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

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