LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER SPOTLIGHT – GALVESTON BARNABY

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Galveston Barnaby started the company, Galvs Gold in August 2021. Galv’s Gold is an Indigenous-owned and operated jewelry company that specializes in tax-free gold and diamonds.  The company offers custom-made jewelry and factory made jewelry that comes stamped from Italy. . These exquisite pieces vary from chains, pendants, rings, diamonds, earrings, and more.

If someone is interested in a custom-made product, they can reach out to Galvs Gold via Facebook, Instagram, text, or on the website: galvsgold.ca. Barnaby will work with the individual to discuss their ideas for the custom piece and will help bring it to life. He will go over Karat options and stone options for the potential gold product to help determine exactly what the individual is looking for.  Barnaby said his favorite products are the custom jewelry projects. He said, “I love it when the client and I design a project together and it exceeds their expectations and has them truly amazed and satisfied.”

Barnaby enjoys being an entrepreneur because no goal is too big. He can work hard and independently in a field he is passionate about with no cap on what he can accomplish. His future plans are to have his very own Galvs Gold store located here in Listuguj, and would like to eventually branch out to Moncton, Halifax, and Montreal.

To view current products for sale in-store, visit Sophia’s Creative Spirit located at 94 Riverside East in Listuguj, or visit galvsgold.ca for online shopping, or to begin a custom-jewelry order.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Listuguj Emergency Services

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The Directorate of Public Security has three departments: Listuguj Police Department, Listuguj Fire Department, and Listuguj Rangers.

In the event of an emergency, individuals can call 911.  A lateral call with take place to Listuguj’s emergency phone line and will automatically contact the appropriate department. Based on the nature of the emergency, the Listuguj Police Department, Listuguj Fire Department, Listuguj Rangers, and/or the Paraxion Ambulance Services in Pointe-à-La-Croix are then dispatched.

If it is a medical emergency and the Paraxion Ambulance Services respond, the first responders will assess the severity of the situation and determine if the patient(s) will be transported to Campbellton Regional Hospital or Maria Hospital.

The Directorate of Public Security would like to remind community members to ensure they have clear and visible house numbers to help emergency responders efficiently find homes in Listuguj.

For additional contact information see below:

Listuguj Police Department
3 Lnu Street, Listuguj, Quebec
Emergency: (418) 788-2003
Office Phone: (418) 788-2334
Fax: (418) 788-2330

Listuguj Fire Department
17A Riverside West, Listuguj, Quebec

Emergency: (418) 788-2003

Office Phone: (418) 788-2222

Listuguj Rangers
Office Phone: (418)-788-3157

By Ann Marie Jacques

Get to Know Listuguj’s Recreation Coordinator – Jesse Pictou

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Jesse Pictou has been working at the Listuguj Youth & Family Centre since August 2022. He started off as the Recreation Monitor for three months and then took on the role of Recreation Coordinator. His educational background and training are a perfect fit for this type of work. For schooling, he took International Travel and Tourism and, Adventure Tourism and Business Operations. He has a lot of experience when it comes to working in recreation with a 90-hour Wilderness First Aid program, a rescue diver certification, and has been working for a decade in the kayak and rafting industry.

When it comes to being the Recreation Coordinator, Pictou said, “Basically my job is to create programs and support anything sports related.” The Youth Centre offers a variety of different programs and sports. There is the After School program, which Pictou runs on weekdays for two hours. These After School programs consist of four groups, allowing for 10 kids per group, and they fill up very quickly.  Some of the sports that are supported by the Youth Centre are girls’ volleyball which is led by Paige Isaac, basketball led by Erwin Molley, and hockey led by Michael Isaac. The Youth Centre is also very much involved in supporting local athletes who are taking part in the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) this year.

Pictou mentioned that not only does he coordinate for the Youth Centre, but really for the community of Listuguj as a whole. They work with various directorates to bring events and programs to the community, such as Family Day, and the upcoming March Break activities. Listuguj’s rink has been very popular during these cold winter months. “One of the things we did recently, we were able to rent a Zamboni from the Civic Centre, so that was cool,” said Pictou.

During the winter, outdoor activities may be limited due to the cold climate, but Pictou is looking forward to the summer months and has exciting plans for Listuguj. He plans on reviving softball in the community, and not just for kids. “When I came in, I was excited to do adult softball that I saw growing up at the ball field, that hasn’t been done in years,” said Pictou. He’s also looking forward to planning camping trips with the Youth Centre students, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and a lot of water and forest programs.

When it comes to working at the Youth Centre, he said his favorite thing about the job is just being able to be active and having the ability to go outside. “I’m able to go outside, I’m not built for office work,” laughed Pictou. The Recreation Coordinator position is still quite new to the community and was brought in roughly when the COVID-19 pandemic began. The coordinator works alongside the Recreation Monitor to ensure the kids are safe and able to take part in the vast activities and programs that Listuguj has to offer. New activities and programs are always being introduced and are typically advertised in the community via social media.

If you’re interested in getting more information about the programs and activities offered at the Listuguj Youth & Family Centre, contact: 418-788-3150.

By Ann Marie Jacques

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY WASTE MANAGEMENT

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There are many options for waste management in the community of Listuguj – regular garbage pickup, recycling, the eco-center, the transfer site, and as of 2022, composting.

Marie-Christine Roussel Gray was working for the Sustainable Development Institute in Wendake, QC in 2017, when the idea of starting a composting project in Listuguj was brought to her attention. The company did its research and developed a waste management plan based on how much waste is being produced in Listuguj.  After this study was completed, the plan went into effect. “It was the start of the composting program and all the projects we’ve had to improve waste and environment in general,” said Roussel Gray. Roussel Gray then moved to Listuguj and became the Environmental and Sustainable Development Coordinator at Capital and Infrastructure, taking on the composting project in the community.  After receiving the funds from Indigenous Services Canada in 2019, the compost project officially began in July, 2022.

Even though there were enough composting bins for every house in Listuguj, Capital and Infrastructure did a voluntary approach initially for community members.  The research found that quite a few households were already practicing composting, but the bin just took it to the next level. There were a lot of participants at first, but Capital and Infrastructure are aware of the challenges that may come with composting in the cold winter months.

Composting is also offered at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School, and eventually, the program will include all Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government buildings – at first, primarily focusing on buildings that produce more food, or that house a cafeteria (schools, Gignu, Waqatasg Elders Home, etc.)

When asked why composting is important in the community, Roussel Gray said, “There is always the environmental argument when it comes to composting, but there’s also the financial reasons. Waste costs a lot.” Having the community compost in their everyday lives will lower the cost of waste transportation.  Currently, waste goes to St. Alphonse de Caplan which is roughly 110 KM away. “Compost is wet and heavy, so that is something that we have to pay to carry. Now, we just keep it here. The more people who compost, the easier it will be to manage and maintain. The more people who participate, the more money we’ll save in the community,” said Roussel Gray.  

There are other methods of waste management in the community. There is regular curbside garbage pickup that occurs Thursdays between 8 AM and 5 PM. The garbage is collected and taken to a landfill.  Recycling is done bi-weekly, and the company is subcontracted by Listuguj and taken to a sorting centre. The Eco-Center is located at the Public Works Garage where community members can dispose of their household hazardous waste, such as used oils, propane cylinders, etc.  This is a monitored site and is locked at night. Lastly, the transfer site is where community members can dispose of bulkier items such as household appliances and furniture.

There are many waste management options in Listuguj and Capital and Infrastructure have developed many tools to help the community navigate which items go where. At this time, a sorting guide is available for pickup at the Capital and Infrastructure building or online at listuguj.ca. There is a Listuguj Environment Facebook page that frequently posts calendars and reminders. A new tool is in the words as well – an app that can be downloaded onto your phone. “You will be able to put your address in, and it will show you a calendar for pickup. You can set up notifications on when to put out your bins,” said Roussel Gray.

If you are interested in composting, please visit Public Works weekdays from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM to pick up your bin. If you have any questions regarding waste management in Listuguj, feel free to message the Listuguj Environment Facebook page, or email them at environment@listuguj.ca.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Chief’s Corner – Chief Scott Martin January 2023

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We begin 2023 with a sense of togetherness in the community of Listuguj.  It has been great to see people being so supportive and caring in times of need. Whether it’s fundraisers, ceremonies, and the various resources we have in the community.

We have entered our cold winter months, and I encourage you all to be safe and alert when it comes to the ongoing weather conditions. Keep an eye on all Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government channels for weather information and possible closure updates.  In closing, I’d like to remind everyone to please continue to ensure elders are safe and cared for during these harsh winter months.

Congratulations Moosemen!

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Congratulations to the 2023 B Division Champs, Moms & Pops Moosemen! The Ugpi’ganjig Annual Hockey Tournament took place in Eel River Bar on January 20th, 21st, and 22nd, 2023.

All-Star Goalie – Bradley Slaughter

All-Star Defence – Cody Condo

All-Star Forwards – Noah Barnaby and August Morrison

Congratulations Team NB!

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The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government would like to congratulate our local athletes on Team NB for advancing to the next round of tryouts for the 2023 North American Indigenous Games.

Congratulations Archers!

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Congratulations to the members who competed in the Bathurst 3D Archery tournament earlier this month:

Josh Dedam Sr – Senior Barebow Gold Medalist
Mitch Isaac – Senior Barebow Silver Medalist
Ayden Barnaby – Senior Olympic Recurve Silver Medalist
Kieran Dedam – Cadet Barebow Gold Medalist
Pasmay Paul – Pre-Cub Barebow Gold Medalist
On the team but did not compete, Harmony Isaac.

Congratulations to the members who competed in the Lancaster Archery Classic in Lancaster Pennsylvania January 26th to 29th:

Josh Dedam Sr – Barebow Division with a score of 308/660
Mitch Isaac – Olympic Recurve Division with a score of 403/660
Ayden Barnaby – 11-17 Olympic Recurve Division with a score of 366/660.
Kieran Dedam – 11-17 Barebow Division with a score of 155/660.

There are a number of competitions for our athletes coming this year:

  • Canada Winter Games in PEI for Team NB Feb 28th to March 4th, 2023, Regionals March 4th & 5th.
  • MICA, Miramichi March 19th
  • 3D & Target Provincials in Bathurst NB April 29th & 30th
  • Canada Cup East (National), Laval Qc June 22nd to 24th
  • NAIG 2023 July 15th to 23rd 2023
  • 3D & Target outdoor provincials July 15th and 16th
  • Field outdoor Provincials July 22nd
  • Eastern Canadian Crown July 28th to 30th in Truro Nova Scotia

A Message from the Health and Safety Team

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Winter time is now upon us. During this frigid season we must remember to take certain precautions to stay safe. When outdoors, wear appropriate footwear for the winter. Winter boots have better traction than summer or indoor footwear, so consider bringing summer/indoor footwear to work and change in the office/workplace.

The use of ice cleats may also help with traction outdoors. However, be careful when travelling indoors on hard surfaces. Cleats will have the reverse effect.

Parking lots and walkways are common places for slips/falls during the winter. Please exercise caution as black ice may be present at entry points/parking lots.

Making sure they are kept clean of ice and snow is very important.  If they are not frequently maintained during the day, have a bucket of salt/sand with a small shovel available where needed. We all can take a few minutes to help by spreading out some salt/sand. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

When walking over an icy patch, try walking like a penguin. Remember, keep your hands out of your pockets to keep your balance.

“Don’t Quit Quitting”
 Listuguj Community Health Services Smoking Cessation Program

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Listuguj Community Health Services has several programs and resources available to community members. One program is the Smoking Cessation program, which is coordinated by Wanda Metallic. Metallic is well-known in the community for her work in programs such as the Opioid program, as well as the Brighter Futures program that has been in effect for the last 30 years.

The Smoking Cessation program began roughly five or six years ago. It is offered to people who would like assistance in quitting smoking. In the beginning, Metallic would determine how many cigarettes the person consumes and then release a starter kit that consists of various Nicotine gum, patches, inhalers, and vaporizers. People can try these products out to see which they prefer and can return to the Health Centre to receive more. Each product contains a number of milligrams pertaining to how many cigarettes are consumed. For example, Step 1 has the highest dose of nicotine which would typically be what a person who is just starting to quit, would use. Metallic will offer a two-week supply of these products at a time. The starter pack also consists of a journal for people to keep track of the journey so far, and to write about their experience.

When asked why a program like this is important for the community, Metallic simply said, “Smoking is bad for you. Eventually, smokers are going to quit smoking because they have no choice.  It’s too bad that it gets that far.”

If you are looking to quit smoking or would like some information, walk-ins are available, or you can contact the Listuguj Health Centre at 418-788-2155.

In closing, Metallic had a piece of advice for community members who wish to quit smoking. She said, “Don’t quit quitting! Don’t give up. Keep going. We’re here all the time, if I’m not, there’s someone here who can serve you.”

By Ann Marie Jacques