Joe Robert Memorial Hockey Tournament

/0 Comments/in , /by

The Joe Robert Memorial Hockey Tournament is coming up on November 24,25 and 26th at the Campbellton Memorial Civic Centre.

Division and Prizes are as follows:
A Division $10,000
B Division $5,000

A $500 deposit will be due November 10, 2023 to hold your spot on the schedule. We will only be accepting a total of 14 teams for the tournament. If a deposit is not received by this time, you will not be placed on the schedule. (All deposits are non-refundable)

VENDOR CALL OUT:

If you are a First Nations vendor and would like to set up during the JRM Memorial Hockey Tournament, please get in contact with Joe Robert Memorial’s Facebook page or contact Mike Isaac at mike_ajig14@hotmail.com.


For any additional information, please contact the Joe Robert Memorial Facebook page or contact Mike Isaac.

Chief’s Corner with Chief Scott Martin – October 2023

/0 Comments/in , /by

October is Mi’gmaw History Month, and it is a great time to reflect on what it means to be Mi’gmaq. As we are wrapping up our fall lobster season and moving into hunting season, I’d like to remind community members of the importance of asserting our rights as Mi’gmaw to a moderate livelihood. However, hunting is not only a way of providing for our family and community but also an important cultural tie to our ancestors. Mi’gmaq hunters should always show respect for the sacrifice the t’iam makes.

I’d like to thank and acknowledge everyone who does their part by sharing their traditional knowledge. By doing so, you are keeping our language and culture alive in the community. Thank you to the hunters and fishers for a safe, and prosperous season.

Listuguj Holds First Cancer Walk

/0 Comments/in , /by

On October 4th, the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government held its first-ever Cancer Awareness Walk in the community. The event was put on by the staff at Listuguj Community Health Services (LCHS), and it was a tremendous success.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but the event was inclusive to those battling, or having battled all forms of cancer. Lavender merchandise and swag were handed out at the event, and the colour was chosen by LCHS to represent all cancer types.

The Listuguj Police Department led the walk, starting at the Youth Centre and ending at the Community Centre.

At the Community Centre, an opening prayer was done by Blanche Martin.  Audrey Isaac did the opening and closing remarks of the evening and introduced special guests and breast cancer survivors, Donna Wysote and Pamela Isaac. The survivors shared their emotional experiences and stories with the crowd.

Attendees were served hearty soup and rolls made by Eli Isaac. Along with cupcakes donated by IGA Extra Campbellton. Floyd Metallic provided the entertainment and was the DJ for the evening.

The event acknowledged those who are currently battling cancer and the survivors. A mini candlelight ceremony was held in honour of those who may have lost the fight with cancer but will never lose their place in our hearts.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, it is estimated that in 2022:

  • 28,600 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. This represents 25% of all new cancer cases in women in 2022.
  • 5,500 Canadian women will die from breast cancer. This represents 14% of all cancer deaths in women in 2022.
  • On average, 78 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer every day.
  • On average, 15 Canadian women will die from breast cancer every day.
  • 270 Canadian men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 55 will die from breast cancer.

If you are 40 to 49 years old, talk to your doctor about your risk for breast cancer, along with the benefits and limitations of having a mammogram.

If you are 50 to 74 years old, have a mammogram every 2 years.

If you are 75 or older, talk to your doctor about whether having a mammogram is right for you.

Thank you to the team at LCHS for organizing this successful event: Melissa Lavoie, Jennifer Caplin, Teeka Dedam, Tyra Barnaby, Kara Metallic, Wanda Metallic, Lori-Lynn Wysote, Cindy Isaac, and Olivia Isaac.

For information on cancer, or for general inquiries, feel free to contact Listuguj Community Health Services at 418-788-2155.

By Ann Jacques

Mawiomi Treatment Center – Supporting Individuals with Addictions Culturally and Clinically

/0 Comments/in , /by

The Mawiomi Treatment Center in Gesgapegiag was developed in 1986. The goal of the center was to provide treatment both culturally and clinically to those battling addiction. It was initially built to help serve the people of Gesgapegiag and Listuguj, but has grown into something much more, and has become a significant resource to people all over Quebec, and the Maritimes. The center was closed for renovations in May this year and re-opened in August with new features and updates.

The center is an eight-bed residential facility and offers a six-week treatment service for those battling with substance abuse and addictions. The treatment center consists of over 20 staff members. There are various types of healing treatments and plans that are practiced in the facility. There is a culture program, in which traditional healers offer ceremonies, sweat lodges, cultural teachings, medicine picking, and more. There are clinical-based workshops available as well, aiding those with mental health concerns, depression, anxiety, and more. As of recently, the center has a partnership with a local psychologist who provides one hour of therapy each week to clients in the facility.  After the six-week treatment program is complete, there are aftercare counselors who follow up with the clients for up to 18 months.

Melissa Bryan is the Executive Director at the Mawiomi Treatment Center. She took on this position a year ago but has been working at the center for four years. When it comes to the center, Bryan said, “It has really evolved over the years, more importantly the last five years. I’ve noticed a big shift in the service delivery. We’re no longer just providing a roof over individual’s heads and keeping them sober for six weeks, it’s more than that. We’re trying to evolve into pre-treatment services, aftercare, tapping into family resources, family support, and outreach and outpatient services.”

The center offers a LiveChat which is available 24/7 to anyone looking for support and guidance. There are staff who work all day and throughout the night on this chat, “They are well trained in responding to some of those difficult situations and conversations. All of them are also trained for suicide evaluations and suicide risk assessment,” said Bryan. You can find the LiveChat via Facebook, under the name, “Mawiomi LiveChat”. Other resources available are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings, which are open every Tuesday and Thursday evening for anyone to attend.

The staff at the Mawiomi Treatment Centre are incredibly supportive and knowledgeable when it comes to helping their clients. It’s important to be surrounded by loved ones, and support circles. Not only does addiction impact the individual battling it, but it also affects their family and the people around them. Regarding self-care and mental health, Bryan said, “We often don’t prioritize ourselves or take care of ourselves. We all have experienced some form of trauma, and with that, we kind of lose ourselves in it. Over years and years, it really affects the individual. It has a toll- so just seeing people be well. It’s no longer just being sober, or happy. You just want to be well.”

If you or a loved one is dealing with the effects of substance abuse and addictions, the Mawiomi Treatment Center is always available to contact. They will provide you with information and resources to help you begin your journey to wellness.

You can find contact information on Facebook on their page, “Mawiomi Treatment Center” or on their website: https://www.mawiomi.org/

By Ann Marie Jacques

Mi’gmawei Mawio’mi Secretariat Hosts a Disco-Themed Golf Tournament at the Restigouche Golf Club!

/0 Comments/in , /by

The 14th Annual MMS Golf Tournament saw the much-awaited return after a long hiatus due to the pandemic and was held on September 22, 2023, at the Restigouche Golf Club.

With over ten teams registered, the winners of the competition were:

(First Place): Casen Martin, Remis Paradis, Derek Mulcahy, Gilles Legacy
(Second Place): Bob Smith, Ryan Valdron, Kenny Valdron, Alex Doucet 
(Third Place):  Philippe Bujold, Jasmine LeBlanc, Miguel LeBlanc, Jean Philippe Perron

Closest to the pin: 

Erika Marchand

Alex Doucet

Longest Drive:

Amanda Larocque

Jean Philippe Perron

Best Dressed:

Kelvin Jacques, Kelvin Jacques Jr., Winston Barnaby, Dakota Barnaby

The MMS wishes to acknowledge the MMS Golf Committee – their dedication and meticulous planning ensured that every facet of the event ran smoothly. We are grateful to everyone and all the sponsors who contributed to making this day a success.

Listuguj Mi’gmaq GovernmentBijouterie Prestige JewellersProvigoHR ReflexionMitchell’s ConvenienceInnergexMi’gmawei Mawiomi Secretariat
La Nation Mic Mac de GespegArco LumberDéjà VuPet ValuPops DispensaryMeubles KlomieZoe’s Bakery
Micmacs of Gesgapegiag BandAllen Paquet Arseneau LLPBarnaby’s GroceryListuguj Social ServicesBLGLori Ann RonnessKent’s Building Supplies Atholville
Casino 88Exterminex LTDMillennium Pool & LeisureIGARemaxSmoke BoxPLC Info.
Vision FordJ’s BarbershopGreco CampbelltonAV Group NB Inc.Dixie LeePort of/de Belledune 
Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development CenterTim Horton’sJohnson’s FurnitureDecoration BeatriceLex BoutiqueRiverside Dispensary 
Restigouche River OutfittersPavage J.R. Lagace Paving Inc.Quality Inn CampbelltonToyotaLocations LeBlanc RentalsEarly Bird Company 
Gesgapegiag Lobster HutCampbellton Auto Supplies Ltd. (NAPA)Gagnon StrategixPro X SportsCarpet RanchLavoie Home Hardware Building Centre Store 

Mi’gmawei Mawio’mi Secretariat Congratulates the Newly Elected Chief of Gesgapegiag

The Mi’gmawei Mawio’mi Secretariat congratulates the newly elected Gesgapegiag Chief Rod Larocque and the Council on the recent August election. We eagerly anticipate future collaborations and, together, amplify our voices to advance shared objectives.

Coming Soon! Launch of the Mi’gmawei Mawio’mi Secretariat’s new website

www.migmawei.ca

The Mi’gmawei Mawio’mi Secretariat (MMS) is thrilled to announce that our new website will be designed to provide users with an accessible and updated site.

What can you expect?

Updates from MMS Units: Navigate through the sections for the latest news, initiatives, and activities from each of the MMS units. The website aims to keep the public updated and informed.

Meet our team: Get familiar with the profiles of the MMS team and gain insights into their roles, expertise, and contributions to the Secretariat.

Resource archive: Browse through a compilation of resources highlighting significant milestones from the past 20 years, like annual reports and the Gespisg. We will also showcase the past Mi’gmaq Writers Awards and the Elder’s Awards to celebrate and honour the voices and talents of our communities.

Local Author Spotlight – Jodie Callaghan

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Jodie Callaghan (Barnaby) has many impressive achievements and accomplishments, both academically and careerwise. She is an award-winning author and has a number of degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Journalism, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education, and a Master of Education. Callaghan has worked as a journalist with APTN in the Halifax bureau and has worked and studied abroad in Scotland. Since her return to Listuguj, she has been an educator for the past 10 years. She currently teaches English at the Adult Education centre in the community, Elawsimgewei Gina’muo’guom.

Callaghan wrote her story, The Train, in 2009-2010. The story is about a young girl who learns about her Great-Uncle’s experiences and the long-lasting and damaging effects of residential school. The Uncle reminisces about a train in their community that was used to transport the children to residential school, where their lives would change forever. The story centers on the young girl’s emotions and initial reaction to learning about residential school. She said that the young girl in the story represents how she felt, or how anyone might feel upon learning about Canada’s tragic history. They may go through many emotions, like anger, and confusion, but these feelings are valid and are important to be talked about, for educational purposes and for healing.

The story was written around the time of the government of Canada’s apology to former students in the residential school system. Callaghan had been working for APTN at the time and was covering news stories at the former site of the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School. She interviewed survivors and their family members, and they shared their experiences and stories with her on that historical day. Regarding her inspiration for The Train, Callaghan said, “There was an elder there, he was a survivor, and he was talking about getting on a train to go to the school, and I had that visual in my mind – these little children getting on this train. When you think about little kids getting on trains, it’s exciting, it’s a positive experience, but for the survivors, it was the opposite.”

Callaghan’s grandmother, Margie Martin had attended the Indian Day School in the community. Some of the references in The Train were direct examples from her grandmother’s own personal experience.

Callaghan submitted her story to Mi’gmawei Mawio’mi Secretariat (MMS) for their annual Mi’gmaq Writers Award contest, where she won first place. Years later, a publishing company, Second Story Press announced they were holding an Indigenous Writing and Illustration Contest. She decided to submit The Train, and won the children’s category. For winning this contest, she had her story published by Second Story Press, after they found Georgia Lesley to provide the book’s illustrations, it was released to the public in March 2020.

The book’s success has earned Callaghan multiple award nominations, including the 2021 Silver Birch Express Award, the 2022 Ann Connor Brimer Award for Atlantic Canadian Children’s Literature, and the 2022 Indigenous Voices Award. The Train is available locally at The Flying Canoe Bookstore, and online at Amazon, Chapters, or GoodMinds Indigenous Books. The book also comes in the dual-language edition, called G’as, which was interpreted and translated by local elder, Joe Wilmot.

Callaghan said that she has always wanted to write a book and have it published, so the whole experience was very surreal. When she is not teaching, or spending time with her family, she is still writing. For her next project, she plans on writing young adult horror stories focusing on Indigenous lore.

By Ann Marie Jacques

LMDC – Offering Programs Based on Community Needs

/0 Comments/in , /by

The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Centre (LMDC) has been a staple in the community for over 25 years. The Centre opened in 1996 and provides education, training, and development opportunities. The staff ensures that community members have the tools and resources they need to attend adult education or vocational schooling and to be job-ready to get into the workforce. The LMDC began operating out of various locations in Listuguj, and the facility located on Pacific Drive was built and opened to the public in 2004. The building consists of several classrooms along with a fully functioning garage used for training purposes.

Jennifer LaBilliois-Metallic has been employed with the LMDC since the very beginning. She has taken on a number of roles, but as of December 2022, she is now the Director of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Centre.

LaBillois said, “We have been offering programming to the community based on needs, that was the whole premise of the LMDC right from the beginning. Develop planning, program design, and implementation.” The staff receives feedback from community members as to which programs could be helpful to have offered. This type of data is collected through needs assessment surveys, or just from community members contacting the LMDC to inquire about programs. Once the LMDC receives the feedback on desired programs, the staff will then reach out to institutions and try to bring the programs to the community.

Training is mostly at a vocational level at the LMDC. One vocational training institute that is housed at LMDC is Eastern Shores School Board. They have been in partnership since the early 90’s and have offered several programs and training over the years. These programs include Licensed Practical Nurse, Home Care Attendant, Secretarial/Accounting, and various trade programs (Carpentry, tiling, etc.)

Another program that is currently available at the LMDC is the Wildlife Protection Officer course held by Collège d’Alma. This course was requested by Listuguj Public Security and Natural Resources to have trained officers to support the management and monitoring of the environment in Listuguj’s traditional territory.

The Adult Mi’gmaq Immersion program is an LMDC initiative that began in 2016-2017. Initially, the LMDC rented classrooms at the Education Complex, and this year, the program has found a new home at the LMDC building.

Other programs and services that can be offered at the LMDC include youth employment programs (Step-by-Step), workshops on healthy living, financial fitness, life skills, and much more.

Over the years, many individuals have benefitted from the LMDC’s services. LaBillois is happy to see the progress and the Centre’s impact in Listuguj. When it comes to what she likes most about working at the LMDC, LaBillois said, “To see the successes of our community members over the past 27 years.”

The LMDC has helped many individuals gain the training, skills, and confidence they need to enter the workforce for the first time or help determine what career path they would like to take. The staff is knowledgeable and eager to assist when it comes to resumes, applying for jobs, career counseling/research, and applying for funding.

If you would like any information on available or upcoming workshops and programs at the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Centre, feel free to stop in at 2 Pacific Drive in Listuguj, or contact 418-788-1347.

By Ann Marie Jacques and LMDC

Deven and Amanda Make History on The Amazing Race Canada

/0 Comments/in /by

Although Deven Condo-Mitchell and Amanda Larocque didn’t make it to the finale of The Amazing Race Canada, their legacy and appearance on the show has made history across Turtle Island. The couple brought laughter to viewers week after week, and it was incredible to see the perseverance and growth that came with each challenge. The community of Listuguj has enjoyed watching and is very proud of the couple for earning fourth place overall in the show.

The challenges in the show required concentration, patience, and communication, and Condo-Mitchell and Larocque had to work together and strategize on their game. Larocque said, “We grew a lot as a couple. We grew stronger. Our communication skills were getting better every leg.” The couple would like to encourage others to put themselves out there and get out of their comfort zone because anything is possible.

The couple had their favourite challenges and locations visited while on the show. Condo-Mitchell’s favourite challenge was bungee jumping in Whistler, British Columbia, while Larocque’s was taking part in the tree dancing challenge in Tofino, British Columbia. When it comes to the friendships they made on the show, the couple keeps in contact with fellow competitors via a group chat and getting together whenever they can.

It’s no secret that Condo-Mitchell and Larocque were entertaining with their humour. Their appearance on the show came with plenty of funny moments and quotes, Larocque laughed and said, “Holy Nisgam – people are asking for t-shirts.”

People from across the nation tuned in to watch the show and cheer on Condo-Mitchell and Larocque, and the couple are grateful and overwhelmed by the support they received. Condo-Mitchell said, “We made history. We were the first Mi’gmaq team from the East Coast to represent Mi’gma’gi. There was a great responsibility, and the amount of love and support we got was truly remarkable.”

Larocque expressed her gratitude, and said, “Welalioq and gesaluloq – we love you all. Thank you all for the support throughout this race, it was truly amazing.”

By Ann Marie Jacques

Introducing LMG’s new CEO – Bassem Abdrabou

/0 Comments/in , /by

The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government is pleased to announce the acquisition of the new Chief Executive Officer, Bassem Abdrabou. Abdrabou has taken on the role officially as of June 31st this year.

Abdrabou has a very impressive repertoire of education and work experience. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, as well as a Master’s Degree in Building Engineering and Construction Management.

He began his career with the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government in 2017 in the Capital and Infrastructure Directorate and has managed more than a hundred million dollars worth of projects in Listuguj. He has worked hard over the years to gain the trust of funders and offered his expertise in all major projects in the community.

Abdrabou feels there are a lot of opportunities for improvement and growth while working in Listuguj. He has worked with several private sectors and international organizations in the past but states it is rewarding to see the beneficial effect on the community directly. He said, “I believe the success stories we have in Capital could be replicated in all LMG. I can work hand-in-hand with the directors and support them, help them achieve their goals, and improve all the services.”

His plans as the new CEO are to ensure that all the services available in the Capital Directorate are brought above the National Standard, more economic development in the community, and to assist in providing all the needs required from housing to health care in Listuguj.

Abdrabou will also continue to maintain the role of Interim Director of the Capital and Infrastructure Directorate for the time being.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Chief’s Corner with Chief Scott Martin – August 2023

/0 Comments/in , /by

At the end of July, I was presented with a traditional headdress made by Claudia Gray, Pernell Wysote, and Oakley Rain Wysote Gray. I would like to thank them for this kind gesture, and for all the hard work that went into making it. With Summer coming to an end and the Fall months approaching, just a reminder to please be considerate of students returning to school in the community. On behalf of Chief and Council, we hope you all had a memorable Summer with your family and friends.