Listuguj Kicks off National Addictions Awareness Week with a Wellness Walk

Last month the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government (LMG) teased a new initiative coming to the community. Earlier this month the Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative (LWRI) was unveiled.

The LWRI focuses on the well-being and health of our community members and will provide education, resources, and support for all.

This includes the promotion of a combination of clinical, cultural, and holistic approaches to wellness, empowering community members to overcome substance abuse and addictions, and advocating for positive change.

This initiative is supported and endorsed by Listuguj Chief and Council.

For its very first event, the LWRI partnered up with Listuguj Community Health Services for the first-ever Wellness Walk to kick off National Addictions Awareness Week. The walk took place on Friday, November 17^th, and it was a great success.

It was wonderful to see so many people participate in this Wellness Walk. After the walk, everyone gathered at the Community Centre, where speeches were held. Chief Scott Martin spoke about how addictions impact everyone in the community. LMG’s CEO Bassem Abdrabou spoke about how it’s all about making a difference in even one person’s life. Several LMG directors spoke about how wellness and healthy lifestyles are important to their directorates:

Michael Isaac Sr. – Director of Education
Tanya Barnaby – Director of Social Services
Donna Metallic – Director of Health
Fred Metallic – Director of Natural Resources

The keynote speaker of the event was Listuguj’s Warren Morrison. Morrison spoke about his battle with substance abuse. He stated that from ages 15-26, he struggled with addiction. He has led an addictions-free life since August 4, 1996, and spoke on how important community support, resources and communication are to individuals looking to overcome addiction.

Thank you to everyone who made this event possible:

Listuguj Community Health Services
Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative
Listuguj Community Social Services
Listuguj Public Security
Listuguj Communications Department
Christine Metallic – Opening Prayer and Community Smudge
Warren Morrison – Keynote Speaker
Michael Isaac Jr. – MC
Diane Bernard – Caterer
J.M.I Designs
Chaleur Signs
Annette Barnaby and Rose Vicaire at the Listuguj Community Development Centre
IGA Extra Campbellton
Provigo Réjean Lévesque
Pizza Delight
Tim Horton’s

By Ann Marie Jacques