“All you need is an open mind and remember to be gentle with yourself.”

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Listuguj’s Paige Isaac has built a strong foundation in the community with her educational and professional background. Formerly the Mi’gmaq Cultural Coordinator for the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government’s Education Directorate, she has now started LMDC’s Mi’gmaq Immersion Classes, and is also currently completing her Masters of Education this year with Cape Breton University.  In addition to these impressive qualifications, Isaac is also a certified yoga instructor.

She attended her first yoga class roughly 15 years ago when she was residing in Montreal, to help balance and reduce the stress that comes along with being a university student. Since then, she has been practicing ever since.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Isaac took a 200-hour yoga teacher training program. Then, in 2021, she came across an organization called Native Strength Revolution, that offers a teacher training course online open to Indigenous people across North America. After this online course, Isaac then completed a 300-hour teacher training. As part of this program, students were required to complete 50 hours of continuing education, and Isaac chose to focus her time on teaching youth. She also enrolled in several courses including yoga for neurodiverse children, and a program called “Girl on Fire” which offered yoga and personal development sessions for young girls.

When it comes to trying yoga for the first time, Isaac said, “All you need is an open mind and remember to be gentle with yourself.” People often associate yoga with being flexible, but that is not the case. It is a way to ground yourself, find balance, and form a connection with breath.

Isaac is open for bookings if anyone or any organization is interested in her yoga teachings. She is available to teach any age groups from children to Elders. You can message her via Facebook Messenger (Paige Isaac) or by email at paigeeisaac@gmail.com

By Ann Marie Jacques

Listuguj Launches Its First Basketball League

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In April, Listuguj introduced its very first organized basketball league – the Listuguj Basketball League or “LBL.”  This league was made possible by Haven House Male Mentor/Support Worker and Councillor for the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, Erwin Molley.

Molley is known for his hard work and dedication when it comes to youth and athletes in the community. Hosting summer basketball camps and drop-ins, his non-profit organization, Kicks for Kids, and as of most recently the Listuguj Basketball League.

The league consists of six teams and 53 players. There is no age restriction for the league – the youngest player currently being 14 and is open to both male and female players from in or out of the community. Games are held Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday nights from 8PM-10PM at the Alaqsite’w Gitpu School (AGS) gym.  The league runs for 10 weeks and will conclude with playoffs and championships.

When talking about the importance of an organized sport like this in Listuguj, Molley said, “Right now, it’s a good time at the moment to expose these players to something that’s good and meaningful to them. Something to look forward to.”

Regarding the future of the Listuguj Basketball League, due to its success this year, Molley would like to continue for as long as possible. He would also like to establish a “Listuguj Basketball League Jr.” next year for youth as young as six years old.

Spectators are always welcome at AGS, but if you’re unable to make it, you can catch the games live on Chuckles and Chatters Facebook page, a podcast hosted by Erwin Molley and Mitchell Isaac.

The success of the Listuguj Basketball League would not be possible without help from everyone involved. Erwin Molley, Payton Isaac, Mitchell Isaac, the referees, scorekeepers, and anyone else who volunteer their time to ensure a smooth and positive experience for all league participants.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Robyn Vicaire – Highlighting the Importance of Mobility and Strength Training

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Listuguj’s Robyn Vicaire has a highly impressive educational background when it comes to the care of muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. She studied to be an occupational/physiotherapy assistant at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), received a personal training specialist certificate, and most recently obtained a master’s degree in Kinesiology. Vicaire specializes in orthopedic rehabilitation and corrective exercise. She offers knowledgeable one-on-one personal training classes in her fully equipped in-home gym in Listuguj, and group fitness classes typically held at the Civic Center in Campbellton. 

When it comes to exercising, Vicaire stresses the importance of gaining strength and improving joint mobility and balance for preventing and rehabilitating common injuries, such as bone fractures, sprains, and joint pain. She said, “I find for a lot of people, exercise is linked to appearance, and losing weight, but I really want to send more of a message that exercising can be beneficial for improving quality of life. For example, training muscles and joints appropriately can reduce injury risk and boost performance in sports and everyday activities.” 

A lot of the time, when individuals decide to start going to the gym or exercising, they don’t know where to start. They may get overwhelmed, or overdo it, and this increases the risk of injuries. It’s important to be aware of how the body works and what your body can tolerate when it comes to bodyweight exercises or training with weights. Vicaire said, “You have to learn to progress yourself accordingly. If you don’t know how to do it yourself, that is where you can benefit from someone else teaching you.” 

As individuals age, their bodies naturally start to lose muscle strength and bone density, placing individuals at a greater risk of falls and fractures. This begins as early as the age of 30 and speeds up the older we get. This is why it’s important to focus on mobility and building muscle. This can be done through balance training, mobility training, training against resistance, or strengthening muscles required for good posture. 

Anyone can request a consultation by messaging Robyn Vicaire on Facebook, registering online at https://FunctionallyStrong.as.me/ or via phone at 418-320-9223.  During a consultation, individuals can expect to talk about their medical history, past injuries, and fitness goals they’d like to achieve.  

Group training such as Hip Mobility and Aqua Mobility classes are also offered and held at the Civic Center. Individuals can book a class using the same method as consultations.  

Keep an eye out on social media for more information on upcoming classes with Robyn Vicaire!

By Ann Marie Jacques

GRAYSON ISAAC TO TRY OUT FOR THE DETROIT JR. RED WINGS TEAM

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Even though Grayson Isaac is only nine years old, he has already had an impressive and extensive hockey career that began at a very young age. He said, “I was on skates at two, and I started playing hockey at four or five.” Isaac is the son of Michael and Sarah Isaac and is currently a grade four student at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School in the community.

Isaac is a goaltender and plays for two teams in the area. He plays for the Restigouche U11 Comp A Vikings, and for NB Ice in the Spring. Last year, he was selected to play for the Atlantic Apex team.

Last year, Isaac was asked to play in a tournament in Quebec City. The team he was on was coached by former NHL hockey player, Danny Cleary. Isaac’s goalie skills and love for the game were quickly noticed in Quebec City, and he was recommended to the Brick team, the Detroit Jr. Red Wings. Isaac was invited to Detroit, Michigan to try out for their Brick hockey team. He will be going during March Break.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Isaac. The team consists of hockey players born in 2015. The Detroit Jr. Red Wings were also last year’s winners at The Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament.

Isaac will play two games and take part in an evaluation camp while he is in Detroit at the Little Caesars Arena. If he makes the team, he will play at The Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament later this year at the West Edmonton Mall in Alberta.

While he is in Detroit, he will get to attend two morning skates with NHL team, the Detroit Red Wings, and a locker room tour. He will also get to attend two NHL games.

This is an incredible opportunity for Isaac, who has so much talent when it comes to hockey. His goal is to one day play for the NHL, and his favourite hockey player is Carey Price.

Be sure to cheer on Isaac while he tries out for the Detroit Jr. Red Wings team in March!

By Ann Marie Jacques

Alaqsite’w Gitpu Sports Banquet 2023-2024 Winners

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Soccer
Coaches – Felix Atencio-Gonzales & Omar Louafi

Rookie of the Year – Henry Gibson
Most Improved – Emily Barnaby
Top Defensive – Grace Condo
Golden Foot Award – Alexis Metallic
Most Valuable Player – Alexis Metallic

Gitpugji’jg Basketball
Coaches – Jennifer Morrison, Jonathan Barnaby & Tyler Gedeon

Gitpugji’jg 2

Most Improved – Kiana Anderson-Isaac
Defensive Player – Trenton Morrison
Most Valuable Player – Anthony-Bernard Savoie
Rookie of the Year – Cooper Metallic

Gitpugji’jg 1

Most Improved – Levi Isaac
Defensive Player – Mia Legace
Most Valuable Player – Tucker Barnaby

Gitpu’g Basketball
Coach – Erwin Molley

Rookie of the Year – Henry Gibson
Most Improved – Macy Wysote and Tejay Barnaby
Top Defensive Player – Triton Vicaire
Most Valuable Players – Hawk Barnaby and Alexis Metallic

Gitpu’g Volleytball
Coach – Tyler Gideon

Most Improved – Vaan Barnaby and Anthony Bernard-Savoie
Defensive Player – Mia Legace
Most Valuable Player – Henry Gibson

Alaqsite’w Gitpui’sqwaq Volleyball
Coaches – Miranda Goodfellow & Jennifer Morrison

Junior Varsity

Rookie of the Year – Mila Vicaire
Most Improved – Avery Barnaby-Court
Defensive Player – Mia Legace
Most Valuable Player – Aubrey Wysote

Varsity Rookie of the Year – Kaylee Willett
Most Improved – Nahla Barnaby
Defensive Player of the Year – Alexis Metallic
Most Valuable Player – Macy Wysote

Major Awards
Fan of the Year – Mandy Belliveau
Junior Fan of the Year – Henry Gibson

Paqt’sm Award Winners:
Alexis Metallic
Jeremi Caplin-Lavoie
Levi Isaac
Amelia Isaac
Millie Legacy
Knoxx Vicaire
Emily Barnaby

Gitpuji’jg Female Athlete of the Year – Mia Legace
Gitpuji’jg Male Athlete of the Year – Henry Gibson

AGS Female Athlete of the Year – Alexis Metallic
AGS Male Athlete of the Year – Hawk Barnaby

FNEC Inter-School Games

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Congratulations to all the athletes at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School who participated in the FNEC Inter-School Games from May 23 to 26 at the Universite Laval, Quebec.

Boys 16-18 Basketball – 1st Place Champions
Boys 13-15 Basketball – 2nd Place
Boys 10-12 Basketball – 1st Place Champions – Undefeated for a second season.
Girls 13-15 Volleyball – 4th Place

Thank you to all the coaches, parents, chaperones, and volunteers who made this possible. The community is so proud of the athletes and their hard work and dedication to sports.

Sports and Recreation at AGS

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Listuguj’s Alaqsite’w Gitpu School (AGS) thrives on the personal growth, well-being, and education of students in the classroom, and this is also the case when it comes to sports and recreation. Physical education teachers Jennifer Morrison and Tyler Gideon work hard inside and outside of the school with students to ensure they are receiving the best coaching and mentorship when it comes to playing sports.

Jennifer Morrison has been a physical education teacher at AGS for the past four years. She started during the COVID-19 pandemic, and during this time, sports had to be put on hold. Fast forward 2-3 years later, and sports and recreation are at an all-time high in the Nursery to Grade 8 school.

Morrison stated that she was hesitant at first when she was offered the job as a physical education teacher. She wasn’t sure she was familiar and comfortable enough with various sports and rules, but ultimately it ended up being better than she could ever have imagined. Gideon joined AGS two years ago. He has an impressive background when it comes to sports and coaching with over 30 years of experience. The two teachers collaborated with many people to make AGS sports what it is today. Morrison said, “We’ve had a lot of people come together through coaching, chaperoning, and volunteering to help these programs really kind of take off.” Since Morrison and Gideon are the physical education teachers, this is beneficial when it comes to finding students who are passionate about sports, and who show willingness to learn and play in a team setting.

Both Morrison and Gideon are advocates for creating opportunities when it comes to sports and recreation. AGS combines passion and culture in its sports teams. Morrison and Gideon believe sports open doors and are always eager to recognize and acknowledge the student’s determination and progression.

Last year in 2023, the school started with one boy’s middle school basketball team (grades 6-8) – Gitpu’g, which eventually led to an elementary-aged basketball team (grades 3-5) – Gitpu’ji’jg. Having an elementary-aged basketball team was a first for AGS, and it came with major success that this year, the school was able to compile a second team for this age group. All basketball teams are now co-ed.

Last year, many students expressed interest in a volleyball team. With the help from volunteers, a volleyball team was formed. There were five coaches during the first year, who worked with the students on the rules and logistics of the game. The school now has two girls’ volleyball team called Gitpui’sqwaq and a boys’ volleyball team.

AGS also offers soccer, cross country, mountain biking, softball, track and field, and as of last month, swimming. They are continually working at bringing new sports and recreation activities to the school.

This year, more students than ever expressed interest in joining sports teams. A lot of students are joining multiple sports teams in the school as well.  “Every team that we had last year, we more than doubled them this year, and there are still kids who are wanting to join,” said Morrison.

For those students who may not be quite ready to commit to a team, but would like to get a feel for sports, AGS offers intramurals. These are various sports played in the gym or soccer field during recess times. There are intramural playoffs and championships, which give the students exposure and a taste of what playing sports competitively is like.

AGS competes in various sports jamborees during the school year. Last year there were four jamborees held throughout the season. These jamborees consist of all the teams that the school typically plays against (Campbellton Middle School, Lord Beaverbrook School, Jacquet River School, etc.) Listuguj held a basketball jamboree for one of the Gitpu’ji’jg basketball teams in February. The team was undefeated for the second season in a row.

The school also attends the annual First Nations Education Council Inter-School (FNEC) Games. This brings together athletes from all First Nations schools in Quebec. This year it is being held in Laval, Quebec from May 23-26. The coaches plan on bringing a number of teams and athletes to participate. This will be Morrison’s third year attending the FNEC Games. This is a great opportunity for the students to play amongst other First Nation communities.

Every year the school celebrates its athletes with a Sports Banquet.  Last year there were roughly 150 attendees at the sports banquet, Morrison is expecting the turnout to be bigger this year. Several awards are handed out, such as Athlete of the Year – in which a feather with the student’s name will be on display in the gym. This is for middle school-aged students. Last year they introduced the Gitpu’ji’jg Athlete of the Year, which goes up until grade five. A feather is given to students to go up on the wall for this as well.

When the school year comes to an end, Morrison and Gideon offer sports and recreation summer camps for students. This is typically a three-week program over the summer break.

All the sports and recreation wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of the teachers, coaches, volunteers, and parents. They are always seeking volunteers and recruitment to help when it comes to coaching and chaperoning students and athletes at AGS. If you are interested, contact 418-788-3100.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Mitchell Isaac Named Coach for Canada’s 3D Archery Team

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Mitchell Isaac began archery in 2019. His children and wife were heavily involved in the sport, and Isaac eventually decided to give it a try. The first time he played, it didn’t go so well, but he didn’t get discouraged, he kept trying, and once he was shown the mechanics of how to properly shoot a bow, he quickly fell in love with it.

Isaac said, “Archery was something I never really saw myself doing growing up. I’m a trained hockey player, and hockey was the only thing I knew when it came to competitiveness.”

Isaac is now the owner of the Listuguj Archery Club, and the Vice President of the Restigouche Archery Club, located in Atholville, New Brunswick. During the indoor season, Isaac practices in Atholville at Alma Hall, and during the outdoor season, he shoots and trains in Listuguj. Isaac is responsible for managing and coordinating archery in Listuguj and setting up ranges in the paintball field and ball field in the community. 

Earlier this month it was announced that Isaac has been selected to be the coach for Canada’s 3D Archery Team at the 2024 World Archery 3D Championships. This will be held in Mokrice, Slovenia from September 30th to October 6th.  Last Fall there was a call out that Team Canada was looking for a manager and coach. Isaac applied for the coach’s position and was selected for an interview, ultimately landing him the title of coach.  This event takes place every two years, and the team is selected at Outdoor Nationals, which was held in 2023 in British Columbia. Any athlete who competed at the Nationals was eligible to be on Team Canada.

Isaac will be coaching 20 adult athletes from all over Canada. Six athletes will be returning from the 2022 event. Isaac is currently working on obtaining his Competition Development Coaching Certification, which is the highest level you can get in Canada. He will be using this certification to help the team with strength and endurance training. There is a lot of training when it comes to the sport of archery, not only physically, but mentally. Visualization is important, as well as mental preparations for consistency.

“What’s really special about archery is the community that you become a part of,” said Isaac.

If you are interested in trying archery, you can reach out to Isaac via Facebook at Listuguj Archery Club or Restigouche Archery Club. During the indoor season, the first night is free, afterwards, those looking to practice archery must be a member of Archery New Brunswick, which comes with an annual fee for adults and children.

Good luck to Mitchell Isaac and Team Canada at the 2024 World Archery 3D Championships!

By Ann Marie Jacques

2nd Dan Black Belt – Joey Caplin

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Listuguj’s Joey Caplin is currently in grade 10 at Sugarloaf Senior High School, and will be going into Grade 11 in the Fall. His grandmother put him in Taekwondo when he was six years old because he was getting bullied. “It wasn’t for the sake of just being able to go fight someone, it was for inner confidence and discipline,” said Caplin.

Caplin earned his black belt in Taekwondo when he was 12 years old. Earlier this year with focus and persistence, he achieved his Second Dan black belt. He will be able to earn his Third Dan black belt in two years’ time when he is in Grade 12. In Taekwondo, the highest level of belt you can achieve is the 9th Dan black belt, which takes roughly a lifetime of years to attain.

Caplin’s favourite thing about Taekwondo is the traveling that comes along with competing. He loves the environment and meeting new people. In traveling through Canada, he has also had the opportunity to meet famous athletes.

He trains in Atholville, NB at Patrick Soucy Taekwondo. He would like to add that his grandfather, Frank Caplin has been driving him to Taekwondo since day one. Caplin said, “That’s a lot of dedication that he’s done my whole life really. He’s getting old, but he still always drives me, he cares about me a lot.”

The Taekwondo competition season has come to an end, but he will continue training during the summer months and will work to achieve his Third Dan black belt.

By Ann Marie Jacques

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