A CHRISTMAS LETTER FROM MMS

/0 Comments/in /by

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

/0 Comments/in , /by

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

/0 Comments/in , /by

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

/0 Comments/in , /by

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

Listuguj Kicks off National Addictions Awareness Week with a Wellness Walk

/0 Comments/in , /by

Last month the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government (LMG) teased a new initiative coming to the community. Earlier this month the Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative (LWRI) was unveiled.

The LWRI focuses on the well-being and health of our community members and will provide education, resources, and support for all.

This includes the promotion of a combination of clinical, cultural, and holistic approaches to wellness, empowering community members to overcome substance abuse and addictions, and advocating for positive change.

This initiative is supported and endorsed by Listuguj Chief and Council.

For its very first event, the LWRI partnered up with Listuguj Community Health Services for the first-ever Wellness Walk to kick off National Addictions Awareness Week. The walk took place on Friday, November 17th, and it was a great success.

It was wonderful to see so many people participate in this Wellness Walk. After the walk, everyone gathered at the Community Centre, where speeches were held. Chief Scott Martin spoke about how addictions impact everyone in the community. LMG’s CEO Bassem Abdrabou spoke about how it’s all about making a difference in even one person’s life. Several LMG directors spoke about how wellness and healthy lifestyles are important to their directorates:

Michael Isaac Sr. – Director of Education
Tanya Barnaby – Director of Social Services
Donna Metallic – Director of Health
Fred Metallic – Director of Natural Resources

The keynote speaker of the event was Listuguj’s Warren Morrison. Morrison spoke about his battle with substance abuse. He stated that from ages 15-26, he struggled with addiction. He has led an addictions-free life since August 4, 1996, and spoke on how important community support, resources and communication are to individuals looking to overcome addiction.

Thank you to everyone who made this event possible:

Listuguj Community Health Services
Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative
Listuguj Community Social Services
Listuguj Public Security
Listuguj Communications Department
Christine Metallic – Opening Prayer and Community Smudge
Warren Morrison – Keynote Speaker
Michael Isaac Jr. – MC
Diane Bernard – Caterer
J.M.I Designs
Chaleur Signs
Annette Barnaby and Rose Vicaire at the Listuguj Community Development Centre
IGA Extra Campbellton
Provigo Réjean Lévesque
Pizza Delight
Tim Horton’s

By Ann Marie Jacques

Fire Safety

/0 Comments/in /by

National Fire Safety Week was earlier this month from October 8th to 14th. The theme was, “Cooking Safety Starts With You.”

A message from the Listuguj Fire Department:

Check your smoke alarms, have an ABC fire extinguisher and always sleep with your bedroom door closed. Have an emergency exit plan with your family. Make sure to have two exits per room. Please be safe, and if you have a fire emergency, get out of your house, and call 911 or the local Police department at 418-788-2003.

Earlier this month, Alaqsite’w Gitpu School and the Education Complex, from Nursery to Grade 8, had visits from the Listuguj Fire Department to talk about safety strategies in case of a fire. We wish you all safety, and it starts with prevention.

LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER – ERIKA BARNABY

/0 Comments/in /by

Sofia’s Eats & Treats opened two years ago in Campbellton on the waterfront. Owner, Erika Barnaby, did not have previous experience when it comes to owning and operating a restaurant, but when a kiosk became available, Barnaby decided to give it a shot. Barnaby said, “I’ve always wanted to be a business owner, and decided to go for it.” Sofia’s Eats & Treats became a popular and successful summer attraction in Campbellton.

As of September 14th, Sofia’s Eats & Treats opened in a brand-new location in Atholville.  The new establishment consists of the same great food and treats as the previous location, with new spacious indoor seating, and a family fun atmosphere.

Barnaby loves being creative when it comes to food options at the restaurant. She travels a lot and takes note of various food that she can put her own spin on. The restaurant consists of a variety of fried foods, such as burgers, pizza, garlic fingers, taco bowls, and the fan favorite, the “Munchie Box” which contains pizza or garlic fingers and a choice of four delicious appetizers. Barnaby also comes up with various dessert creations such as funnel fries, and ice cream. Sofia’s Eats & Treats offer daily specials alongside everyday menu items.

When it comes to her business, Barnaby said, “I appreciate the support and feedback I got from the community.”

The new restaurant is located at 156 Notre Dame Street in Atholville. The restaurant shares the building with the Legacé Fish Market. They are open Tuesday to Saturday from 11AM to 6PM. You can find them on Facebook at Sofia’s Eats & Treats!

By Ann Marie Jacques

Listuguj Mock Jail

/0 Comments/in , /by

On October 18th a Mock Jail fundraiser was held. It was a huge success! Listuguj brought in a total of $2,155 to go towards future community events!

Thank you to everyone who participated, and “served their time” in the mock jail yesterday!



Thank you to the Listuguj Police Department for their time, and for having fun with this community activity.

Thank you to the team at the Community Hall for arranging this fundraiser!

By Ann Marie Jacques

Listuguj Education Acquires Its First Electric Bus

/0 Comments/in /by

The Listuguj Education Directorate has added its first electric bus from Girardin Blue Bird to our fleet. We are pleased to announce that it has arrived, and its charging station at the Education Complex has been installed. 

Mi’gmaw worldviews and values are central to what we do for our students. This direction is most noticeable through our land-based learning initiatives. We’re excited to continue leading by example in choosing this zero-emission option. The Quebec Government provided a $125,000 rebate for the first electric bus. Should we decide to purchase more, each subsequent bus will receive a $150,000 rebate. This is part of their plan to convert 64% of all school fleets from gas to electric by 2030.

Important Safety Precaution 

Listuguj Education’s Transportation / Service Manager, Chris Metallic, urges us to keep an eye out for the new bus because we may not hear it coming. Compared to diesel and gas-powered buses, the electric bus’s battery and engine do not make the same loud noises we’re accustomed to. To ensure the safety of students, drivers will play a musical tune from the bus when it slows to under 25 km/hr. 

About The Electric Bus 

Like our other school buses, electric buses are guaranteed for 15 years, but we’ll only use them for a maximum of 10 years. This keeps them at peak performance. Over time, we will replace our remaining gas and diesel buses with electric ones. 

Our bus will support Level 2 (6 hours to full) and Level 3 (3 hours to full) charging options. It can also be plugged into a house with the provided adapter. A full charge has a range of about 200 km. Therefore, the battery will only need regular top-ups for our daily bus routes around Listuguj. 

Our new electric bus costs $391,000, which includes the charging station. Although their cost is four times that of a gas or diesel bus, there will be no additional fuel costs. This is especially important as gas prices continue to rise.

By Listuguj Education Directorate

Six New Certified Mediators in Listuguj

/0 Comments/in , /by

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