Decolonizing Our Education

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Jacob Gale is the Treaty Education Lead at the Listuguj Education Training and Employment Centre (LETE). Here he works and collaborates with a team featuring, Jeanette Henry, Paige Isaac, and Patrick Wilmot.

Often when people think of the term, “Treaty Education” they will associate it solely with learning about treaties, Gale explained it’s much more than that, “Treaties are fundamental and they’re an important part of the work that we do, but there’s also so many other pieces of work that we do under Treaty Education. It’s really about decolonizing our education here at LETE, at AGS, and at other branches of LETE. Treaty education includes our culture, our identity, our well-being, spirituality, all those pieces of who we are as being L’nu – in a way it could be called L’nu Education.”

The Treaty Education team work with teachers and educators in the community to help build a foundation that connects culture to the school curriculum through experimental learning. Gale said that it’s important to include Mi’gmaq culture in our school systems. An example that was given was the building of the sweat lodge, and how there are so many lessons embedded into that process, such as math, literacy, history, ceremony, and a connection to the community and to the elders. Another major program for our community in Treaty Education is Outdoor Education at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School.

The Treaty Education team also works with the youth in the community and helps them learn about who they are and embrace their culture.  Eventually, the youth will become leaders in our community, and it is important that they have a strong sense of belonging. Gale said, “We ask the question, ‘Whose story should we value in education?’ We’re in that business of we are a Mi’gmaq community, we are a Mi’gmaq school, and it’s important that we continue to find ways to embed our stories and our connections to our land, our elders, our ceremonies, in school – so that students understand that, “Hey I’m Mi’gmaq, I’m proud to be Mi’gmaq and I’m proud to be L’nu” They’re Learning so much about who we are in their education journey.”

There are many events and activities in the community that the Treaty Education team helps organize – a few recent events were the Cultural Night and Social Night held at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School in August. Gale mentioned that many students will be attending the Tim Hortons Children’s Camp in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, he also mentioned an upcoming Moose Hunt Camp in the community with the Outdoor Education program.

Gale stated that being part of the Treaty Education program is always fun and exciting and that he is proud to be part of many youths’ cultural and spiritual education journeys.

By Ann Marie Jacques

INTRODUCING THE NEW MUSIC PROGRAM AT ALAQSITE’W GITPU SCHOOL

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Former Youth Care worker Douglas Pictou is the Performing Arts teacher at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School. Last year he solely taught Mi’gmaq hand drumming to the students, and this year, he will be the music teacher from grade four to eight. Pictou has plans to update former music classes and teach them in a more modern and progressive way. Pictou said, “It’s going to be more percussion-based and projective-based as opposed to music class I grew up with.”

The brand-new classroom is equipped with many different instruments, like guitars, pianos, and drums, but will also have a variety of cultural instruments as well such as Mi’gmaq hand drums, and African rainmakers. The students will also get to learn digital aspects when it comes to music – such as MIDI boards and using various recording software.

Pictou explained his class will be very project based with exercises such as group rap projects, music video producing, and creating elements in sound.  One project, in particular, will be having the students mute scenes in a film and have them find a piece of music that fits the tone and mood of the film. When it comes to his goal for the class Pictou said, “I want to encourage them to play music, expose them to different types of music as opposed to just being a listener. If they still want to be just a listener, at least they’ll know what they’re listening to.”

Pictou says that he is looking forward to building relationships with students and letting them know that the classroom is a safe environment where they can come and blow off steam, feel accepted, have fun and perhaps heal themselves through music if need be.

By Ann Marie Jacques

NR Scientific Research members saved the life of DFO officer

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“The fact that you have put your own life in danger to save me is remarkable and I’m deeply touched by your actions. In doing so, you gave me the chance to continue my wonderful life and for that, I will be forever grateful. You have shown exceptional courage and strength and I’m so proud to say that you are my heroes.” 

These were the words from Michel Arsenault addressed to Diane Bernard and Denise Barnaby.

Emotionally and in tears, he told a small audience about the moment, three years ago, when he fell from the smolt wheel, his boot was caught in the wheel, pushed underwater by the current with his wader full of water, which it made it hard for him to lift his head. “It lasted few seconds, but it looked hours for me,” said Diane Bernard, who was the first one to jump from the Scientific Research canoe to the platform of the smolt wheel and run to the other side to try to rescue Michel.

Diane’s first attempt was to pull Michel out, but the water current was hard because Michel was 5’11”, 190lbs, the water in his wader, and the strength of the current. On her second attempt, she got the help from Denise and together they pulled him out. When he was out of the water on the platform, Diane was still holding him so tight that Michel, recuperating and coughing to expel water from his lungs, told her “Let me go”. 

This happened in spring May 19, when the current of the Restigouche river is fast and carrying all kinds of debris. DFO wanted to thank them before, but the pandemic prevented doing it.

Yesterday was the day when Diane, Denis, and Michel, their families, DFO representatives, and the Listuguj Scientific Research team were together to celebrate the act of heroism of helping a colleague of 23 years, in danger on the salmon river.

By Felix Atencio-Gonzales

LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER SPOTLIGHT – LLOYD ALCON

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Lloyd Alcon has had many impressive job titles under his belt, but now he’s focusing on his businesses. He is the owner of LCA Rentals and Outdoor Services, LCA Solutions Inc., and is the Chief Executive Officer/Part Owner of Initiative Concrete Inc.

Alcon says LCA Rentals and Outdoor services began in 2019 when he purchased a tractor and started doing small maintenance jobs in the area. Alcon always knew he’d like to do this kind of work eventually, but when COVID-19 hit, with the bridge being closed, these kinds of services became a big demand.  Alcon said, “We weren’t able to access certain services, and equipment rentals was one of them. I saw an opportunity and rolled with it.” Alcon continued to purchase more equipment and hired employees to work for his business. LCA Rentals and Outdoor Services is now a successful construction and landscaping equipment and machinery rental business.

LCA Rentals and Outdoor Services offer a wide variety of services such as construction equipment and machinery rentals, land maintenance, new driveways, larger landscaping projects such as retaining walls and drainage, and much more. The company has completed many projects in the area like various renovations and new house excavations.  One thing Alcon highlighted is how proud he is to be able to give back to the community of Listuguj. He said, “We’re able to donate a lot back to the community. I have the equipment, so if somebody needs something within the community and it’s not a big project, I can give it to them.”  One particular project done by LCA Rentals and Outdoor Services is the community garden.

After this business was underway, Alcon partnered with Grant-Mann Solid Concrete Ent. and started his most recent business, Initiative Concrete Inc. which is a ready-mix concrete company – the two companies complement each other and continue to do so.

Since 2017, Alcon also owns LCA Solutions Inc. which is a private consulting firm that specializes in public security.

Alcon says that he would eventually like to expand his businesses and hire more full-time employees. He is currently working on getting his contractor’s license and getting certified in Quebec to work off the reserve. Alcon laughed and said, “This is still pretty new to me, and I don’t think I’ll be starting any new businesses any time soon.”

By Ann Marie Jacques

GIVING CHILDREN A HEAD START SINCE 2001

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Listuguj celebrates and offers many programs for the youth in the community.  One of these programs is Head Start.

Head Start began back in 2001.  It was initially held in what is currently the Haven House building. It eventually moved to the Education Complex until a new building became available specifically for the program in 2017.

Head Start features an early childhood learning curriculum and is a program for children ages three to four in the community. The staff at Head Start consists of General Manager, Tina Martin, and early childhood educators Valery Jacques-Larocque and Mallory Larocque. Here children will learn and participate in several programs with various workstations, such as story time, yoga, fine motor skills activities, outdoor play and even learning Mi’gmaq.  The children learn how to maintain structure and routine, how to become independent and interact with other children in the community.  Head Start consists of two groups – mornings and afternoons, and each group runs on weekdays for two hours. This type of program will also help prepare them for going to school in the future.

The program is a key point in helping to determine any learning disabilities and ensure children receive the type of assistance they need. Tina Martin said, “If we see any kind of a developmental delay, we’ll be able to have them screened with the permission of parents, we can either get a speech pathologist or an occupational therapist, we can also go through Jordan’s Principle.”

When asked what their favourite thing about working at Head Start is, Martin said, “Watching these children learn and play, and then seeing them graduate from high school.”

Valery Jacques-Larocque simply said, “Watching them grow.”

Head Start has kicked off again this month, and the staff is eager to take part in the children’s education journeys!

By Ann Marie Jacques

Elawsimgewei Gina’muo’guom – Encourage, Empower, Educate

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The Elawsimgewei Gina’muo’guom isn’t just your typical education institution when it comes to adult learning, it’s a safe haven and a place for students to learn about themselves and grow as individuals. As the name loosely translates, it’s a place where lifelong learning occurs.

Bella Moffat is the Academic and Guidance Counsellor and Co-Manager of this First Nation Regional Adult Education Centre right here in our community. Moffat is the first person potential adult learners meet with to discuss the next step in their education journey. “My goal is to identify the individual’s career goal or what the goals are, and it’s whatever is in the best interest of the adult learner,” said Moffat. Once the staff can establish the individual’s goal, then they can work together to determine the best path to take for success. The staff recognizes that many of these individuals are in different stages of their lives, and once they make that first step to further their education, the staff will guide them the rest of the way.

There are various programs offered at the Elawsimgewei Gina’muo’guom such as high school diploma, general development test (GDT), academic upgrading, and more. The staff at the centre understand that each adult learner is different, which is why they offer a different approach when it comes to teaching. The style of courses is switched up to keep things interesting for the adult learners. “We try to base our courses on the needs of the adult learners,” Moffat said. The courses are a mix of self-paced learning, land-based learning, Mi’gmaq learning, and theory, but also feature a lot of hands-on learning activities such as horticulture and cooking classes.

The atmosphere is very laid back and welcoming. The centre takes pride in its relationships gained with the adult learners. Each person is treated in a mature, respectful manner and their comfort is the number one priority. Moffat said she wants the adult learners to feel loved and respected when they come through the door. The staff are very eager to support and guide the adult learners throughout this stage of their life.

In addition to the relaxed, self-paced teaching structure, the centre offers various incentives and fundraising for activities, events and holidays. The centre offers transportation to the adult learners, breakfast and lunch programs, and even weekly self-care activities in the building.

The Elawsimgewei Gina’muo’guom consists of a staff of eight, and the programs are run from September to June. To find out more information on the centre, contact Bella Moffat, or Administrative Technician and Co-Manager, Myrna Sook. More information can also be found on their Facebook page.

-By Ann Marie Jacques

Winter Powwow

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As the “Summer Powwow” nears, Lita Isaac often wakes up at 5 a.m.

“Your mind wakes you up,” she said. “‘What has to be done?’”

Isaac has been helping organize the Listuguj Powwows for 26 years now, since the beginning.

“Sometimes it’s overwhelming, it’s frightening,” she said. “It’s a great feeling when the Powwow happens, but at the same time – we’re stressed out, because there are so many things we have to keep an eye out for.”

The “Winter Powwow” happened in March.

Isaac would like to see a Powwow for every change of the seasons, but as of now, there are three in the year. Each has a slightly different focus.

In the winter, the kids are encouraged to participate more, and even be the head dancers. It’s not as hot and demanding as the full Powwow weekend in August.

“It gives them the spotlight,” Isaac said.

And like every Powwow, the “Winter Powwow” is an opportunity for local artists and craftspeople as well.

“This is their chance, their spot light, to expose their art, their talent, and make some money,” she said. “That’s why we have First Nation vendors – because this is their time.”

With the Winter Powwow finished, it’s now onto the next. Fundraising goes on all year, especially now.

“I never did so much fundraising in my life,” Isaac said, speaking about last year’s Summer Powwow. “Last summer we spent $92,000 – the most we ever spent.”

The Summer Powwow continues to grow, unfortunately, funding has become increase difficult to secure. Processes are also complicated, requiring research and several revisions for every application. The Heritage Canada grant required a lot of back and forth last year.

“That was four or five times this year,” said Isaac. “And the amount we’re getting is a lot lower than last year after all that.”

Filling out and submitting these applications requires a lot of time, all from volunteers.

“It could be up to 200 to 400 hours of volunteer [work] that we do a year,” said Isaac.

“I call myself the artifact. I’ve been here for 25, 26 years. And I didn’t have this much responsibility at the beginning. I don’t know when it all just landed on my shoulders, but it did.”

She sometimes wonders if the Powwows would happen without her, and her “mental schedule,” that keeps her busy all year around.

“It would happen. I know it would happen,” she said. “It’s got a life of its own now.”

Forest Kindergarten: natural learning

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The importance of Language and Culture is urged wherever it can be seen or heard. Whether it’s the Mi’gmaq Word of the Day, language classes at the Education Directorate or the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Center.

Several years ago, the Mi’gmaq Immersion Program was initiated at the Alaqsite’w Gitpu School. It has grown to include the Forest Kindergarten program, which has also grown exponentially since its inception three years ago.

Forest Kindergartens have been described as “kindergartens without ceilings or walls.” This concept originated in Germany in 1958, and has since been used all over the world – from Europe to South Korea, and now Listuguj

Joyce Germain has been teaching the Mi’gmaq Immersion Forest Kindergarten program since the beginning. It is one of few Forest Kindergarten programs in Canada, and has seen a lot of changes.

“It was just a trial,” she said.  “We noticed that it was running smoothly – and that the kids were benefitting from the program.”

During the first year, the outings with students could happen 2 days in a week. The next year it increased to 3 days. This year, students can now go out and learn every day of the week.

“I decided to continue to work with the kids daily, rather than just a few days a week,” Germain said.

She quickly noticed the benefits the program has on the youth. The children`s enthusiasm for learning,  and the behavioral differences, simply from changing the setting from indoor to outdoor.

“There’s a lot of other benefits,” she said.  “The Scandinavian countries, when they started the outdoor program, one of the investigations and findings that they found is that the children got sick less often.”

Richard Louv – author of The Last Child in the Woods (2005) – coined the term “nature deficit disorder.”  He describes the disorder as the human costs of alienation from nature. Louv concludes that direct exposure to nature is essential for a child’s physical and emotional health, and that it’s vital for healthy childhood development.

Germain noticed that the kids developed better stamina, and that they learned to investigate. She described the program as a “inquiry based learning system.”

“Whatever they do outside, they learn from it – they’re the ones that look for what they want to learn,” she said. “They feel a sense of ownership to what they’re learning and once a child feels that way, they’re proud.”

Germain is always looking for ways to incorporate the core education subjects. 

“They learn through natural play – if I were to notice that there are rocks, or that they’re counting sticks, I would try to encourage them” she said. “That is how I incorporate math into the outdoor program. I incorporate all four subject areas – math, language arts, science and social studies.”

The program has been so successful that others are taking notice. The First Nations Education Council were filming a documentary in Listuguj about it early this year. Germain and her colleagues have also been asked to build a curriculum to help train other First Nations communities on how to begin and grow their own outdoor programs.