Sapawsultieg Victim Services – To Guide & Assist Victims of Crime

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Sapawsultieg Victim Services began in October 2022 in collaboration with the Listuguj Police Department. The title of the program means, “We Survive” in Mi’gmaq. The program’s Victim Specialist, Kali Barnaby said she wanted to incorporate the language in her service’s title so that it speaks for itself. When it comes to the program’s development, Barnaby said, “It was initially enacted by the urgent need to address and understand conjugal/domestic violence and sexualized violence victims with their needs and concerns.”

Barnaby graduated from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology and Psychology. She has vast experience working with the youth in the community and has now moved on to offer her expertise in victim services.

Barnaby works with the Listuguj Police Department to offer assistance, support, and guidance to victims, witnesses, and survivors of crime. These types of services include assessments, crisis intervention, de-escalation and safety planning, provision of information, emotional support, and/or referrals to organizations if needed. It’s important to add that these services are confidential, bias-free, and culturally appropriate. This program also offers aid in understanding the criminal justice process and inquiries.

Listuguj is very fortunate to have a resource like Sapawsultieg Victim Services offered to those who are in need. It allows individuals to feel as though they aren’t alone after they’ve experienced a traumatic event in their lives. Barnaby said, “These types of support services are very important in our Indigenous community as we have historically experienced many forms of trauma, so with knowledge of our culture, history, and issues, we will better accommodate the needs of our people into the criminal justice system.”

When someone is a victim of a crime, they might not know how to process it, and what steps are needed to take care of themselves afterward. People may not have the support system that is very much needed during a difficult time. This program is available to point them in the right direction to healing. “Some advice I would like to pass along to others that may be going through a difficult time, or needing emotional support would be to be kind to yourself. To put yourself first by taking a step back and allowing yourself to be supported by someone,” said Barnaby.

Since this resource is still quite new in the community, individuals might not be fully aware this is a resource that is available to them at any time. If you would like to get in contact with Kali Barnaby regarding her services with the Listuguj Police Department, there are several ways to do so. You can contact the Listuguj Police Department at 418-788-2334 (Non-Emergency line) and 418-788-2003 (Emegency line.) You can also contact her directly at her email, Kali.Barnaby@listuguj.ca or you can message her via Facebook on her page, “Kali Sapawsultieg VS.”

By Ann Marie Jacques

Boot Drive Appreciation

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The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government would like to express their gratitude to Annette Barnaby and Mabel Gideon for their boot drives and fundraising efforts in the community.

The donations received during these boot drives go towards funeral expenses for beloved community members.

Thank you, ladies!

Listuguj Students Perform Ta’n Wetapegsulti’gw – Where we come from

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The Listuguj-CBU Community Studies students have completed their L’nu Culture in Media course. As a final project, students prepared and performed a theatre play entitled “Ta’n Wetapegsulti’gw,” written by Peter Vicaire. Students from the Alaqsite’w Gitpu School and Sugarloaf Senior High School were also invited to star alongside them. They performed three shows: March 24th for AGS staff and students, March 25th for invited guests, and March 26th for the community. Their final performance was even live-streamed on LMG’s YouTube channel.

Ta’n Wetapegsulti’gw tells the story of two sisters, Anissa and Nahla, who are lost in the forest and are trying to find their way home. They stumble upon two tricksters, Apli’gmuj and Giwnig, who are seemingly put on their path to waste their time. However, this playful duo leaves them with valuable teachings about our Creation Story and way of life. The director Shane Leydon shares, “In this story, Apli’gmuj says to the two lost girls, “How do you expect to know where to go if you don’t know where you came from?!” Out of all the bickering and fighting and one-upping Apli’gmuj and Giwnig do amongst each other, this is one line that has a lot of wisdom in it.” The teachings help Anissa and Nahla further along their journey, but you’ll have to watch their performance on YouTube to hear the whole story.

The atmosphere this group created in the Alaqsite’w Gitpu School gymnasium was extraordinary. The sets, designed by Jonathan Barnaby, immersed the audience in the story. The structure of Gulug’s nest towered over the characters, making us, as the audience, worried for them and their encounter with Gulug. The costumes, designed by Claudia Gray and Oakley Gray, and masks, created by Duane Isaac, were stunning and enhanced the overall look of each character.

The sound and lighting provided by S.R. Sound were on point. As you may already know, bolts of lightning are an integral part of our Creation Story. S.R. Sound did an excellent job of portraying their intensity on stage.

The Listuguj Education Directorate congratulates these students on their outstanding performance and work behind the scenes. Thank you to everyone who made this play a success. All your hard work has paid off.

Production Credits

Shane Leydon                Director

Troy Mundle                   Acting Coach

Michael Rossi                 Videographer

Duane Isaac                   Mask Design

Claudia Gray                   Costume Design

Oakley Gray                    Costume Design

Jonathan Barnaby          Set Design

Peter Vicaire                   Screenplay Writer

Jonathan Labillois          Artistic Director

Doug Pictou                   Music Coordinator

Ryan Parker                    Producer

Jacob Gale                     Stage Manager

Sound and Lights provided by S.R. Sound

Special thanks:

Sheila Christie

Gordon Sparks

Darryl Stevens

Everest Johnson

Cast List

(In order of appearance)

Glusgap                          Jeanette Henry

Anissa                            Anissa Metallic

Nahla                             Nahla Barnaby

Apli’gmuj                         Sandy Bulmer

Giwnig                            Ashley Barnaby

Na’gu’set/Nisgam           Kara Metallic

Nugumi                           Talia Caplin

Apistanewj                      Scarlett Vicaire

Netawansum                  Jacob Bernard

Ni’ganaptegewi’sgw        Myrna Isaac

Gulug                             Tanya Simonson

Crew List

Connie Moon

Jennifer Isaac

Jessie Moffat

Kaylea Germain

Mali Wysote

Meredith Bernard

Miranda Caggiano

Tori Condo-Metallic

By LETE

Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation and Innergex Team up for New Wind Project

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On March 15th, Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC) issued a press release announcing their partnership with Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. for the 102 MW Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n 2 Wind Facility (MU2) in the MRC d’Avignon. This is the second project between the three Mi’gmaq communities – Listuguj, Gesgapegiag, and Gaspé, the first project, the 150 MW Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n Wind Facility (MU1) has been operating successfully since 2016. The project will be covered by a 30-year “take-or-pay” power purchase agreement (PPA) with Hydro Quebec.

“We knew this project was going to be quite competitive with others,” said MMBC CEO Fred Vicaire, “it’s different from the MU1 – the MU1 we negotiated PPA with Hydro Quebec. For this one, we came up with a price with our partner Innergex – a competitive price, because we were competing with all other projects in the province of Quebec. We were quite happy we were selected as one of the seven projects for this call for proposal.”

With this new green energy project comes the installation of 17-19 new wind turbines, with progressive technology since the first project was completed. This project will also create employment opportunities for all three Mi’gmaq communities on the territory of Gespe’gewa’gi. “We are looking to maximize Mi’gmaq employment,” said Vicaire. The company expects 200 jobs to be generated from the project’s construction. The first MU1 project generated roughly 150 Mi’gmaq employers, and MMBC and Innergex are hoping to go above and beyond that target for phase two.

When it comes to the project’s revenue, Vicaire said, “Revenue is at the shareholder’s discussion. Shareholders are the three community’s Chief and Council.” MMBC is the general partner, who helps manage and facilitates these types of affairs on their behalf but ultimately does not make final decisions.

Construction for the 102 MW Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n 2 Wind Facility is expected to begin in 2025, lasting roughly a year.  Its commissioning is expected in 2026.

By Ann Marie Jacques

This article will be featured in April’s issue of the Wi’gatign.

Ollson Sports Group Comes to Listuguj

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Over the March break, Ottawa organization, Ollson Sports Group came to Listuguj host to a weeklong power skating and stickhandling hockey camp. The camps were held for youths ages 5-15 and took place at the Civic Centre in Campbellton. These young hockey players were coached by former professional hockey player, John Ollson and Logan Buchanan. Michael Isaac, the Communications Manager for the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, arranged for the hockey camp to come to the community with the support of Recreation, Brighter Futures, and the Office of Chief and Council.

With over 35 years of hockey training and coaching experience, Ollson has also played on a number of teams such as the Ottawa 67’s and the Canadian National Team, and has worked with the Chicago Blackhawks Organization. When it comes to holding these hockey camps, John Ollson said he loves traveling and visiting new places and communities. He was very impressed with Listuguj and the cohesiveness of Pointe-à -la-Croix and Campbellton. “I also love working with the kids you know, it’s fun to see them learning, from our standpoint,” said Ollson. The hockey camp also consisted of youth in our community and surrounding areas, who volunteered their time to help assist with the camp. When asked what advice Ollson could give to young Listuguj hockey players, he mentioned the work ethic and values that come along with the sport. The youth participating in the sport will learn diligence and teamwork. “If you don’t get it right away, it doesn’t mean you should give up on it, it takes a lot of repetition to be good at it,” said Ollson.

Michael Isaac has always had a passion for hockey and runs the Listuguj Pugtew, a weekend hockey program in collaboration with the Listuguj Youth & Family Centre. Isaac felt the camp would be a fun and beneficial experience for Listuguj athletes. “I seen this as an opportunity to give the kids of Listuguj a higher-level experience to help their development and Ollson Sports Group didn’t disappoint,” said Isaac. It’s no secret that Listuguj is home to some very talented and skilled athletes, including hockey players. Isaac said, “This community has produced QMJHL players, Junior players, Senior players with some even drafted to the NHL.  Although these dreams may be a few years down the road for the youth that took part in the Ollson Sports Group camp over the March break, the significant improvement that the kids showed just over a week was significant. This gives me great pride to say that if these youth stick with it, Listuguj will continue to produce good hockey players in the future.”

By Ann Marie Jacques

AGS is looking for supply teachers!

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The Alaqsite’w Gitpu School is looking for supply teachers! Supply teachers can be called upon at a moment’s notice to replace teachers. If you are interested in working with our amazing team, you can send your resume to our principals Jeff Grass at jgrass@lete.listuguj.ca or Jarrett Francis at jfrancis@lete.listuguj.ca.

By LETE

LMDC Carpentry Program

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The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Centre (LMDC) is looking to bring a Carpentry Program in the community. The potential start date will be Fall 2023.

If you’re interested in taking the program, please get in touch with Ashley Barnaby by April 6th, 2023. She can be reached at 418-788-1347 or email her at asbarnaby@lete.listuguj.ca.

By LETE

Per Capita Distribution

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Have you recently turned 18 years of age?

The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government wishes to inform Listuguj youth who turn 18 years of age to make an application for their land claim Per Capita Distribution. Listuguj youth who have turned 18, have up to 5 years following their 18th birthday to make their application. Failure to come forward by the 5-year deadline will result in the monies being forfeited.

For example:

If you turned 18 on May 6, 2018, you have until May 5, 2023 to apply.

If you turned 18 on January 6, 2023, you have until January 5, 2028 to apply.

Note: Your name must appear on the qualifying band membership list made on April 29, 2015.

Contact Tim Dedam by email at tim.dedam@listuguj.ca or by phone at 418-788-2136 to make your application or confirm if your name appears on the qualifying band membership list made on April 29, 2015.

You can also visit https://listuguj.ca/forms/ to download the application and instructions.

See the quarterly payment schedule. If your completed application is not received before each deadline date, it will be paid in the next scheduled quarter.

By Economic Development

Connections: Mi’gmaq Youth Leadership Peer Program

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This is a 12-month Mi’gmaq Youth Leadership Peer Program “Connections” designed for youth ages 12-17 to help the youth learn positive life skills that they will carry out into adulthood. Some of these skills will educate the youth to adapt to their cultural needs, build valuable leadership skills, teamwork, social skills, problem solving, time management and help develop your potential. It will give the youth the opportunity to meet other youth, learn the history, values and beliefs of their community. This program offers a selection of outdoor activities and numerous workshops which will require parent/guardian permission. The program will start at the end of the school of year June 2023 and end in June 2024. More information will be followed in the coming months.  If you have any questions or would like more information about the program, you may contact Nathalie Metallic, Youth Leadership Connections Coordinator of the Justice Transformation Initiative by email nathalie.metallic@listuguj.ca or by telephone at (418)788-0351.

By Restorative Justice

St. Patrick’s Day – LPD

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On St. Patrick’s Day, the Listuguj Police received a call from the AGS nursery class for assistance whereas they found some little green footprints all over their classroom.

Constable Ouellet responded and investigated the situation. The green little creature was never found!

By the Listuguj Police Department