indigenous women have suffered physical assault, and 46% have experienced sexual assault. By comparison, about one-third of non-Indigenous women have suffered these assaults in their lifetimes.
  • From 2001 to 2014, the average rate of homicides involving Indigenous female victims was four times that of those involving non-Indigenous female victims.
  • In the territories, this over-representation of Indigenous women among homicide victims was even higher.

On May 5th, an event was held at the Listuguj Community Centre (Bingo Hall) hosted by the community’s women’s shelter, Haven House. The event was emceed by Haven House Manager, Sheila Swasson, who thanked the community for the continuous support for this event every year. She spoke about the importance of MMIWG2S+ and said, “Far too long, the violence of Indigenous women and two spirit people face, have been overlooked.”  An opening prayer was then done by Blanche Martin.

The first guest speaker was Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Specialist, Kali Barnaby with Victim Services at the Listuguj Police Department. Barnaby spoke about trusting your gut, and how maintaining good mental health and physical health is important when it comes to situational awareness. Always having proactive measures and safety plans in place is essential for ensuring security and well-being, this includes being aware of your transportation options, updating emergency contacts and being vocal about your whereabouts with your support system.

The next guest speaker was Chléo Pelletier, a Consultant at Quebec Native Women. Pelletier spoke about the organizations Mapping Project for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirits in Quebec. The Mapping Project works in collaboration with Quebec Native Women, the Université du Québec en Outaouais, the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal, and an advisory committee in the province. The objectives are to release new public data, create a commemorative map, and bring light to families’ stories and experiences.  An online interactive map is set to be completed in 2026, that will help trace and give a voice to those effected by the MMIWG2S+ crisis.

The final guest speaker was Holly Miller, a Licensed Counselling Therapist-Candidate at Restigouche Family Services. Restigouche Family Services is an organization in Atholville, NB which offers a variety of services, such as therapy, counselling, speech therapy, addiction treatment and much more.  The organization recently introduced a program called Sacred Bundles, which is being led by Holly Miller and Sara Mitchell. Sacred Bundles is an Indigenous led mental health initiative, that takes a more cultural approach when it comes to counselling. Restigouche Family Services will be offering their counselling services under the Sacred Bundles initiative, in the community of Listuguj in the upcoming months.

Although May 5th is the designated day for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirits, it’s important to spread awareness on this crisis every day.  Thousands of women, girls and two-spirit people have gone missing or been murdered in Canada and many of these cases have never been solved. It is important to honour and remember the victims, and their families.


To get in touch with Listuguj’s Women’s Shelter, Haven House, you can contact the 24 hour crisis line: 418-788-5544, or find them on Facebook.

For more information on Victim Services in Listuguj, contact Kali Barnaby at 418-320-9224 or kali.barnaby@listuguj.ca

For information on Restigouche Family Services, or their Sacred Bundle program, call 506-753-4161, or info@sfr-rfs.ca

By Ann Marie Jacques

Healthy Choice Community Healthy – How to Lead Healthier Lifestyles Free from Addiction

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Michael Martin is a knowledge keeper and addictions counselor for the Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate. He offers a variety of teachings in the community, but one of his most recent undertakings is the Healthy Choice Healthy Community Lunch and Learn event.

This is a partnered event with Listuguj Community Social Services, the Listuguj Police Department and Listuguj Community Health Services.  It explores healthy options and addiction free lifestyles, with open discussions about trauma, culture, and resources. Each event consists of a session with several discussion topics. Some of these topics include:

  • Triggers, cravings, and avoiding relapses
  • Stress and emotional well-being
  • Effects of substance use on mental health
  • Family Matters

On January 30th, the topics of discussion were “Anger and Communication” and “Negative Emotions.” Martin led the event and said, “I can deliver this session effectively because of my life experience, schooling and training.” Discussions were held about understanding emotions, intergenerational trauma, and vulnerability in the community.

These events are designed to help individuals understand and learn about addictions, and the impact they have on the community. It’s a safe space to share feelings, advice and resources. “Every individual has something to share that can help the next person,” said Martin.

Healthy Choice Healthy Community events are posted on the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government’s Facebook page, and are held at Listuguj Community Social Services on 2 Gef St. They are open to everyone, and lunch is served. Suggestions for communication and upcoming topics are always welcome.

For more information, contact Michael Martin at 418-788-3039, or michael.martin@ann-jacques

By Ann Marie Jacques

MADD Presentation at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School

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On January 31st, MADD Canada – Mothers Against Drunk Driving, held a school program at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School for the grade 7 and 8 classes.

The presentation was done by Maxime Rurangwa and highlighted the dangers of impaired driving. The presentation began with a short video, followed by a quiz that the students took part in, and ended with emotional testimonies from real families in Canada who lost loved ones due to impaired driving.

Madd Canada’s mission is to stop impaired driving and to support victims of this violent crime.

According to the Criminal Code of Canada, Impaired Driving is: Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.  

A few key points and statistics from the presentation:

  • Impaired driving remains the single most important factor contributing to serious road crashes.
  • More than 50% of all crashes amongst youth ages 15 to 24 involve alcohol and/or drugs.
  • Individuals can be charged while driving an ATV, snowmobile, boat, farm equipment, electric bike while impaired.
  • Cannabis used in any form has been associated with significantly increased risk of fatal crash involvement.

The presenter also shared the following resource with the students:


Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, multilingual and confidential support to help all young people Feel Out Loud. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Creating Over 140 Jobs with the Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n 2 Wind Project

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Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC) held three recruitment open houses in Listuguj, Gesgapegiag and Gespeg in January. Listuguj’s open house was held on January 15th at the Listuguj Community Development Center (Bingo Hall.)

MMBC’s Mi’gmaq Project Coordinator and Spokesperson, Terry Shaw – former Chief of Gespeg, gave a presentation on MMBC’s values, projects and upcoming opportunities with the the Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n 2 (MU2) Wind Project in the MRC d’Avignon. Like MU1, MU2 will be done with an equal partnership between MMBC and Innergex Renewable Energy. This renewable energy initiative will generate over 140 jobs with the goal of maximizing Mi’gmaw employment and aims for commercial operation by December 2026.

MMBC’s Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n Project Manager, Kirt Dedam spoke about the four pillars the organization focuses on when it comes to its projects: Employment, Education, Training and Communication.

If you are interested in a career in the renewable energy sector in Gespe’gewa’gi, there are a number of options available.

There are several employment opportunities with the upcoming MU2 Project:

  • Construction workers (heavy equipment operators, electricians, millwrights, ironworkers, labourers)
  • Site management (site managers, coordinators, health and safety officers)
  • Non-specialized trades (security, janitors, and more)
  • Administrative and logistics (site nurses, clerks, assistants)

For more information on these positions, or to submit your application visit: www.mmcorporation.ca/employment

MMBC offers a Scholarship and Bursary Program, which will be rolling out in May 2025. You can find more information on this at www.mmcorporation.ca.

A 14-week Entry-Level Wind Turbine Technician Program will be starting in April 2025. This program consists of online classes, in-community training and internship experience. It offers a weekly compensation, a meal allowance, and one of its main focuses is to encourage Indigenous women to apply. Spaces are limited.

MMBC offers a paid Traineeship Program at the Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n Wind Farm, where individuals can take part in a two-day on-site program, and see what the day in the life of a wind turbine maintenance technician is like. The program includes a guided tour of the operational facilities and the wind farm site, learning essential safety protocols, hands-on workshops and more. Individuals will also get the opportunity to climb a 100-meter wind tower.

If you’d like to apply for the Entry-Level Wind Turbine Technician Training Program, or the Traineeship Program at the Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n Wind Farm, please contact Kirt Dedam for an application at kdedam@mmcorporation.ca or 418-759-3070.

By Ann Marie Jacques

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A Recap of the 2024 Justice Symposium

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On December 3rd, the Restorative Justice Directorate held its annual Justice Symposium. This year’s theme was, “Building Mi’gmaq Cultural Competence in the Judicial System.”


The Master of Ceremony for this event was Donna Metallic, a Native Court Worker and fitness instructor in Listuguj. The opening prayer was done in Mi’gmaq by Sugarloaf Senior High School student, Ella Vicaire. Macy Metallic spoke on behalf of Chief and Council. The event was catered by Diane Bernard.


Ella Vicaire was invited back up to speak about learning the Mi’gmaq language and how important it is to connect to your culture. She said, “Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith, and learn about your culture.” She spoke about the late, Joanne Vicaire as her mentor, who provided her with teachings. She also spoke about her Aunt Bella Caplin, and the impact she left on the community.


Justice Transformation Initiative Director, Mary Bradstreet delivered opening remarks and talked about the services that the Justice Transformation Initiative houses: Haven House, Youth Leadership Program, Mediation Processes, and the Restorative Justice Program. Bradstreet also talked about her work over the years to get Listuguj its own court system right here in the community. Bradstreet also stressed that it is important to always keep your contact information up to date in order to receive Restorative Justice services in Listuguj.


The first keynote speaker of the event was Listuguj’s own, Houston Barnaby. Barnaby is an Indigenous Rights Lawyer who has represented the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chief’s. He spoke on the importance of land acknowledgments, reconciliation, and on jurisdictions amongst Turtle Island. He stated that 1/3 of Indigenous people are incarcerated in our systems, and there is still a long way to go when it comes to healing, but he will continue to raise awareness on Indigenous issues throughout Canada.  


The next speaker was Lawyer and President of the Bas-St-Laurent-Gaspésie- Îles de la Madeleine, Alexis Deschenes. He works for legal aid in New Richmond and has represented several clients in Listuguj. He also taught penal law to the Listuguj.Rangers. He revealed that beginning in February, Listuguj court cases will be done in Carleton, rather than New Carlisle. 20% of court cases in New Carlisle come from Listuguj, and this is a way to prioritize Listuguj clients without having to do the extra travelling for their court cases. He also mentioned that ceremonies, Eagle feathers and medicines are welcome and available in the court room, and that English will now be spoken in the court room for Listuguj clients.

The next keynote speaker was Associate Director of the Natural Resources-Fisheries, Denny Isaac. Isaac spoke on the rights and reconciliation in Fisheries, and its evolving relationship with the government


The final keynote speaker of the day was Dwayne Ward. Ward is originally from Metepenagiag (Red Bank) but has been living in Listuguj for several years. Ward has worked an addictions counselor for 12 years, and runs the Mixed Martial Arts club, The Vault in the community. He has been sober for 25 years. He said, “My whole story today is about addictions, recovery, being sober and trying to make a difference.”  Throughout his life, he has worked alongside Restorative Justice.


If you would like more information on the Justice Transformation Initiative, you can contact Mary Bradstreet at 418-788-0351.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Listuguj Police Department’s Grand Opening

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Earlier this month, the Listuguj Police Department held a soft grand opening for their brand-new police station located at 250 Riverside W.

The event was attended by the Minister of Public Security and Public Safety Canada. An opening prayer was done by Ella Vicaire and a smudging ceremony was done by Chad Gedeon. Rosslyn Vicaire said a few words on behalf of her late, father, Henry Vicaire.

Speeches were done by the Director of Public Security, Peter Arsenault, Chief of Police Sharon Barnaby, Deputy Chief Jacob Mitchell, Chief Scott Martin, and CEO Bassem Abdrabou.

Shout out to Abby Metallic who organized this wonderful event.

By Ann Marie Jacques

20 Years of Service Celebration

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At the end of May, the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government held a celebration to recognize employees celebrating 20+ years of service with the organization.

Congratulations to the following employees:
Darla Caplin
Christopher Metallic
Bruce Mitchell
Denise Isaac
Karena Condo

Absent from photo: Vance Brisk and Winston Barnaby

FNEC Inter-School Games

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Congratulations to all the athletes at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School who participated in the FNEC Inter-School Games from May 23 to 26 at the Universite Laval, Quebec.

Boys 16-18 Basketball – 1st Place Champions
Boys 13-15 Basketball – 2nd Place
Boys 10-12 Basketball – 1st Place Champions – Undefeated for a second season.
Girls 13-15 Volleyball – 4th Place

Thank you to all the coaches, parents, chaperones, and volunteers who made this possible. The community is so proud of the athletes and their hard work and dedication to sports.