Meet Jayda, The Language and Activities Coordinator at Waqatasg

Jayda Hartlin is the Language and Activities Coordinator at the Waqatasg Elders Home. With a love for planning and coordinating activities, she was confident that this position was a perfect fit.

Hartlin first became familiar with Waqatasg while visiting her grandfather before his passing. The experience left a lasting impression and ultimately inspired her to apply when the position became available.

“When I was coming here for his last days, it was different walking in here. I’ve never been in a nursing home, but walking into Waqatasg, this doesn’t feel like a nursing home. It feels very comforting, very welcoming. During that time, they offered us to go eat in the dining room, and seeing the residents all together and seeing everyone connected was very nice. So, when the job came up, I wanted to try it, to see what it was like over there, what kind of environment, but so far, it’s been lovely. It’s a beautiful building; everyone is very kind and helping me out”

To include language lessons with the residents, Hartlin asks the students in the Mi’gmaq immersion program to come in and speak with the Elders and looks to incorporate the Revitalization program to visit as well. Residents have also enjoyed a wide range of events, including lunch with the Listuguj Police Department, bingo, crafts with Lita Isaac, and visits from Alaqsite’w Gitpu School (AGS) students. The residents’ favorite activity by far is painting. Their creativity is on full display in a small gallery of artwork that welcomes visitors as they enter Waqatasg. Upcoming activities include summer outings around the community, live music performances, and monthly Pokeno games that are open to community participation.

The positive impact of these activities has been evident. Hartlin has noticed improvements in the residents’ overall well-being, especially when they have opportunities to spend time with the youth, share stories, and remain connected to the community.
She has also found the conversations personally rewarding. Listening to Elders share memories, whether they are talking about their careers, spending time on the river, or growing up in Listuguj, these conversations have given Hartlin a deeper appreciation and a reconnection to the community’s history and the importance of preserving those stories for future generations.

By Ivy Grenier