Starting Kids Off on the Right Foot Since 2021.

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Erwin Molley has many roles in the community. He is a Councillor for the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, he is a Male Mentor with the Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate, he runs a basketball program, and he is also head of the non-profit organization, Kicks for Kids.

Kicks for Kids began in 2021, and it provides athletic footwear for youth in the community, free of charge.  “It started with basketball. I noticed some kids just didn’t have the proper shoes,” said Molley.  The organization offers a wide variety of footwear such as basketball shoes, soccer and baseball cleats, skateboard shoes, dance shoes, and more. The organization has also received donations of non-athletic shoes that are still in mint condition that can be worn on more special occasions, like graduation ceremonies. Molley provides footwear for community members who are currently not residing in Listuguj. Individuals can purchase reasonably priced sports footwear, provide Molley with proof of the purchase, and can get reimbursed.

Kicks for Kids gives all children in the community an equal opportunity to take part in sports.  Having this resource may take some financial stress off families. Some families have multiple children who are enrolled in sports, and shoes can run $50-$90.  While it is a free service for all children, Molley does encourage youth to show they are committed to a sport and are dedicated when it comes to attending practices and games before opting for free footwear.

Having the proper footwear when playing sports leads to more confidence in our youth. It allows them to live more healthy and active lifestyles. Playing sports is beneficial and helps develop sportsmanship and teamwork skills, and Kicks for Kids assists children in achieving this.

The program is non-profit, and Molley volunteers his time to ensure the footwear is always stocked up for the community. “It has to be an ongoing, steady thing because everybody’s feet grow,” laughed Molley. When it comes to the program itself, Molley receives support and donations from several sources, such as small businesses, branches of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, and the public in general.

If you or your child would like a free pair of shoes to participate in sports, you can reach out to Erwin Molley via Facebook, or stop into the Youth Centre to inquire. As of recently there is an official Kicks for Kids page that provides information and updates.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Chief’s Corner with Chief Scott Martin – May 2023

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We are six months into the term, and I am optimistic about how we have moved forward with Chief and Council’s commitment to supporting the community. Earlier this month we held a Staff Appreciation Dinner for employees celebrating 20 years of service in Listuguj. The community would not be what it is today without the efforts of our hard-working employees. On behalf of Chief and Council, we thank you for your years of service.

“Jordan’s Principle Ensures Equity for First Nation’s Children” – Indigenous Services Canada

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Jordan’s Principle (JP) comes from the story of a First Nation boy named Jordan River Anderson. He was from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba and was born with severe medical issues that would require at-home health care. The province of Manitoba and the federal government could not determine who would be financially responsible for his at-home care. His life was spent in the hospital because an agreement could not be made regarding his at-home care. This dispute ultimately led to the passing of Jordan Anderson at the age of five years old. He wasn’t given the opportunity to go home to his family and loved ones. Jordan’s Principle was developed to ensure a situation like this wouldn’t happen again. It states that any public service ordinarily available to all other children must be made available to First Nations children minimizing delay, denial, and disruption. Listuguj adopted Jordan’s Principle under the Listuguj Community Health Services Directorate (LCHS) in 2017.

In the community, three employees working for LCHS specialize in JP. Sara Swasson, MA is the Jordan’s Principle Manager, Kara Metallic, ECE is the Jordan’s Principle Assistant, and Teeka Dedam is the Intervention Support Worker. Not only do they work specifically for JP, they are also responsible for various LCHS events in the community such as Healthy Breakfasts, Lunch and Learns, and more.

Sara Swasson said, “Jordan’s Principle is to make sure our children have access to all essential services, needs, and supports in a timely manner, and trying to eliminate barriers.”

Listuguj has implemented specific policies and procedures that have been created to fit the needs of the community. The services are for First Nation children 0-18 years of age, living on or off the reserve. As stated in the policy, a child will need to meet one of the following criteria to be eligible:

  • Is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act with the Listuguj First Nation (Band #051);
  • Has one parent or guardian who is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act;
  • Must reside on, or within a 5KM radius of the community.

There are many financial and support services available. These include various health services, such as diagnostic assessments and screenings, mobility aids, orthodontic care, optometry, speech therapy, medical supplies and equipment, and more. Social and educational tools, products, and services are available as well. Other things that could be approved on a case-by-case basis are household and family items and services such as emergency housing accommodations, housing modifications, temporary food and clothing allowance, assistive technology, and more.

The initial step for someone looking to receive services is to reach out to the Listuguj Health Centre. “They reach out to us, and we will give them the forms to fill out to let us know what their request is, and we go from there,” said Metallic. The staff will then work closely with the family or guardian, the school, and the professionals involved in the case to ensure they have gathered all the information and supporting documents. Once the case is finalized, it will be sent off to Jordan’s Principle in Quebec to decide. If they approve the request, it is sent back to the staff here in Listuguj to fulfill, if not, it is then escalated to Jordan’s Principle in Ottawa.

LCHS would like to note, that while Jordan’s Principle is a helpful resource available to community members, it is important for parents, guardians, and family members to be aware of pre-existing resources that the JP team can assist you with before applying for services. Swasson said, “It’s about navigating the existing programs and services available in and around the community, and then if not available, that’s when we can begin the process to submit an application.” In some cases, an individual will need to prove that they have explored other avenues and were denied before having access to Jordan’s Principle services.

When it comes to a child’s development, early intervention is key. There are several resources for children available in the community. One of these is an Occupational Therapist. An Occupational Therapist from New Richmond visits Listuguj frequently and provides regular assessments to children at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School, Head Start, and the Mawo’ltijig Mijjuaji’jg Child Care Centre, as well as at-home visits and assessments. The Occupational Therapist will evaluate several things with the children, such as fine and gross motor skills, sensory needs, developmental milestones, and more. After these assessments, they will then report back to the family/guardians, teaching staff, and health center staff with recommendations on the next steps for any children that are showing delays or that could benefit from a service offered. There is also a Speech Language Pathologist in the community available to assess children and provide tools and tips to the family/guardians and will let them know if any other services or tools could help the children with their daily activities and livelihood in general. These types of assessments can guide the team working with the child’s family to help the child reach developmental milestones.  

Overall, Jordan’s Principle is extremely beneficial to many children and families in the community of Listuguj. It’s all about doing what is best for the children, as they are our future and the next generation. “We want to give them the best outcome in life,” said Metallic. It was created to give all First Nation children access to resources to increase their overall well-being. It’s not hard to see that Listuguj takes pride in its children and assists and supports families in times of need. Teeka Dedam said, “We like to see the children in the community benefitting from the services they’re able to access through JP.”  If you would like to have information on Jordan’s Principle, or would like to inquire if your child could benefit from any of the services and tools offered, please reach out to the Listuguj Community Health Services at (418) 788-2155 or stop by the Health Centre at 6 Pacific Drive to make an appointment.

By Ann Marie Jacques and LCHS

Get to Know Michael Martin – Knowledge Keeper at Listuguj Community Social Services

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Michael Martin has taken on the role of Knowledge Keeper/Addictions Worker for the Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate (LCSSD) for roughly three months but has held this position in the community for several years. He is well known in Listuguj for offering his guidance and advice to community members who are interested in receiving cultural support and teachings.

Martin offers a variety of these  teachings in the form of stories, medicines, ceremonies, sweat lodges, and more. “I’ve been around traditional medicine people and knowledge keepers for over 30 years, and this is what I contribute and bring back to the community, and those who want to learn,” said Martin. He passes on his life experience and knowledge to people of all generations.  In Listuguj and other Indigenous communities, there is a lot of intergenerational trauma that leads to addictions and mental health issues. Martin tries to address these issues through counseling, support, and cultural knowledge. While he does focus mostly on spiritual and cultural treatments, he has other resources when it comes to treatments, such as Western medicine and doctors.  

Since he began at LCSSD, he has seen success throughout the community.  During the month of May, he held Traditional Lunch and Learns at LCSSD, and he plans on holding more in the future. After every Lunch and Learn he gathers feedback from participants to help improve future Lunch and Learn sessions, and to acquire information on what topics could be discussed and taught.  In the future, he plans on focusing on trauma and addictions, and would like to extend his teachings to young women who have children, who are struggling with addictions. He also plans on offering workshops at the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Centre (LMDC) and sweat lodges at the Gignu. Martin said, “I believe even if one person comes to seek some teachings, or knowledge from me, it’s a plus.”

Martin expressed that the LCSSD offers a wide variety of services and resources for everyone. There are lots of positive success stories that come out of LCSSD, and he wants to let everyone know they are always welcome. If an individual is unsure of what type of resource they need, someone at LCSSD can direct them. Martin ended the interview with the following: “Don’t ever tell people that there are no services or help here. There is help for you.”

If you’d like more information on Michael Martin’s services, or any other programs or services at Listuguj Community Social Services, at 418-788-3039 or visit them at 2 GEF Street.

By Ann Marie Jacques

LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER SPOTLIGHT – DWAYNE WARD

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Dwayne Ward is originally from Metepenagiag (Red Bank) and has been living in Listuguj for the past 18 years. He has held many job titles throughout his life: MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter, motivational speaker, addictions counselor, clothing line entrepreneur, and more, but the one thing that always remained consistent was his love for combat sports and an active lifestyle.

Back in 2012, Ward opened his MMA training club, “The Vault” in Campbellton on Roseberry St. where the old National Bank was located.  “We called it ‘The Vault’ because it was in an old bank,” laughed Ward. During the COVID-19 pandemic, with encouragement from his wife, Ward felt it was the right time to move the club to Listuguj. The Vault is located at his home on 26 Mi’gmaq Drive. It is in a separate building adjacent to Ward’s home and is fully equipped with mats, nine punching bag stations, and other specialized training equipment and gear.

Ward has competed in and won numerous fights in MMA and boxing over the years. His last fight was in 2015 when he decided that he felt more inspired to teach and train others when it comes to the sport. Ward brings his expertise and intensity when it comes to training, but also offers his compassion and encouragement to those who attend his classes. There are a variety of training classes available at The Vault, such as boxing/kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. There are co-ed classes, newly introduced ladies’ classes, and even classes for kids. The kids’ age groups run from ages 6-9, and ages 10-15. The size of a class varies and is usually between 8-16 people per class, with a limit for the kids’ classes. There are a few membership options to choose from, such as monthly memberships or day passes.  Ward specified that these training classes are not just for fighters, but for people who would like to come train and just get a good sweat on. He believes this type of fitness can be seen as an art form and is all about creating a safe and welcoming place for people to come in and feel good about themselves. People from all over the province come to train at the club, and it is also home to several regular Gesgepegiag club members.  It should also be noted that when the club was in Campbellton, there were roughly 20-25 regular members, and in Listuguj, The Vault now has 80-100 members. The club has really thrived and succeeded here in Mi’gma’qi territory.

Ward has been very vocal about his past drug and alcohol use and can often be found speaking at public events on his sobriety. He has been completely sober for 23 years and has used this experience and drive when it comes to being an addictions counselor and when it comes to training others. Ward left his job as an addictions counselor last year to solely focus on his club and clothing brand. Ward said, “I can listen to people’s problems, and I can parlay that into either addiction or taking it out on problems, It’s so important for mental health.”

Alongside the club, he also owns a very successful clothing line that consists of very bold, cultural pieces that really represent Ward’s passion.  “My clothing line was to promote Native Pride and fitness. Two things I’m really proud of,” said Ward.  His clothing can be found at various events and Pow Wows and people have been spotted representing The Vault clothing in different parts of the world.

Ward plans on continuing his classes at The Vault, and says eventually he’d like to expand his club, and possibly offer Elder’s training classes in the future. He says he feels the outpouring of love in the community and is so grateful that he’s able to help progress combat sport in Listuguj. “I’m very fortunate to be able to make a living off something that I love to do, and that’s my passion,” said Ward.

If you are interested in more information, or attending classes at The Vault, you can find Dwayne Everett Ward on Facebook and send him a message. He will be able to assist you and answer any questions you may have about any available classes.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Chief’s Corner with Chief Scott Martin – April 2023

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Spring has sprung in Listuguj! Even though we had a tame winter, we welcome the warm weather and sunshine. This month, our fishers departed for the 2023 crab fishery season. The Fisheries Send-Off Ceremony was a special event that allowed community members to express gratitude for the hard work done by the fishermen and fisherwomen. On behalf of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, we wish them a safe and prosperous season. Their service and contribution to the community are greatly appreciated and do not go unnoticed.  Wela’lieg usgewinu’g

Showing Gratitude to Msit No’gmaq…All my Relations

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Before daybreak, on April 11, the Newport Wharf is busy as captains and crew are getting ready to leave for the new 2023 snow crab season. The opening is set for 5:00 a.m. and no vessels are allowed to leave before that time. 

On this Easter weekend, Chad Gedeon volunteered his time to visit our vessels at the wharfs of Ste. Therese, Grande Riviere, and Newport to conduct a Send-Off ceremony. “It’s nice to be with captains and crew. They gathered in a circle, and we smudged and prayed for their safety, and we gave thanks to the Water Spirit. It was a moving moment when I was singing the Honour Song and heard the voices of the children of Captain Franklin Brisk joining us,” he said. 

It’s the second year that the Natural Resource Directorate organized the Send Off ceremony and Chad enthusiastically got involved. On March 31, a group of 70 people gathered for the ceremony at the AGS. “Today, we have a vibrant fleet of vessels with our captains and crew. That was unthinkable 25 years ago, but times are changing and this afternoon we are celebrating the launching of a new commercial fishing season,” said Saqamaw Scott Martin.

The Send-Off ceremony is based on cultural and spiritual teachings and it highlights Ta’n telmi’watmg goqwei (Giving Thanks), one of the Seven Mi’gmaq principles which are essential to maintaining a balanced relationship with Creation and the use and occupancy of our territory. The event was supported by the LMG and the AGS.

For Denny Isaac, NRD Associate Director, “it’s significant to take the responsibility to revitalize and integrate this principle and teachings into our activities and foster opportunities for Mi’gmaq youth to witness and be part of it and to reconnect with our traditions.”

The one-hour event started with a prayer and a minute of silence for the fishers who have gone to the Spirit World. People attending the event went to the AGS Ceremony Room to make their tobacco offering and their prayer. Elder Eunice Metallic gathered the offerings and divided them into eleven pouches, one for each of the LMG vessels. The key moment was when eleven students, from Miss Karen Martin and Miss Mandy Belliveau’s classes, carried the bundles to the stage to hand them to the fishers.

“The Send-Off ceremony was intended to bring together the community, Elders, youth, NRD, LMG, C&C, Rangers, AGS, Captains, and crew members to show gratitude to the sea that provides for our people and to the commercial fishers and their support staff. It was also meant

to honour the ancestors who signed the Treaties and exercised our Aboriginal rights and the fishers who left for the Spirit World”, emphasized Denny Isaac.

Saqamaw Martin also had words for the staff working at the fisheries. “I would like to acknowledge all of them and say, “Thank you” to the fisheries department who are decisively at the wharf and their offices making sure that fishers, vessels, allocations, processing plants, and our vision are supported. 

Councillor Chad Gedeon conducted the Ceremony with great respect and Jacob Gale, LETE Treaty Education Coordinator shared the teachings about the Treaties and Netukulimk. The ceremony was live streamed by Justin Caldwell of CHRQ with almost 500 views.

The ceremony was also a teaching opportunity that Miss Mandy Belliveau’s class appreciated. In a group conversation about the ceremony “they highlighted the song sung by Mi’gmaq immersion class, the speech and stories and especially they felt good to attend the ceremony and felt honored to give the fishermen their sacred bundles”, said Miss Belliveau. 

Before ending his speech at AGS, Saqamaw Martin had a message for the fishers. “I saw people making their offerings and I know that Elder Chris Wysote also prepared tobacco ties for this event. I would like to ask our fishers, to be our messengers and before you start fishing, make an offering to the sea on our behalf.  We wish you a good fishing season. Come back safe, take care of each other, and support each other. Go back to the sea in a good spirit, honouring our families, our people, and the species that sustain us.”

Eleven days later, captains and crews were offering the tobacco to the Water Spirit. Chad Gedeon and the crew of the Migwite’tm 81 and the Harry Frye were praying and smudging at the wharf of Newport.  There are around 105 vessels all together fishing snow crab on Zone 12, including 21 First Nation vessels.

As the firework was signaling the departure of the fishers they certainly started the season based on the principle of Ta’n telmi’watmg goqwei (Giving Thanks) and along the way, the song and prayers of our community will reach the sea that provides its bounty.

By Felix Atencio-Gonzales

Inside the Creative Mind of Ivy Grenier Wysote

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Ivy Grenier Wysote is originally from right here in Listuguj, but now resides in Fredericton, New Brunswick, where she is attending the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design. She received a certificate in Foundation Visual Arts and then moved on to the Photography/Videography Program, which she is currently enrolled in.

Grenier Wysote found her creativity at a young age and became interested in photography. She said, “I remember running around my neighborhood with a disposable camera and taking pictures of everything with my digital camera I got for Christmas.” Her love for photography grew while she was in high school, and it was then she knew she wanted to pursue her passion. Grenier Wysote said that she is often inspired by her own life experiences and stories, and she uses photography and art to deal with grief and sadness.  She traveled to Europe on a school trip and took several photos of the European sights – the landscape, architecture, and her friends. Using these photos, she created a portfolio, which led to her acceptance into the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design.

Grenier Wysote is an intern at the George Fry Gallery in Fredericton, where her photography was recently displayed at a gallery showing called: PHOTOGRAPH – FOTOGRAFIA – LITRATO – – תמונה – – NAPUIʼGIGN. “The exhibition title represented the six languages spoken by the talented group of photographers: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Hebrew, and Mi’gmaq,” said Grenier Wysote. Her photo series called; “Superstition” was in the show. The vibrant photos consisted of anonymous models in various acts of superstition. For example, one photo titled, “Under the Umbrella” has a model with her back turned facing a bright yellow wall while having an umbrella opened indoors. Grenier Wysote has been researching different superstitions from all over the world and plans to bring them to life and grow her Superstition series.

When asked about a favourite piece of work she has done, she answered, “In the Mourning” which is a series of photographs she made as a tribute to her mom titled, “Trina Marie Wysote: A Tribute to my Mother.”  Each image represents a collection of items her mother would use to get ready each morning.

In Grenier Wysote’s own words, here is what she said about this meaningful piece:

“Throughout my childhood, whenever my mother was in the bathroom with us we would

have to run away, with the taste of hairspray in our mouths while she enthusiastically

sprayed her curly hair for what seemed like five minutes at a time. She always had hoop

earrings around, and they were also covered in hairspray. There is an engagement ring

in the photograph that she refused to give back to my father after they split up. I would

often find Q-tips all over the house, both clean and used, and would have to lecture her

to throw them out. She told me I would cry if she died one day when I found the Q-tips.

And of course she was right!

Her scent was Pear Glacé by Victoria’s Secret. She found out it was being discontinued

so she bought as much as she could. She often did this with her favorite products. Now,

my siblings and I, all own a bottle of Pear Glacé. It’s very special and close to my heart.”

Grenier Wysote plans on continuing her creative journey and has applied to the Advance Studio Practice graduate program at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design. While she’s away in Fredericton, she misses her family, her cat Leo and being surrounded by her culture and community.

When asked what advice she would give to someone starting out as an artist or photographer, she said, “Learn as much as you can from others. Take workshops, go to classes, visit galleries, and ask other artists about their work!”

You can see the passion and love when it comes to Ivy Grenier Wysote’s photos. Not only are her photos polished and bright, but they also contain a deeper message that comes from the heart.  You can find her photos on Instagram @Ivvely_Photography.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC) Officially Announces Partnership with PLC Info

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On April 25th, Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC) held a press conference in Gesgapegiag to officially announce their partnership with northern New Brunswick company, PLC Info. Many people attended the press conference, such as Frédéric Vicaire, MMBC CEO, Co-Founders and Owners of PLC Info, Pascal Labrecque and Marc Dubé, Chief Scott Martin of Listuguj, and Chief John Martin of Gesgapegiag.

PLC Info is an information technology (IT) company that offers a wide variety of services and products, such as cyber security, video security systems, cabling and fiber optic, point of sales solutions, and more. PLC Info is a well-established company that is located in Eel River and Bathurst that has been providing its services to Listuguj for a number of years now.  

The Mi’gmaq Communities of Listuguj, Gesgapegiag, and Gespeg are now shareholders in PLC Info after purchasing 51% stake in the IT company. “It’s a win-win partnership,” said Frédéric Vicaire, “It will enable us to work together to expand Indigenous clients, but also other markets in other provinces. It also means to maximize employment and build capacity for our Mi’gmaq workers in our communities.” The partnership is a new source of revenue that will benefit the three Mi’gmaq communities. Vicaire expressed full confidence in the success of this partnership and stated that PLC Info is a company with a great track record with Indigenous clientele.

Co-Founder and PLC Info Owner, Pascal Lebrecque states that the company was eager for the opportunity to partner and grow with MMBC. “Over the past three years, we have experienced tremendous growth and this new partnership will allow us to go even further.” As mentioned, PLC Info has been doing various jobs and providing products around the community of Listuguj for years. “Today’s announcement reinforces the bond we have developed with First Nations over the years,” said Lebrecque.

Chief Scott Martin also expressed his confidence in the success of the partnership. He said, “I am very happy we can go forward with this project; it’s been worked on for three communities for the past couple of years. It’s an opportunity for the three communities to prosper in this. It’s an opportunity for our people to take courses with computers, and further their careers in the IT field.” Chief Scott Martin thanked everyone who worked hard to make this project and partnership happen.

For more information on Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC), visit mmcorporation.ca.

For more information on PLC Info, visit plcinfo.ca.

By Ann Marie Jacques