December 12, 2017 (Listuguj, Quebec) – On December 11, 2017 Council adopted an Order in Council (OIC) to give the mandate to Mtre. Joanne Brodeur, which is a third party lawyer to conduct an independent inquiry. This will launch an independent investigation concerning the adoption and the enforcement of Order in Council no. 2334.
Council has unanimously decided to move forward with this inquiry, a decision that was accepted by all parties. The purpose of the inquiry is to move forward and maintain a harmonious relationship between Chief and Council so that Council can properly service the community members of Listuguj. Chief and Council have agreed and are expected to conduct themselves accordingly throughout this inquiry process.
“I feel that this inquiry will allow Council to move forward and continue to lead our community in a professional and transparent manner,” said Chief Darcy Gray.
Council continues to express the importance of being more accountable to the community members of Listuguj. The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government wishes to establish a comprehensive regulation to ensure good government in Listuguj.
“I believe this inquiry will strengthen our internal process along with the Code of Conduct,” said Chief Darcy Gray.
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For information:
Jill Martin, OCC Coordinator Mike Isaac, Communication Manager
From the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador
First Nations Police Services: A Priority
Ottawa, December 6, 2017 – “If the governments of Canada and Quebec had decided to bring about the failure of the self-managed First Nations police services, they could not have found a better way.” This is the reflection of Ghislain Picard, chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) at the time when the chiefs of the AFNQL gathered in Ottawa recall the inaction, in recent years, of responsible ministers, in particular that of the Federal Minister Ralph Goodale, in the financing of First Nations policing services.
“Over the last 40 years, the First Nations of the AFNQL have put a great deal of effort into developing and maintaining quality police services for their populations. First supported by the Department of Indian Affairs, then by the Solicitor General which became Public Safety Canada, with the subsequent collaboration of the Province of Quebec, our police services have never been supported adequately by Canada and Quebec. Why?
“The Chiefs of the AFNQL ask this question, and above all demand to be involved in the solution. Remember that the Government of Canada has formally committed to developing a respectful, nation-to-nation relationship with us. We are still very far from achieving this objective, this issue being a perfect example,” affirmed Ghislain Picard.
“While both the Federal and Provincial Governments continue planning their budgets in secrecy, we are once again kept in uncertainty about the future of our police forces. The governments do not have to concern themselves, that come April 1st, they may not have a police force to protect them and their families. Not once has it crossed their minds that continuing to plan our future without us and make decisions for us is a discriminatory process that ripples and effects how our other essential services perform. The right thing to do here is to go above the status quo, go beyond the standard. Maybe one day they will wake up and realize that we are still here, we are not going away, and we are getting stronger. If they decide to humanize this situation, they will realize that First Nation Policing is more than just a program that can be shut down, but an essential service.”, declared Councillor Lloyd Alcon from Listuguj, Portfolio of the Public Safety file at the AFNQL.
About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador is the political organization of 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. www.apnql-afnql.com
Listuguj, December 1, 2017- With the objective to restore balance within Council, the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government have decided to lift the suspension of a Council member until an independent inquiry can take place to resolve internal issues.
The Council decision for a suspension based on the breach of the code of conducted was posed as a protective measure rather than punitive, in the interim time that a procedure could be decided on. The breach of the code of conduct could have affected the reputation of the community and employees who have contributed significantly to the progress LMG is making on its initiatives.
The purpose of the Code of Conduct policy is to maintain a harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship between Chief and Council and the Listuguj Members. The Council’s desire is to serve the Members fairly and efficiently. Accordingly, the Council is determined to establish an effective and respectful working relationship among each other and with the Membership.
The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government is committed to resolving effectively and sensitively, any existing issue within the Council that may hinder the Council’s duties to serve the people. “We are being very proactive in addressing any internal political conflicts, internally, with the individuals concerned, and we have our community matters under control, with the best interests of our people at heart,” says Darcy Gray, Chief of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government.
During the process of the inquiry, the LMG Council asks for discretion, until the situation can be investigated. Until then, Council members will turn their attention to their Council responsibilities for the growth and empowerment of the community.
The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government is recognized as a government and have a right to self-determination and autonomy. The LMG’s Code of Conduct policy is part of Listuguj’s process for self-government, and is the policy in effect for the Council.
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SOURCE: Mike Isaac, Communications Manager
Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government
misaac@listuguj.ca
Tel: (418) 788-2136
/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/logo-lrg.png00Mike Isaac/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/logo-lrg.pngMike Isaac2017-12-01 14:56:542017-12-01 14:59:48Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government believes in independent inquiry to resolve internal issues
Listuguj, November 28, 2017- With the objective to restore balance within Council, the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government have decided to move forward with an independent inquiry to resolve the issues related to the recent suspension of a council member for breach of the code of conduct.
Last week, LMG sent a letter inviting the Councillor who had been suspended to request an appeal and redress process as outlined in the Code of Conduct and conflict of interest for Chief & Council, or request an independent inquiry, where either options would also involve suspending the decision so that the Councillor could resume to her Council duties during the decision process.
In response, the Councillor proposed a third option which would be to use the restorative justice approach. The LMG was open to the proposition and committed to bring the idea to Council and during a Council meeting on November 27th, after weighing the pros and cons of each option; it was decided by consensus that the best approach to resolve the issue would be an independent inquiry.
The Council, including the concerned Councillor are all on board with this approach and hope to resolve this in a sensitive and effective way with the main objective to return to their Council roles and responsibilities and serve the community with a united and positive leadership force.
During this process, the LMG Council members are asked to exercise discretion with regards to this file, and will ensure that an update is presented to community members on the case at the appropriate time. Until then, Council will continue to turn its attention back on community files for the growth and empowerment of the community.
Mike Isaac, Communications Manager, misaac@listuguj.ca (418) 788-2136
Jill Martin, Office of Chief and Council Coordinator, jill.martin@listuguj.ca (418) 788-2136
/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/logo-lrg.png00Mike Isaac/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/logo-lrg.pngMike Isaac2017-11-29 10:37:512017-11-29 10:37:51LMG to move forward with an Independent Inquiry to resolve internal conflict
CONSEIL SCOLAIRE DES PREMIÈRES NATIONS EN ÉDUCATION DES ADULTES
FIRST NATIONS ADULT EDUCATION SCHOOL COUNCIL
O P E N C A L L F O R T E N D E R S
To provide coordination services to support the Community of Practice in Housing Project financed by the First Nations Adult Education School Council through a grant from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
T E N D E R I N G P R O C E S S # 1 7 1 1 2 4
THE FIRST NATIONS ADULT EDUCATION SCHOOL COUNCIL – THE FNAESC
Formed as a Trust in 2012, the First Nations Adult Education School Council seeks to provide the necessary leadership for the implementation and operations of the First Nation Regional and Local Adult Education Centers (RAECs) of Quebec. The FNAESC is committed to providing high quality adult learning environments that focus on culturally relevant student-centered learning in a safe and healthy environment that reflects the values of First Nations and allows the students to gain the necessary knowledge and skills required for their future educational endeavours and employment.
There are currently four RAECs supported by the FNAESC. They are located in the communities of Lac Simon (Kitci Amik RAEC), Kahnawake, Listuguj and Uashat mak Mani-Utenam.
The mission brings the FNAESC to establish partnerships with different educational institutions with the objective of offering more training, adapted to the needs of learners in the communities.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT AND COORDINATION EXPECTATIONS
The Community of Practice in Housing Project developed after the launch of the Attestation in Collegial Studies in Housing Management, a project created by the First Nations Human Resources Development Commission, in collaboration with Cegep Garneau’s Continuing Education Department. Following consultations with communities as well as potential students, the Community of Practice in Housing (CoPH) was created. Funding for the CoPH Project ends on March 31, 2018, but there is a possibility of extension.
The CoPH is searching for a coordinator to support the Development Committee and ensure the objectives of the project, as outlined in the project submitted to funders, are achieved. The roles and responsibilities of the coordinator may include the following, among others:
Support the Development Committee:
Organize meetings, as needed;
Prepare the agenda and minutes for each meeting;
Ensure the viability of the CoPH by integrating it into daily activities of housing agents;
Animate and vitalize the CoPH’s main tool: Workplace;
Promote the CoPH and inform communities of its advantages;
Implement a system of co-evaluation;
Track the project’s budget and funding;
Write and submit grants, as per the Development Committee’s needs;
Ensure the overall administration and communication related to the
CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION TO THE TENDER
The coordinator must
Be a member of a First Nations community, preferably in Québec;
Possess a comprehensive understanding of the First Nations Housing Sector in Quebec;
Be able to travel, as per the needs of the CoPH;
Strong listening and synthesis abilities;
Have superior communications skills both in English and in French, both written and spoken;
Work in a digital environment;
Be organized, autonomous, and able to work with very little supervision;
Be able to manage the aforementioned tasks within 30 to 40 hours each month, on average.
DELIVERY OF TENDER
Coordinators wishing to submit a tender may do so by email before December 1, 2017.
Tenders may be forwarded to:
FNAESC Director
jobs@conseilscolaire-schoolcouncil.org
/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/logo-lrg.png00Mike Isaac/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/logo-lrg.pngMike Isaac2017-11-28 08:17:562017-11-28 08:25:46Open Call For Tenders
/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/logo-lrg.png00Mike Isaac/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/logo-lrg.pngMike Isaac2017-11-27 12:28:502017-11-27 12:50:27Agenda for Upcoming Community Meeting
The Lands and Membership department would like to notify the community that band card renewal will only take place on Mondays and Tuesdays effective Monday, November 27, 2017. This will also be done by appointment only. To ensure that your needs are properly met, you can contact Christine (Tina) Barnaby at 418-788-2136 to make your appointment.
Thank you for your understanding.
/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/logo-lrg.png00Mike Isaac/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/logo-lrg.pngMike Isaac2017-11-24 08:43:302017-11-24 08:48:40New Schedule for Band Card Renewal
On behalf of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, I wish to speak to you on some important issues that affect our community. Recently, we faced some conflicts within our council and I wish to reassure you that this is being dealt with. The main objective is restoring unity in our council, for the best interest of our community as a whole. The LMG is committed to resolving effectively and sensitively, any existing issue within the Council that may hinder the Council’s duties to serve the people.
One topic that has come up on this matter is the Code of Conduct, and I want to take this opportunity to elaborate on this policy. The purpose of this policy is to maintain a harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship between Chief and Council and the Listuguj Members. The Council’s desire is to serve the Members fairly and efficiently. Accordingly, the Council is determined to establish an effective and respectful working relationship among each other and with the Membership.
The Council’s decision for a suspension was solely based on a breach of the code of conduct which could have affected the reputation of the community and the hardworking staff at LMG who have contributed significantly to a beneficial economic opportunity for the prosperity and economy for our community. I will not get into details today on the conflict related to the suspension of a council member but I will acknowledge that this council member has publicly expressed disagreement with the decision.
I have sent this Council member a letter with an offer to consider solutions, including a request for the appeal and redress process outlined in the policy, or, should this not be satisfactory, an alternative path which could involve the request of an independent inquiry. The Council member has accepted my invitation, she does not wish to use the procedure outlined in the code. She is open to a conflict resolution and proposes instead to use the restorative justice procedure.
I welcome this proposition openly and I commit to bringing this to Council at our next meeting, where we will take a decision on the choice of procedure; this will also involve suspending the decision, which will allow for this council member to resume Council responsibilities. The Council wishes to come to a resolution on this conflict as soon as possible so that we can restore balance and focus on working on community files.
I am very conscious that community members have not had access to all information pertaining to the Zenabis file until now but we have shared as much as we can. I assure you that we will communicate this information with you, in all transparency.
I invite you to visit our website and our Facebook page, in the next few days, where we will publish a fact sheet that will answer any questions that you may have on this particular file.
In closing, I allow myself to highlight the announcement made this Monday by the government of New Brunswick that confirms having concluded an agreement with Zenabis, for the provision of Cannabis to New Brunswick- the retail value of which is between $40-$50 million. For Listuguj, this represents an opportunity that will not only provide a financial return, but more importantly – a partnership built from meaningful conversations, a vision for the future within the sector, and lasting, mutual, beneficial, business relationship.
More details will come in the upcoming days.
On behalf of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government,
Thank you for your time and continued involvement.
Wela’lieg!
For more information please contact:
Chief Darcy Gray, chiefdarcy.gray@listuguj.ca (418) 788-2136
Mike Isaac, Communications Manager, misaac@listuguj.ca (418) 788-2136
Jill Martin, Office of Chief and Council Coordinator, jill.martin@listuguj.ca (418) 788-2136
/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/logo-lrg.png00Mike Isaac/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/logo-lrg.pngMike Isaac2017-11-23 09:50:062017-11-23 10:24:50Message from Chief Darcy Gray
The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform Kahnawa’kehró:non that it has received notice from the Mi’gmaq community of Listuguj in regard to hunting practices on its territory.
According to a letter sent to Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton by Listuguj Chief Darcy Gray, respectful hunting practices are not being followed by Kahnawà:ke hunters on Mi’gmaq territory, and that the issue needs to be addressed between the Councils. As a result, the Listuguj Chief and Council has declared a moratorium restricting access to their community’s hunting territory until a protocol is developed.
In addition to the letter, Chief Gray came to Kahnawà:ke last week to meet with Grand Chief Norton to further inform him of his community’s concerns. The issue was discussed at this past Monday’s weekly Council meeting, where Grand Chief Norton and Ietsénhaienhs Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer were given the responsibility on behalf of the MCK to address the issue with the Listuguj Council.
“We have had a long and friendly relationship with the Mi’gmaq people – and Listuguj in particular – for a great many years,” stated Grand Chief Norton. “We will work diligently to find a workable solution for this problem to ensure our great relationship is maintained.”
/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/logo-lrg.png00Mike Isaac/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/logo-lrg.pngMike Isaac2017-11-15 13:24:032017-11-15 13:24:03Moratorium on Hunting in Listuguj territory
After careful consideration, The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government would like to express our concerns in regards to the misleading statements in regards to the Zenabis investment.
It certainly is unfortunate that information that could be deemed inaccurate and seemingly misleading is disseminated using an unofficial LMG means of communication. What is more unfortunate, is the potential legal and financial implications which may result in the dissemination of seemingly defamatory statements.
There has been a tremendous amount of hard work that has been taking place between LMG staff in Economic Development, Post-Secondary Education, LMDC and Zenabis. It has already been discussed at council that, Zenabis, Human Resources and LMG employees are collaborating to ensure our people work at every level within the organization. This shows that Zenabis has an invested interest in collaborating with Listuguj to build the capacity of our people to enter the industry.
Additionally, information on their network/partners can easily be found by conducting research online. This allows our community members to get additional information on Zenabis.
Council have followed the direction from community members who were in attendance at the public meeting that took place on September 12, 2017.
The LMG has been, going back to August 19, 2016, conducting consistent communications on or in regards to public events, Council minutes, Social Media and other LMG Communications.
The LMG would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the community members who attend these meetings/events and express themselves. We hear you and continue to listen to your feedback to help guide us to properly lead as your elected council.
Moving forward it has been the decision of Council to:
Have additional meetings with Zenabis to allow Council more opportunities to increase their current understanding of the industry;
Consult with an accountant and/or economist on the purchase of shares, giving opportunity for council to gain a better understanding on what it means to be a shareholder;
Coordinate another public meeting to give the community another opportunity to engage with Chief & Council on the investment with Zenabis moving forward.
In conclusion, The LMG is aware we have the fiduciary duty and will continue to provide accurate information based on fact as often as it is available.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Mike Isaac, Communications Manager at 418-788-2136 or misaac@listuguj.ca
