The Listuguj Rangers – Protecting Mi’gmaw Fishing and Hunting Rights Since 1994

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After the salmon raids of 1981, regulation and self-governance was needed in the community, therefore the Listuguj Rangers department was established in 1994. Since then, they have gone on to be an integral part of Listuguj: helping protect the Mi’gmaw’s fishing and hunting rights, assisting with Public Security and educating the public on the importance of conservation. As of today, the Listuguj Rangers have approximately 30 members on their team, six boats and 5 fully serviced trucks.

Don Leo Arsenault has an impressive and extensive work background. He was a US Marine in the 90’s, he worked for the Listuguj Police Department, he was a commercial fisherman, and has worked on and off as a Ranger in the community since 1998. Two years ago, he took on the role as Chief Ranger. When it comes to his role, Arsenault said, “Seeking out this job, and coming back to work here, it’s all about being out in nature. Just going to patrol on the river, it’s not a job per-se, when you’re out there, you feel like what people would feel on vacation.”

The Listuguj Rangers protect the Restigouche River and cover the annual salmon fishing season in June/July, rock crab fishing, and seasonal lobster fishing in Carleton. They now monitor a new zone for lobster fishing within Miguasha. They are also responsible for patrolling up in the woods during the Fall hunting season. They work to ensure all laws and agreements that have been implemented in the community are abided by and respected.

They collaborate with Public Security in the community when needed and will help with roadblocks and other duties as they arise. They donate and distribute salmon and lobster and take part in a number of fundraising events in the community.

Receiving training for Search and Rescue duties when needed in the community is a possibility for the future.  If an incident were to happen in the river, or in the woods, the Listuguj Rangers would be called to assist. Search and Rescue training would include the use of GPS and grid squares, and ensuring all surrounding areas are covered.

In June, 20 Rangers graduated from College d’Alma with a diploma in Wildlife Protection. This program provides in-depth training regarding wildlife and their habitats. Having official certification from the government opens more funding opportunities for the department.

Since 1994, the Listuguj Rangers have been managed under their own government, and have worked harmoniously with the community and surrounding areas. They continue to work to preserve, manage and conserve all natural resources and the right to fish and hunt.

By Ann Marie Jacques

MMBC’s Plans and Projects

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Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC) has been working hard on many projects to bring economic growth and new opportunities to our people. Here’s what we’ve been up to
and what’s coming next.


Clean Energy with Wind Power
One of our biggest projects is the Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n 2 (MU2) wind farm. This project, an extension of the original 150 MW Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n (MU) wind farm commissioned in 2016, is all about using wind to create clean energy. Partnering with Innergex Renewable Energy Inc., the MU2 project will generate 102 MW of power. This project will help the environment and bring jobs and economic benefits to our community. The best part? We have a 30-year agreement with Hydro-Québec, signed in May 2023, to buy this power, ensuring steady income for many years.

Growing in Wind Farm Maintenance with East Coast Wind
We’re also growing in the wind energy sector through our partnership with East Coast Wind Inc. MMBC now owns a majority stake in East Coast Wind, specializing in wind farm maintenance and repairs. Established in June 2023, this partnership means more jobs and economic growth for our community. We’re excited about the opportunities this brings and how it aligns with our commitment to sustainable energy.

Moving into Information Technology
We are also stepping into the tech world! MMBC has joined forces with PLC Info Inc. to provide IT services. This new partnership, launched in April 2023, will help us expand into the IT market, create jobs, and develop tech skills within our community. The new company, PLC Info Limited Partnership, will serve clients in the Atlantic provinces and beyond, offering a wide range of IT solutions.

Supporting Our Community and Culture
At MMBC, we believe in supporting our community in every way possible. Our projects are designed to bring economic benefits while respecting our Mi’gmaq traditions and values. We aim to balance making money with looking after our social, environmental, and cultural well-being. It’s all about making sure our growth helps everyone in the community.

Exciting New Projects Ahead
Looking to the future, we have some new projects in the pipeline. While we can’t share all the details yet, we can say that these projects will bring even more opportunities and growth to our community. Stay tuned for more updates!

New Website Coming
MMBC is dedicated to building a brighter future for the Mi’gmaq of Gespe’gewa’gi. We invite everyone to join us on this journey. We are working on a new website to update you with our latest projects and initiatives. Stay tuned, follow us on social media, and stay connected. You can find us at mmcorporation.ca.

Your support and involvement are key to our success

Chief’s Corner with Chief Scott Martin – July 2024

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The Summer months have been busy here in Listuguj! We’re keeping busy with several events and happenings in the area. Embracing the sunshine, the water, and taking in our beautiful territory. Our next big event is the Listuguj Pow Wow that is happening August 3rd and 4th. Thank you to the Pow Wow committee for their hard work on making this once again another unforgettable Pow Wow season!

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to everyone going through the loss of family members and loved ones. Our community has been hit hard with losses recently.  Please know that I am thinking of our community members during this difficult time.

Brian Moon Releases New Single, “Train Wreck Love.”

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Listuguj’s own Brian Moon, had an interest in music from a very young age. When he was five years old, he won a singing contest, and the rest is history.

When he moved to Ontario, he was part of a number of country music groups, one alongside Wally Moon. Brian Moon went on the road with the band, Rarebreed from Coast to Coast in Canada. He eventually moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he resided for 14 years, and toured the states, headlining several casinos and state fairs.

In 2020, Moon was inducted into the North American Country Music Association Internation (NACMAI) Hall of Fame. The induction was postponed until 2022, due to the COVID-19.

Not only is Moon a talented country music singer and guitar player, but he is also the owner and Program Director of 89.9 FM KIC Country Montreal, located on Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake, QC.

Back in March of this year, Moon released his brand new single titled, “Train Wreck Love” accompanied by a music video. He released another single at this time, with Leona Williams, ex wife of the late Merle Haggard.

Moon will be in the area with two performances over the Summer. He will be kicking off Listuguj’s Annual Pow Wow with the Mi’gmaq Boys on Friday, August 2nd at 7PM. He will also be playing at Sugarloaf Provincial Park on Monday, August 5th for New Brunswick Day.

When it comes to future plans, Moon says he has great things coming up. He also said, “I just want to thank everyone who likes my music and keep requesting it on the radio!”

Find Brian Moon’s music, along with his new single “Train Wreck Love” on various streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and Youtube, Dr. Cathy Martin also has physical copies available on CD and USB.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Listuguj’s Grocery Voucher Program

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The Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate (LCSSD) offers several beneficial services and programs to aid in the well-being of community members. One of these programs is the Grocery Voucher Program.

The Grocery Voucher Program (“food vouchers”) is a redeemable paper document that clients can use at the local IGA Extra grocery store in Campbellton, New Brunswick. This program was implemented in place of the physical food bank that was offered to registered band members in the past. It is available to all Elders, Social Assistance Clients, and individuals with low income. Individuals who wish to utilize this resource must apply every 30 days.

To apply, individuals need to fill out an application which requires mandatory information such as: name, address, band number, number of children and household members, etc. Individuals can apply for these vouchers every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The vouchers are processed and created on Thursday and are available for pickup at LCSSD at 2 Gef St. every Friday. Due to Summer hours, pickup of food vouchers will be available Fridays until noon until August 30th.

Khaliah Barnaby Morrison is the Community Support Coordinator at LCSSD and runs the Grocery Voucher Program. When it comes to the importance of this program, Barnaby Morrison said, “This initiative is significant for our community as it allows people to have agency over their spending and shop specifically for their dietary needs. This program also allows our department to fully see how necessary the program is to individuals and their families, especially in our current climate of extreme food pricing. Helping individuals and families, and providing relief is the most crucial part of this program.”

If you would like to apply for food vouchers, or would like more information on this available resource, please contact Khaliah Barnaby Morrison at 418-788-3039, by email at khaliah.barnaby@listuguj.ca or in person at 2 Gef St.

By Ann Marie Jacques

What’s New at Waqatasg Elders Home?

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On July 19th, a staff orientation meeting was held at the Waqatasg Elders Home for all new staff: Management, Nursing, Personal Support Workers, Administrative, Kitchen, Maintenance, and Custodial.

The following week, Waqatasg opened its doors to two Listuguj Elders who are currently residing in other facilities outside of the community.

The community is looking forward to having our Elders back home.

Congratulations to the new team at Waqatasg so far!

There are still nursing positions and other positions available. For more information on available jobs at the Waqatasg Elders Home, click the link below.
https://listuguj.ca/jobs/

By Ann Marie Jacques

Maternal & Child Health Program

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The Maternal and Child Health program provides prenatal care, including monthly prenatal follow up assessments, assistance with finding a doctor to follow you through your pregnancy in collaboration with CLSC, referrals to Midwifery services, group activities and teachings, as well as incentives if followed regularly. There is additionally a continuum of care postnatally, including a postnatal follow up assessment of Mother and Baby 24-48 hours after discharge from hospital, breastfeeding support, and additional postpartum support and resources available as needed. In addition to pregnancy, the Maternal and Child Health program will follow your baby for regular growth and development assessments, immunizations, as well as assistance with referrals for any additional needs.
If any of these services are required, of you have any further question, please call the Listuguj Community Health Center at 418-788-2155, and request to speak to a member of the MCH team.  

Listuguj to Get New Police Station

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The Listuguj Police Department (LPD) is scheduled to have a new home by August 2024. The building is currently under construction on Highway 132.

Sharon Barnaby has been working with the LPD since 2000. She began as a Constable, took on the role of Investigator, and, as of March this year, the Interim Chief of Police. Barnaby and her team are looking forward to moving into the spacious new station. “The officers, being the foundation of the police department, their squad room will be three times the size it is now,” said Barnaby. The LPD has been in its current building on Pacific Drive since 2006. Since then, the department has obtained much more equipment and technology, and its team has grown significantly, as has the infrastructure around the station.

When it comes to moving locations, Barnaby said, “We look at where we’re at centrally; in the past, it was fine, but then they built Head Start, which shares our parking lot. We have the daycare that’s in proximity to us. We have Haven House right there, and we have the Health Center. At any given moment, our parking lot can be filled with people.”

In the Spring of 2023, the project began with a Call for Tender for the construction of the new police station. The project is fully funded by the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness of Canada and the Ministère de la Sécurité publique of Quebec. The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government’s Chief Executive Officer, Bassem Abdrabou said, “The building will have more room and space. It will accommodate the continuous growth of Listuguj and the future plans for the Police Department to ensure the safety of the community.”

By Ann Marie Jacques

Local Business Spotlight – Wasueg 3D Printing

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Wasueg 3D Printing was established roughly two years ago. Interest in this business began shortly after 12-year-old Aliyah Wasueg Bernard received a 3D printer for her Birthday. Her siblings, 10-year-old Anthony Bernard Savoie and 8-year-old Ayanna Bernard Savoie, received 3D printers shortly after.

All three children attend Alaqsite’w Gitpu School (AGS) in Listuguj and developed a passion for 3D printing after enrolling in the school’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, and Math) program. Their dad, Gino Savoie, said, “If it weren’t for AGS, we probably would never have gotten into this.”

The business, Wasueg (meaning “flower” in Mi’gmaq), started with one printer and one roll of plastic. The family sold their creations solely on Facebook, and every penny made was reinvested into the business. Eventually, their home was filled with four 3D printers and printing materials that they needed to expand. They moved into their current location at 64 Water St. in Campbellton two months ago.

Wasueg 3D Printing creates various items and products, such as decorations and lamps. They also offer custom-made products, household item replacements, and more. Most of their products use Polylactic Acid, commonly known as PLA, for 3D printing. It is derived from corn and is 100% biodegradable. Regarding the material, Aliyah Bernard said, “If it breaks, you can put it in hot compost, garden, or in the ground, and then it will be gone.”

The children enjoy creating new products and experimenting with the 3D printers and materials. Anthony Bernard Savoie’s specialty is making gaming products, such as controllers and headphone stands. He said one of his favourite things about 3D printing is “Making big robots.”

Be sure to follow “Wasueg 3-D Printing” on Facebook for hours and available products. If you are looking for a custom item, stop into the shop on 64 Water St. or send them a Facebook message.

By Ann Marie Jacques

20 Years of Service Celebration

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At the end of May, the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government held a celebration to recognize employees celebrating 20+ years of service with the organization.

Congratulations to the following employees:
Darla Caplin
Christopher Metallic
Bruce Mitchell
Denise Isaac
Karena Condo

Absent from photo: Vance Brisk and Winston Barnaby