City Natives Return to Perform in Listuguj After 10 Years

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In 2014, hip-hop group, City Natives performed at the Listuguj Pow Wow, and this year, on January 20th, they were back to perform a free show at the Listuguj Community Development Center. City Natives member, Shelby Sappier said, “It’s always been love every time we come here. Mainly because we have a lot of close friends and family here. It’s just a good vibe all around.”

City Natives consist of three members, Shelby Sappier, Blake Francis, and Brandon Arnold. The group was formed in 2012 and has gained major success over the years. They are 16-time award winners, having won several Indigenous Music Awards, and in 2023, they were the recipients of Rap/Hip-Hop Recording of the Year – making City Natives the first Indigenous artist to do so. The group strives to produce music with catchy beats and relatable lyrics and to incorporate their language and culture.



2024 will be a big year for City Natives. On March 2nd, the group will be opening for rappers Ice Cube, and Xzibit, at the TD Station in Saint John, New Brunswick.  “All the hard work paid off. People are recognizing that we deserve to be on this bill. We’re rez kids from New Brunswick, and the biggest act is coming here, and we’re on that bill? It shows we’re on the right path,” said Sappier. The group is excited for this opportunity. Blake Francis said, “We’re on another level opening up for legends.”

The group will also be performing at The JUNO Awards on March 24th in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Sappier said, “The first step is getting in the door at the JUNOs, the next step is winning them.” Nominees for The JUNO Awards will be announced on February 6th, and there is a possibility City Natives may be nominated.

Both Sappier and Francis stated that when the group first started, there were no East Coast Indigenous artists doing what they were doing at the time. The group is proud to have helped pave the way for others and wants to have an impact on the next generation. Francis said, “I just do what I do because I was once an Indigenous child who had no influence. As we excelled, I see Indigenous children looking up to us.”

In 2023, City Natives had 90,000 streams on Spotify. Sappier and Francis say they are looking to set the bar higher and continue giving the fans what they want. The group is grateful for their fans over the years and those who continue to support them.

Check out City Native’s newest album, “Still Chief’n” on all streaming platforms, and be sure to tune in to their performance at The JUNO Awards on March 24th.

By Ann Marie Jacques

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

Keeping Your Wellness in Check During the Holidays

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The holidays come with added pressure and stress financially and mentally, which could be triggering to some individuals.

Your mental health is a priority this holiday season.

Here are a few tips to help:

  1. Limit holiday expectations – you do not need to be the perfect host or get the perfect gifts. Focus on what you can control and set boundaries.
  • Take some time for yourself – it’s no secret this time of year can be stressful and overwhelming. Make sure you are checking in with yourself regularly and giving yourself the necessary breaks.
  • Stay connected with loved ones – the holidays can be lonely. It’s important to have a support group who you can reach out to. Whether it’s family or friends, it’s important to speak to someone you trust about any feelings you have.

If at any time, the holidays become too overwhelming and are taking a toll on your mental health, there are resources available.

Below you will find all emergency contact information for Listuguj. These numbers are available 24/7 to support Listuguj community members as best as possible. We recommend using these numbers to ensure that emergencies are dealt with in a prompt and efficient manner.

  • For all emergencies – 911

  • Listuguj Police Department/Listuguj Fire Department Emergency Line – 418-788-2003

  • For Listuguj Community Social Services:

Contact information regarding any youth protection matter or concern during business hours, community members are encouraged to reach the Child and Family Services Social Worker or respective team members at 418-788-3039 from Monday through Friday 8:30-4:30 (exceptions are statutory and designated holidays).

In the event of an after-hour youth protection emergency, community members may call Youth Protection Services for out-of-province calls or cellular calls 418-368-1803 OR 1-800-463-0629 Evenings/Weekends. Additional contacts: emergency calls may be made during the day at 1-800-463-4225.  

The Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative wishes you all a safe and happy holiday season!

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.

Chief’s Corner with Chief Scott Martin – December 2023

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2023 was a great year for the community of Listuguj!  Many great events were held, and many achievements were celebrated. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Listuguj’s Deven Condo-Mitchell and Gesgapegiag’s Amanda Larocque on competing in The Amazing Race Canada. It was a pleasure watching them come in fourth place and making their communities proud! We announced the Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative focusing on bringing wellness back to the community. We teamed up with Listutguj Community Health Services and kicked it off with an incredibly successful Wellness Walk in November.  We lost several community members in 2023. I offer my condolences to everyone who has been impacted by these losses in the community. As always through difficult times, Listuguj bands together and helps one another heal. Here’s to a bright 2024! On behalf of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government’s Chief and Council, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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

A CHRISTMAS LETTER FROM MMS

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Gwe,

With the arrival of Gesig, Mother Earth will be covered with the blanket of snow that gives a beautiful scenery. Changing everything into gentle curves and snowcapped trees. Here’s a gentle reminder to use our beautiful territory and explore the Gespe’gewa’gi trails, it’s medicine to connect with the land.

As the Interim Executive Director of the Mi’gmawei Mawio’mi Secretariat, the accountability and transparency to our Citizens is always a priority. The Mi’gmawei Mawio’mi Secretariat is pleased to start the Gesig season by presenting our Annual Report 2022-2023. This edition focuses on some important highlights from our Chair to Ango’tmeg Nmt’ginen, Communications, Nijigina’muet, Negotiations and Financial statement.
We are in an era of change and with change comes shedding and growth. This past year has allowed me in my capacity to assess the on-going needs of our organization and communities while recognizing the strengths, gaps and challenges during this shift. I’m hopeful the future engagement with our leadership through strategic planning will strengthen and harmonize the mandate of the MMS.

In closing of our 2023 year, I’m pleased to share you can find a digital copy of our Annual Report by visiting our Facebook page. Also we are very thrilled to share the launch of our new website. Come discover what we’re all about and what you can look forward to. December marked the 1st anniversary milestone since our move to our new office located at 48 Dundee Road in Listuguj, I’m pleased to share we’ve settled in and welcome you to stop in for a tour and peta’wei at any time.

In the spirit of wellness and gentle holidays.
Ulnuelewultigw aqq Pusu’l Puna’ne
Chastity Mitchell
Interim Executive Director

Local Author Spotlight – Emma Metallic

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Emma Metallic is from Listuguj, and is currently employed at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School as an Education Assistant. She has completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She has completed level two of the Adult Mi’gmaw Immersion program in the community. Her most recent accomplishment is having her story, Nipugtug published.

The story Nipugtug (meaning forest) is about a girl named A’le’s who snowshoes through the forest and Gespe’gewa’gi trails. On her journey, she meets various animals and trees who guide her while she faces the challenges and emotions of learning the Mi’gmaw language. The story can be interpreted as a bit of an autobiography for Metallic. She said, “It does get challenging learning Mi’gmaw full-time, for me what really helped was going out in the woods and snowshoeing. That’s when I found that nipugtug is what grounded me with my language journey.” Being in the woods and being with nature really helps Metallic find a deeper sense of connection with her language.

The story was brought to life when Metallic’s good friend, Natalie Laurin was completing her undergrad for her degree, and for her final project, she needed to create an exhibition. She reached out to Metallic to collaborate and the two were able to use the Treaty Space Gallery in Nova Scotia to showcase their work. Laurin was responsible for supplying the illustrations, while Metallic provided the text in both English and Mi’gmaw. The exhibition was a complete success, and afterward, many people asked Metallic and Laurin if the story was published or available anywhere. This positive feedback gave Metallic the motivation to seek a publisher.

Metallic was informed that Ontario’s Indigenous-owned publishing company, Kegedonce Press, was accepting manuscripts. After she sent in a copy of her story, she heard back that it had been accepted.

Metallic wrote Nipugtug first in English and then wrote it in Mi’gmaw to the best of her ability. She received help from her teachers and classmates in the Adult Mi’gmaw Immersion program. She also sought guidance from community elder, Joe Wilmot, and her father, Dr. Fred Metallic. The book is published together in two different languages and consists of beautiful illustrations done by Natalie Laurin.

“It feels very empowering to have a story published in Mi’gmaq and English. It’s something very special to me. Especially this story in particular. It’s a story I’ve been thinking about for a very long time,” said Metallic.

Nipugtug is now available for purchase on Kegedonce Press’s website. The community is incredibly proud of Emma Metallic and her accomplishments and looks forward to what she has in store for the future.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Chief’s Corner with Chief Scott Martin – November 2023

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November has been a big month for the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government. A few weeks ago, we unveiled our exciting new initiative, the Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative. This initiative was created to help promote the overall well-being and health of community members, by providing resources and education in a clinical and cultural way. I look forward to seeing what innovative ideas the initiative has in store for the future.

This month was also Remembrance Day. We took time to remember and honor our veterans. Thank you to the men and women who fought and sacrificed so much for our freedom.

We also had an Indigenous Governance Symposium this month where knowledge was shared on the importance of self-governance. Thank you to all the guest speakers and to everyone who made this event possible.

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