New Mural on Display at Waqatasg Elders Facility

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Over the past two months, Listuguj artist, Derek Condo has been working on a mural in the cultural room at the Waqatasg Elders Facility, and it is now complete. The piece is titled, “Ta’n Te’loltimg” and it means how we are living – either in the past, today or tomorrow.

Condo extends his gratitude for the positive feedback from the community during the progress of the mural. He says he put his heart and emotions into the piece, and expressed how special it is for him to know he has created a piece like this in a home for our Elders.

The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government recognizes the artistic talent and dedication from Condo. We are honoured to have this mural on display in our community.

The mural is open to the public for viewing. Please speak with the receptionist upon arrive at the Waqatasg Elders Facility.

By Ann Marie Jacques

What’s Happening at the Waqatasg Elders Facility?

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Weli’egsitpug, Hi my name is Keetha Metallic and I am your new Culture and Language Coordinator at  Listuguj Elder’s Home named “Waqatasg”.

I am so happy to have this opportunity to work with our elderly. I coordinate the activities in our facility, and I also work with other departments regarding the Elderly.

We also have a volunteer group that volunteers for our clients at Waqatasg and I just want to say thank you, Welalieg. For all the volunteers that take the time in their busy lives and spend some time with our clients. You do bring so much more into our facility.

You are more than welcome to come and visit or volunteer anytime, just give us a call at 788-3495 and we can set things up.

Welalieg,

Keetha Metallic/ Language and Culture Coordinator

Waqatasg, Nation Lane

Listuguj, Quebec

G0C 2R0

Honouring and Remembering MMIWG2S+

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May 5th is the National Day of Awareness and Remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQ+, also known as “Red Dress Day.”  

A few statistics regarding MMIWG2S+ according to the Assembly of First Nations:

  • Indigenous women are four times more likely than non-Indigenous women to be victims of violence.
  • Indigenous women make up 16% of all female homicide victims, and 11% of missing women, yet Indigenous people make up only 4.3% of the population of Canada.
  • Indigenous women are twice as likely to experience violence from their current or former partner.
  • A little more than 13% of Indigenous people experience violence from their current or ex-partner, a proportion twice as high as non-Indigenous people (5.7%).
  • Indigenous women are more likely to experience physical and sexual assault than non-Indigenous women.
  • 56% of Indigenous women have suffered physical assault, and 46% have experienced sexual assault. By comparison, about one-third of non-Indigenous women have suffered these assaults in their lifetimes.
  • From 2001 to 2014, the average rate of homicides involving Indigenous female victims was four times that of those involving non-Indigenous female victims.
  • In the territories, this over-representation of Indigenous women among homicide victims was even higher.

On May 5th, an event was held at the Listuguj Community Centre (Bingo Hall) hosted by the community’s women’s shelter, Haven House. The event was emceed by Haven House Manager, Sheila Swasson, who thanked the community for the continuous support for this event every year. She spoke about the importance of MMIWG2S+ and said, “Far too long, the violence of Indigenous women and two spirit people face, have been overlooked.”  An opening prayer was then done by Blanche Martin.

The first guest speaker was Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Specialist, Kali Barnaby with Victim Services at the Listuguj Police Department. Barnaby spoke about trusting your gut, and how maintaining good mental health and physical health is important when it comes to situational awareness. Always having proactive measures and safety plans in place is essential for ensuring security and well-being, this includes being aware of your transportation options, updating emergency contacts and being vocal about your whereabouts with your support system.

The next guest speaker was Chléo Pelletier, a Consultant at Quebec Native Women. Pelletier spoke about the organizations Mapping Project for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirits in Quebec. The Mapping Project works in collaboration with Quebec Native Women, the Université du Québec en Outaouais, the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal, and an advisory committee in the province. The objectives are to release new public data, create a commemorative map, and bring light to families’ stories and experiences.  An online interactive map is set to be completed in 2026, that will help trace and give a voice to those effected by the MMIWG2S+ crisis.

The final guest speaker was Holly Miller, a Licensed Counselling Therapist-Candidate at Restigouche Family Services. Restigouche Family Services is an organization in Atholville, NB which offers a variety of services, such as therapy, counselling, speech therapy, addiction treatment and much more.  The organization recently introduced a program called Sacred Bundles, which is being led by Holly Miller and Sara Mitchell. Sacred Bundles is an Indigenous led mental health initiative, that takes a more cultural approach when it comes to counselling. Restigouche Family Services will be offering their counselling services under the Sacred Bundles initiative, in the community of Listuguj in the upcoming months.

Although May 5th is the designated day for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirits, it’s important to spread awareness on this crisis every day.  Thousands of women, girls and two-spirit people have gone missing or been murdered in Canada and many of these cases have never been solved. It is important to honour and remember the victims, and their families.


To get in touch with Listuguj’s Women’s Shelter, Haven House, you can contact the 24 hour crisis line: 418-788-5544, or find them on Facebook.

For more information on Victim Services in Listuguj, contact Kali Barnaby at 418-320-9224 or kali.barnaby@listuguj.ca

For information on Restigouche Family Services, or their Sacred Bundle program, call 506-753-4161, or info@sfr-rfs.ca

By Ann Marie Jacques

Elawsimgewei Gina’muo’guom Wraps Up Its First Pet Grooming Course

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Listuguj’s Adult Education Center, Elawsimgewei Gina’muo’guom offers a variety of courses in the community, such as, Secondary V Diploma (High School Diploma), Mi’gmaw Language and Culture, French, and more. One of their newest courses that was offered in the Fall of 2024 was Pet Grooming, that came to an end in early May. This was the first time this program was offered at the Center, and overall, it was a success.

The course had two instructors: Julie Leblanc and Patrick Sears. Julie Leblanc is the French instructor at the Center and ran a pet grooming business for 20 years. Patrick Sears currently works for the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government as the Occupational Health and Safety Policy Developer but worked as a Veterinarian Technologist for a number of years prior.

This 495-hour program offered a number of modules related to pet grooming and pet care, for both dogs and cats. It is the only course of its kind offered on the Gaspé coast, that offered hands-on learning with fully functioning tubs, grooming tools and equipment inside the Center. LeBlanc offered her expertise when it comes to grooming techniques, equipment and tools, styling, developing a business, and more. Sears offered his expertise regarding animal behaviour and body language, anatomy, and health and safety practices. The students visited veterinarian clinics in the area, the local animal shelter, and had guest speakers come in, giving the students networking opportunities in the pet care field. The course also included a Pet First Aid Course offered by St. John Ambulance.

Three students have graduated from this course obtaining a certificate recognized by the Certificate of Professional Studies (Attestation d’etudes profesionnelles – AEP).

Congratulations to Elawsimgewei Gina’muo’guom’s Pet Grooming course 2024/2025 graduates:

  • Margaret Caplin
  • Frédérique Fortin
  • Talyane Bujold

If you would like information on Elawsimgewei Gina’muo’guom and the courses they offer, call 418-788-9078, email bemoffat@lete.listuguj.ca or visit them today at 4 Pacific Drive in Listuguj.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Listuguj and Québec sign framework agreement creating government-to-government negotiations

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May 14, 2025, Listuguj, QC –Ian Lafrenière, Québec’s Minister Responsible for Relations with the First Nations and the Inuit, met with Chief Scott Martin and council members of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government to sign a framework agreement establishing a new negotiation process between the two governments. The agreement recognizes that the Listuguj Mi’gmaq have a unique culture, language, legal tradition, and national identity. It establishes a government-to-government negotiation table with Québec to build respect and mutual trust in the spirit of peace and friendship.

“Signing today’s agreement is a step in the right direction,” said Chief Martin. “Our relationship with Québec hasn’t always been easy. There hasn’t always been respect for our rights, our laws, our treaties, or our territory. With this new negotiation process, that is starting to change.”

The agreement supports future negotiations regarding the recognition of Listuguj’s treaty and Aboriginal rights, including Aboriginal title.

“We want to improve the lives of our community members by exercising our self-determination. We want to increase our presence on the territory. We want our Mi’gmaq laws to be recognized,” said Chief Martin. “I am very happy Québec is willing to explore how we can make this happen.”

The new framework agreement does not define or limit Listuguj’s Aboriginal or treaty rights in any way.

Negotiations are anticipated to begin without delay. The framework agreement has a term of 10 years, after which there is an option for renewal.

Douglas Pictou and the AGS Drum Group

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The Alaqsite’w Gitpu School (AGS) drum group has been a staple in the community since the school opened in 1997. Several students have been members of the group over the years. One of these members was Douglas Pictou, the Performing Arts Coordinator at AGS, who has been facilitating the drum group at the school for the last three years.

Pictou first attended AGS when he was 11 years old, and said when he was younger living in Dalhousie, New Brunswick, he didn’t connect to his Mi’gmaw roots until he was introduced to drumming. He said, “When I got here, it was my first introduction, to not just seeing different practices in the culture, but attire, language, displays all over the school. There was a big pride over it.” Being a member of the drum group was important to Pictou at this age, and he started to really embrace his Mi’gmaw identity. He stopped drumming during his teenage years and in his early 20’s, but picked it up again while working with the Listuguj Youth and Family Centre, and eventually in his current role at AGS.

The AGS Drum Group are a group of 10 students ranging from grades 5 to grade 8. They practice twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday at recess, and perform at school events, community events, and at other schools in the area.  Every year Pictou reaches out to previous members to see if they would like to re-join, and for remaining spots, a sign-up sheet is posted in the school.

Although the drum group can be seen as a fun extracurricular activity, it’s much more than that. It’s a respected ceremonial practice that needs to be taken seriously. Pictou said, “I have certain philosophies, disciplines and protocols that were taught to me over the years, and these are the same things that I implement with the students.” It’s important for the students to show commitment, dedication and recognize the spirit of the drum.  Pictou talked about the importance of proper enunciation when it comes to singing and performing. He coaches the students to ensure they are sounding everything out, and using their tongue, lips and teeth.

What sets the AGS Drum Group apart from other drum groups are female members. Pictou said, “One of the big things that was talked about when I first started was, ‘Are you going to let females in your group?’ Traditionally that is not a thing we do.” Traditionally, women made drums for men to use as medicine and to heal and chant.  Pictou went around the school speaking to Elders asking their opinion on allowing females in the group. Ultimately Pictou decided that he would let females join the drum group. For the past two years, the AGS Drum Group has had female members, who demonstrate pride and treat the role with earnestness.

This year, there are two leaders: Makayla Barnaby and Levi Isaac. The leaders are responsible for controlling the honour beats, supporting fellow group members, and just being a team leader overall. It is important for all group members to conduct themselves in school and be respectful, as they must hold themselves to a high standard when being a part of the group.

When it comes to teaching and mentoring the students, Pictou said, “I love doing events with them, especially when I can kind of sit back and watch them conduct themselves. It makes me proud of them.” He hopes that the students will take the knowledge and perseverance and apply them in the future when they leave AGS.

AGS Drum Group 2024-2025 School Year:

Levi Isaac
Makayla Barnaby
Charlie Drapeau
Pasmay Paul
Bethany Martin
Hendrix Bear
Alex Morrison
Vaan Barnaby
Keegan George

By Ann Marie Jacques

Wishing Listuguj Fishermen and Fisherwomen a Safe and Successful Snow Crab Fishing Season!

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On April 5th, Listuguj fishermen and fisherwomen went out on the waters to kick off the 2025 snow crab season.

We recognize the sacrifice and dedication that they do for your community.

Below you will find a prayer in Mi’gmaq, by Karen Martin and A.G.S. Mi’gmaw Immersion grades 3 & 4 in 2023, written specifically for the fishers:

Usgewinu’gei A’sutmaqan

Wela’lieg Gisulgw ta’n telignmuieg nme’juaqan.

Geleiwattesg ula usgewinu’g apaqtug elta’jig ugjit ta’n te’sieg aqq ‘nt-nnueigati’mi-nen.

Pugwelg wetapesultieg ta’n teliusg’ti’tij.

Wela’lieg ta’n tellugutioq aqq etawa’tieg ’ms’t ula’s’gtn samuqwanigtug.

Na tliaj. 

Introducing Dr. Jean-Paul Dedam, M.D. – Listuguj’s New Physician

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In March, the Listuguj Community Health Services Directorate announced that Dr. Jean-Paul Dedam, M.D., will be joining their team as the new physician in the community. Having a physician in Listuguj is something that Listuguj Community Health Services (LCHS) has been working towards for quite some time. They wanted someone with experience in caring for Indigenous people, with ties to the community and Mi’gmaw culture. Dr. Dedam was a perfect fit for the position.

Dr. Dedam is a Listuguj community member, who grew up in Maine. Prior to taking on this new role, Dr. Dedam was living and working in New Mexico. He is temporarily residing with his uncle, Herbie Martin and Elizabeth Barnaby, and is in the early stages of learning Mi’gmaq. He is hoping to take Mi’gmaw Immersion classes later in the year. Although this will be his first time living in Listuguj, he said, “In the back of my mind, I was always preparing myself to come here.”

He has been a Board-Certified Family Physician since 2009. He went to college, medical school, and did his residency training in New England. He has outstanding work experience having worked in hospital settings, running a non-profit organization in Nicaragua, facilitating a Diabetes Empowerment Group, working on Cancer Center Symptom Management and is a Board-Certified Medical Acupuncturist. Dr. Dedam understands the trauma that Indigenous people face, and how that plays a significant role when it comes to health. He said, “The root of almost all health disparities in Native communities, other than some degree of poverty – varying by community, is trauma. Historical trauma and unfortunately ongoing childhood trauma.”

Dr. Dedam recognizes how cultural healing and practices can be beneficial to individuals. He has taken part in sweat lodge ceremonies and recently attended his first Mi’gmaw sweat lodge in Eel River Bar. He said, “I do think that ceremony and traditional practices have the potential of helping Native communities in that healing journey.”  Eventually, Dr. Dedam would love to bring more Indigenous medical staff and students to Listuguj to practice medicine.

LCHS Director, Donna Metallic, spoke about the importance of having a family doctor in the community. She stated that it was a long process for Dr. Dedam, and how exciting it is that it has now become a reality. She said, “It’s very important, because he’s a community member, he’s going to see firsthand, the realities of living in a First Nation community and addressing the colonization and the traumas.” Metallic spoke about the rise of addictions in the community, and how a doctor is needed more than ever.

LCHS recently had a meeting with the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (Ministry of Health and Social Services “MSSS”), Centre intégré de santé et de service sociaux (Integrated health and social services center “CISSS”), plus partners at the Maria hospital, Dr. Dedam and clinic staff at LCHS. LCHS expressed their needs through the Mawlugutijej Cancer project. They stressed that the community needs to feel connected and have access to health care and resources. Dr. Dedam will be working with a family of physicians with the Groupe de médecine de famille (Family Group Medicine “GMF”). There has been an agreement with the MSSS for Listuguj community members to be able to bypass any Medicare card issues they may be dealing with. There will be a Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) navigator available at LCHS that will do applications for individuals who currently do not have a Medicare card.

Dr. Dedam will be offering house visits, he’ll be working closely with the Listuguj Community Social Services and the Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative, as well as Mawiomi Treatment Centre in Gesgapegiag and the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal. Metallic said, “Dr. Dedam being here for the past few weeks, it’s been a whirlwind of visits, site visits, meeting with the different stakeholders that we have here, our sister community of Gesgapegiag as well. So that he really gets an understanding and a feel of what the portrait of our community is here.”

Dr. Dedam will begin his role as Physician at LCHS starting May 1st. Over the past few months, LCHS has been asking community members who do not have a family doctor, to contact them with their information. Those community members without a family doctor, will be taken as patients by Dr. Dedam, and will have access to his services. As of right now, Dr. Dedam will have an office at the Waqatasg Elders Facility.

If you have any questions regarding Dr. Dedam’s services, or for any other services offered at Listuguj Community Health Services, please call 418-788-2155.

Welcome Dr. Dedam!

By Ann Marie Jacques

Chief’s Message with Chief Scott Martin – April 2025

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In early April, our fishermen and fisher women in the community went out to start the snow crab season. On behalf of Chief and Council, and the community of Listuguj, we appreciate all your hard work. I wish you all a safe and prosperous season.

I hope you all had a great Easter, surrounded by friends and family. Looking forward to the nice weather ahead!

LMG Communications Department Working on New Video Initiative – ‘Ms’t No’gmaq

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The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government (LMG) Communications department holds great importance within the organization, as well as the community as a whole. The department is responsible for updating social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), LMG’s website, the Wi’gatign newsletter, video content, live-streaming events, photographing events, digital message boards and internal communications within LMG.  They work to promote and preserve the Mi’gmaw culture, language and traditions through these various media channels.

LMG’s Communications department consists of five employees who play pivotal roles in getting information out to the community:
– Communications Manager – Michael Isaac
– Media Journalist – Ann Marie Jacques
– Communications Officer – Julianne Wysote
-Multimedia Technician – Wayde Barnaby
– Graphic Designer – Kate McBrearty

The department would like to introduce a new project, ‘M’st No’gmaq – meaning, “All My Relations” in Mi’gmaw.  This will be another form of communication in Listuguj and another way to deliver information to community members.

What community members and viewers can expect to see on ‘M’st No’gmaq:
-Discussions on important topics in the community
-Information on LMG services and programs
-Interviews with leadership, LMG Directors/Managers/employees, Elders, youth and community members.

The videos will be a mix of live streams that give viewers the chance to comment and ask questions in real time, and pre-recorded videos that will feature appearances from special guests in the community.

If you have any suggestions on what you’d like featured on this new video initiative, send your feedback to feedback@listuguj.ca.

Keep an eye on LMG’s social media channels for upcoming information on ‘M’st No’gmaq!

By Ann Marie Jacques