Connections: Mi’gmaq Youth Leadership Peer Program

This is a 12-month Mi’gmaq Youth Leadership Peer Program “Connections” designed for youth ages 11-17 to help the youth learn positive life skills that they will carry out into adulthood. Some of these skills will educate the youth to adapt to their cultural needs, build valuable leadership skills, teamwork, social skills, problem solving, time management and help develop their potential. It will give the youth the opportunity to meet other youth, learn the history, values and beliefs of their community. This program offers a selection of outdoor activities and numerous workshops which will require parent/guardian permission. The program will start September 2024 and end in August 2025.  More information will be forthcoming in the coming months.  If you have any questions or would like more information about the program, you may contact Jamie Metallic, Youth Leadership Connections Coordinator of the Justice Transformation Initiative by email jamie.metallic@listuguj.ca or by telephone at (418)788-0351 ext. 1292.

Jamie Metallic’s Bio:

Kwey Listuguj!

I’m Jamie Metallic, the new Youth Leadership Peer Program Coordinator. I’m thrilled to join and serve the community where I grew up. My connection to Listuguj runs deep, and I’m grateful for the experiences I’ve gathered along the way.

Over the years, I’ve worked with the Listuguj Social Services Directorate and more recently for Aboriginal Legal Services in Ottawa, and have devoted many hours to promoting healthy lifestyles among our people. My journey has been enriched by embracing our ceremonies, culture, and land-based education, all of which have helped me develop skills and a passion for life.

I firmly believe in the power of sharing knowledge and supporting our youth. My goal is to provide tools that engage and empower our young people, helping them build the confidence they need to succeed. I look forward to working with everyone and making a positive impact together!

Nicholas Duguay’s bio:

My name is Nicholas Chad Duguay, I am 24 years old, from Listuguj.  I have a fiancé, soon to be wife with two beautiful stepdaughters.  I started my journey on becoming a mentor and working with youth at the Listuguj Youth Center in 2022.  During my time at the Youth Center, I’ve gained a rapport with the youth and their families.

The more that I work with the youth, the more motivated I become to be a better role model within our community. 

Now that I’ve started a new role in the Youth Leadership Peer Program as the Support Worker with the Justice Transformative Directorate, I am eager to be involved with our community and help develop new skills for our future leaders, the youth.

Goals:

Passing on my knowledge from our elders to our youth

 Making our youth proud of where they come from

 Getting our youth more involved in the community

 Making the Mi’gmaq Youth Connections Leadership Program successful

Achievements:

112x Basketball medals

85x Player of the game awards

Played in NAIG 2017 Toronto (Basketball)

Traveled all over Canada & US playing vs the top players (basketball)

Government Of Canada Turnaround Achievement Award    

Hobbies:

Sports

Fitness

Hunting/Fishing

Outdoor activities