Honouring the Late Lloyd Jacques and Vincent Martin

On August 14th, a water ceremony and monument unveiling were held on the wharf on Marshall Way to honour the late Lloyd Jacques and Vincent Martin. Both men who lost their lives on the water practicing the Mi’gmaw’s inherent rights to fish.

The event began with an introduction from Dr. Cathy Martin. A prayer and water ceremony were done by Elder Roseann Martin. Seven tobacco offerings were placed on a tree. Followed by smudging the waters, and the Mi’gmaq Honour Song.

Chief Scott Martin thanked everyone for making the monument and event possible in the community. He said, “It’s an honour to be here. I want to thank all the fishermen who fish and exercise their rights – whether it’s commercial – it’s the way of our life. We want to keep it traditional.”

Director of Natural Resources, Dr. Fred Metallic reflected on Vincent’s infectious smile, saying, “When he would smile, you’d have to smile with him.” He also spoke about Lloyd’s peaceful presence.

Marcy Jacques spoke on behalf of the Jacques family and honoured her father, Lloyd, who passed away in 2014 on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. She also spoke about how it is important to continue to respect the waters, as it provides us with food and medicine to help sustain our lives.

Joanne Martin spoke on behalf of the Martin and Jacob family and honoured her brother, Vincent. Vincent passed away in 2004 while salmon fishing. Martin said, “It has been many years since he has left us in 2004, but the pain of that feels like it was yesterday.”

Both Marcy Jacques and Joanne Martin unveiled the monument, which consisted of photos of both the late fishermen along with epitaphs, and a Mi’gmaw transcription in the center that reads:

apjiw
gepmite’lmanej aqq angite’lmanej
‘ms’t usgewinu’g
O’ Gisu’lgw, etamuleg angweiwan
ta’nig elta’jig etlinsanoqonig
apaqtug, ‘gta’nug, aqq ta’n te’s’g sipu

English translation:

Let us forever honour and remember all fishers. Oh creator, we ask that you watch over those who head to the risky waters of the ocean, the sea, and rivers.

By Ann Marie Jacques