A Message to Our Community Members

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We are living through a rapidly evolving and extraordinary time where the situation is changing rapidly. Our staff is working around the clock to keep you informed of all the latest information from our government, and we thank you for your ongoing patience as we navigate this new reality together. A big “hats off” to our essential staff who have been working tirelessly since our shut down on March 17, 2020. Wela’lieg for your on-going service. We appreciate all the work that you do, and your commitment to the wellbeing of Listuguj.

We are pleased to report there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Listuguj. This means the precautionary measures we’ve implemented thus far have been successful. Rest assured, the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government is doing everything we can to ensure and protect your health and safety. We do this by staying up-to-date on recent health developments, meeting regularly with our emergency response team, and by maintaining regular communication with federal, provincial and First Nations governments, including our neighboring municipalities.

We would also like to thank all of you who have shared your unique circumstances with us regarding accessing the JC Van Horne Bridge. We hear you, and we are here to help. That’s why we have recently opened an e-mail address to collect community concerns so that we can better address your needs. If you have questions or concerns, please e-mail us at feedback@listuguj.ca.

Have a great weekend, stay home and stay safe.

Community Notice

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We want to thank you all for your ongoing patience as our government works to clarify the miscommunication at the checkpoint established at the Van Horne Bridge. Chief Darcy Gray has been in communication with the Government of New Brunswick, and we have confirmation from all levels that Listugujewaq can continue to access essential services such as grocery stores, pharmacies, medical purposes, and work for essential personnel. 

We have confirmation as of 5:00 p.m. from the conservation sergeant in charge of the checkpoint that Listugujewaq will not be turned away for accessing these essential services. Chief Darcy Gray is urging community members to respect the guidelines below until we can reach a common understanding, government to government, on how we will proceed moving forward.

Guidelines to be respected:

  • Community members are asked to limit their travel across the bridge to essential travel ONLY;
  • We are asking that there be one occupant per vehicle (if possible), and have the following information on-hand: 
    • I.D. (license, medicare card, or other)
    • Indian Status Card
    • Purpose of travel
    • Contact information

We want to thank community members who shared their unique circumstances with us. Rest assured your concerns are heard and we are working hard to find answers. We thank you for your patience during this time. If you have a unique circumstance we ask that you please inbox our Facebook page, and we will do our best to help you find answers.

Urgent Update from the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government

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Update as of 3:40 p.m., March 25, 2020:

The press release issued by Premier Blaine Higgs still remains unclear. As we continue to work and clarify the situation, we encourage community members to use this time to retrieve supplies from grocery stores or pharmacies only to meet their essential needs. We are encouraging essential travel only. Please stay tuned for future updates.

 

 

Moments ago Chief Darcy Gray was informed that Premier Blaine Higgs is scheduled to make an announcement at 2:30 p.m. regarding a potential shutdown of the interprovincial border connecting New Brunswick and Quebec scheduled for 3:00 p.m. We’re told this action is their government’s effort to protect the health and safety of New Brunswickers. A decision, that if followed through, would be made knowing the high risk impacts it would have on the citizens of Listuguj and the surrounding areas that rely on access to food and services located in Campbellton, New Brunswick. 

The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government has been in on-going discussions with the province regarding the significant impacts of closing the border. Despite our concerted efforts to work with the province in good faith, we are concerned that Premier Higgs will make an executive decision to cut our access to essential services such as food and access to drug stores in New Brunswick.

Chief Darcy Gray is now in an emergency meeting with Council discussing these new developments and will make a public announcement ASAP.

Update from the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

The Listuguj Chief and Council, in collaboration with senior management, has approved the extended closure of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government based on the recommendation of the Emergency Response Team. LMG offices will remain closed until Wednesday, April 15, 2020. This decision will be re-assessed before the official return date and communicated to our community members, staff, and public.

 

COVID-19 Updates as of March 24, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.:

  • There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Listuguj.
  • Today, the Premier of New Brunswick briefly discussed inter-provincial border access during the province’s daily public update. The purpose was to reflect that public health remains a top priority and to balance how people need to have access – but to do it safely. The LMG is aware of this need and is working collaboratively with the Government of New Brunswick.
  • The LMG website has been converted to meet the communication demands of COVID-19. Please consult the LMG website or LMG social media pages for up-to-date information regarding the LMG’s response to COVID-19.

 

Chief and Council would like to take this opportunity to thank our essential personnel for their on-going dedication and service to our community. Your efforts do not go unseen. Wela’lieg.

Council Asking Non-Essential Service Providers to Close Business

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The Listuguj Chief and Council and the Emergency Response team are jointly urging businesses who provide non-essential services to close amid the increased risk of spreading COVID-19. 

Council is asking all non-essential service providers to close business by 12 p.m. noon Friday, March 27, 2020. Businesses that can close sooner are strongly encouraged to do so.

Only businesses offering the following essential services can remain open:

  • Convenience stores
  • Cannabis retailers
  • Gas stations
  • Repair services (construction, electrical, plumbing, and heating)

These additional measures were not taken lightly but were deemed necessary to ensure the public health and safety of our community members. We would like to thank you for your cooperation and understanding during these difficult times. 

If you are a business owner with operations within Listuguj Lands and you would like to get up to date information regarding emergency management measures, sign up for our business email list by contacting Natalia Caplin at natalia.caplin@listuguj.ca.

 

Additional Measures Implemented by the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government

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The Listuguj Chief and Council, in collaboration with the COVID-19 Emergency Response Team are advising community members that additional measures have been deemed necessary to help curb the potential spread of COVID-19 in our community.

The following measures have been approved by Council, and take effect immediately:

  • The gas station and convenience stores (selling food and other necessities) are essential and can remain open. All essential businesses operating within Listuguj Lands are required to take the appropriate measures of reducing the risk of transmitting COVID-19, which includes disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and providing stations for customers/staff to wash or sanitize their hands.
  • Non-essential visits to Listuguj (e.g. gambling) increases the risk of exposing our community members to COVID-19. Effective immediately, all gaming operations within Listuguj Lands are directed to cease operations until further notice.
  • Cannabis stores with temporary permits, are required to adjust their hours of operation from 12 noon to 8 p.m. This is in addition to taking the appropriate measures of disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and providing stations for customers/staff to wash or sanitize their hands.
  • All community gathering locations including churches and other such buildings/facilities are directed to be closed to the public.
  • Community members are strongly urged to stay home and practice social distancing. In doing so, it is advised to only leave the house for essential purposes (e.g. groceries, medical, etc.).

These additional measures have been adopted by Council to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our community and to protect our most vulnerable populations. It is up to each one of us to do our part to reduce the spread of this virus, and we MUST take these measures seriously. Chief and Council would like to thank our local businesses that voluntarily took appropriate measures to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19.

Other measures will be considered at the next meeting of the COVID-19 Emergency Response Team, schedule for early this week, as well as a review of the questions and concerns being raised and how to best respond going forward. We again thank everyone for their patience, understanding and efforts to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Together we can and will make a difference, just as we always have.

In Peace and Friendship,

 

Chief Darcy Gray

Update from Social Assistance

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In light of recent closures, the Social Assistance Office will be operating at reduced scheduled hours. Effective March 17, 2020, our office will be closed to the public, but our staff is available by phone from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Our office will be open to clients on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to assist with social assistance applications. 

Please note that the following measures will be put into place until further notice:

  • Social Assistance clients are advised NOT to bring in their monthly declaration card.  This will not affect your monthly allowance and the deposit will be done for April 1, 2020 (as scheduled);
  • Clients scheduled for a re-evaluation during March do not have to come into our office. In-person meetings will be rescheduled for a later date.

We encourage everyone to please stay safe and keep healthy. For more information, please call 418-788-2909 between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government Responds to Covid-19

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UPDATE: Closure has been extended to April 15, 2020. Click here for more details.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government Responds to Covid-19

 

In collaboration with staff and senior management of the LMG, Chief and Council have adopted the following measures in response to growing public health concern surrounding COVID-19. These measures take effect immediately and are consistent with the recommendations made by the Federal and Provincial Health Authorities, including actions recently taken by our sister communities. 

As of March 17, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.:

  • LMG buildings will be closed to the public for a period of 14 calendar days.
  • Regular operations are expected to resume Wednesday, April 1, 2020, but will be reassessed prior to the end of the 14 calendar day period. A memo confirming the re-opening or extended closure of LMG will be circulated prior to April 1.
  • Staff deemed essential to day-to-day operations will be contacted by their Directors for further instruction. Staff who have not been contacted by their directors are asked to stay home until further notice (regular payroll will be processed as scheduled).

Departmental response plans to COVID-19:

  1. Administration: LMG Communications will be working on a rotational basis to address on-going emergency communication needs. The Post Office and AVCell will continue their daily operations. For general inquiries regarding LMG closures, please call the Band Office at (418) 788-2136 between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. 
  2. Capital and Infrastructure: Public Works will be doing garbage pick up on Mondays and Thursdays only from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please try to limit your curbside garbage during the LMG closure period. 
  3. Listuguj Community Health Services: Community members wishing to speak to a nurse can call the Health Center at (418) 788-2155 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours, please call the Covid-19 national hotline: 1-877-644-4545. Please note that their walk-in clinic is closed until further notice. Home Care Services are currently suspended but measures are being taken to support high risk and high priority clients. 
  4. Education, Training, and Employment: The Alaqsite’w Gitpu School will remain closed. All training opportunities will be postponed until further notice. Important notices for parents and staff will be sent through LETE Facebook page.
  5. Finance: Financial services will continue daily operations at a limited capacity. There will be no interruption in the processing of payroll. RL-31 forms will still be available to fill out over the phone with Hayley Isaac. She can be reached at (581) 884-1390, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  6. Natural Resources: The Natural Resources Directorate will remain open until Wednesday, March 18th, at 12:00 p.m. to complete pre-employment registration for the upcoming fishing season. Effective Thursday, March 19th, NR will maintain essential services from home. For emergencies or other urgent matters, please contact James Metallic-Sloan at (418) 865-4045.
  7. Social Services: Child and Family Services, the Gignu, Social Assistance, and Haven House will continue operations on a limited rotational basis. For more information, please contact Social Service directly at (418) 788-3039 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
  8. Public Security: Essential services will continue to operate unless otherwise instructed by their supervisor.

LMG Employees

Employees that are forced to stay home as a result of these measures will not be penalized and will be paid as usual. It will not impact employees’ sick or vacation time, as this is a special circumstance. 

Business Owners within Listuguj Lands

The community response to COVID-19 goes beyond the operations of the LMG. Local stores and establishments that chose to remain open at this time should take all necessary measures to ensure a clean and safe environment for their staff and customers. As potential points of amplification, it is their responsibility to sanitize all frequently touched surfaces in their retail locations and to be mindful of the need to maintain social distancing for both staff and customers.

Community Care Approach

  • Social distancing does not mean social isolation. Call a loved one, and check-in on your family members, even if it’s through Messenger or FaceTime.
  • Stay home if you’re sick, wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and avoid any unnecessary contact with others.

For further updates or amendments to the response plan, please consult the LMG Website and social media pages as important information will be shared as it becomes available.

Community Announcement

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

MARCH 17, 2020 – We understand that there remains a lot of questions regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). On behalf of the Chief and Council, we want to emphasize to our community members that the health and safety of our community and staff remains our number one priority. We are working collaboratively with staff and senior management to develop a thorough response plan to ensure essential operations of our government continues. 

Active measures including details surrounding the closure of the LMG will be announced tonight at 6:00 p.m.

At this time we are urging community members to take this pandemic seriously. As a community, we have an individual and collective responsibility to protect and take care of one another. If you are experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with someone with symptoms such as cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, please stay home. We can all play a role in flattening the curve of COVID-19. Wela’lieq Listuguj for your continued patience and understanding as we work through this together. 

More information to come.