COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT:

After careful consideration and discussion with my family, I have decided that these will be my last few weeks as Chief, and I will not be running for re-election.  The culture of lateral violence within our community politics has impacted both myself and my family in unimaginable ways. Lateral violence has been an ongoing, increasingly worrisome trend since my first term as Chief. First and foremost, I play the role of a dad, a husband, and a son, and the protection of my family will always be my number one priority. Recent threats of violence towards my wife, my kids, and myself – have ultimately led me to my decision, as I cannot help but believe that these threats will no doubt continue.

This decision for me brings with it a great sadness because, over my two terms as Chief, we’ve seen tremendous growth and opportunity for Listuguj. For example, we have doubled the number of employment opportunities within our community; we have fought to establish good governance practices, and we have prioritized community engagement and input at all levels of policy and law development. This has led to the creation of our Listuguj Mi’gmaq Community Plan, Economic Development Strategic Plan, Listuguj Land Use Plan, LMG Housing Policy, Listuguj Lobster Fishing Law, Listuguj Cannabis Law, the Drinking Water Protection Law, and the yet to be approved Listuguj Custom Election Code – to name a few.

I want to take this time to acknowledge the hard work and efforts of our LMG staff who have brought in millions of dollars of increased funding for our programs and services, and who have fought for our inherent rights to self-governance through the implementation of our rights written in Treaty. In addition to this, I’m especially proud of the Listuguj Community Health Services as they advance in building the long-promised Listuguj Long-Term Care Facility – I look forward to this becoming a reality. As Chief, I will miss working with everyone who day in and day out continue to work above and beyond to make our community a better place.

My dad taught me that you should always leave something better than you found it. And as I take this opportunity to reflect on my time as Chief, I am proud of all that we have accomplished. My wish for Listuguj is that despite my decision we continue to work towards a healthier and stronger community. It’s time that we as a community look inwards and start the conversation of addressing the toxic culture of our politics. We often say that our youth are our future, but we must be mindful of what we are handing off to our next generation of leaders. Lateral violence is a product of the Indian Act and I believe that our community has the strength to move beyond it. Let’s make Listuguj something that the next seven generations can be proud of.

In Peace and Friendship,

Darcy Gray

PRESS RELEASE

Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government – Special Announcement

Sunday, January 12, 2020 –

This evening community members gathered in front of the Listuguj Police Department to question recent arrests made within the community surrounding illegal sales of cannabis. Chief Darcy Gray was in attendance to take questions from community members.

Despite the cold weather, there was a sizeable turnout, coffee was served, and positive exchange ensued. Chief Darcy Gray addressed community member concerns surrounding mistaken information which stemmed from social media suggesting today’s arrests were a result of SQ operations. Both Chief Darcy Gray and Chief of Police Trapper Metallic clarified that this was initiated, planned, organized and conducted entirely by the LPD.

Based on questions from the crowd, it was also mentioned that temporary licensing for cannabis vendors had already been planned to be addressed at the next duly-convened council meeting scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2020. If approved, by Council, temporary licenses will be issued on an interim basis pending the creation of the cannabis control office.

The meeting will start Monday, January 13, at 9:00 AM. Although we would have liked to have the meeting at the Listuguj Community Development Centre (Bingo Hall), the meeting will take place in the Council Chambers due to limited time available to coordinate a change in location. As always, community members are welcomed to join.

Throughout the month of December, staff in the LMG Administration building took part in another ‘Nnuisultinej – Speak Mi’gmaq challenge. Staff were encouraged to learn and practice speaking something new in the language every day.  Here are the December challenge winners: Bruce Fitzgerald, Hilary Barnaby and Paige Isaac.