Message from Chief Darcy Gray

 

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF 

Good day,

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

 

Community Update: Zenabis

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

Fisheries: Community Call Out

The Listuguj Natural Resources Department is seeking Listuguj community members, interested in forming a Fisheries Committee. The committee will be responsible for the oversight of the fisheries strategic directions and the implementation of policies and procedures.

To apply, submit a 1 page letter of interest that describes your contribution to the committee.

Honorarium will be provided for each selected committee member.

Deadline to apply will be Monday, August 28th at 12pm. Letters of interest can be dropped off at Natural Resources building or emailed to kirt.dedam@listuguj.ca.

 

 

 

Restorative Justice Symposium

Listuguj Restorative Justice Committee is hosting a symposium on Friday, August 25th from 10 am till 3 pm at Listuguj Community Development Centre located at 42 Dundee Road in Listuguj.

The theme of this year’s symposium is forgivenrss and building relationships. Keynote speakers are Frank and Jose Augustine from Elsipogtug, with guest speaker, Roseann Martin, from Listuguj. Signing of our Community Safety and Wellness Accord will also be celebrated.

Lunch and snacks will be provided. Door prizes available for those who register before 10:30 and remain present at the time of give aways.

Listuguj Community members are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

Community Notice: 2017 Sneaker and School Supplies Vouchers

Community Notice 2017 Sneaker and School Supplies Vouchers

The Sneaker/School Supplies vouchers for Nursery to Grade 12 will be available for pick up starting Monday, August 7th at the Education Complex –  Monday to Friday:  8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To be eligible  for vouchers, students must:

  1. reside on-reserve and attend the Alaqsite’w Gitpu School, Sugarloaf Senior High School or approved transfers to other schools.
  2. Provide 2016-17 school report card (provincial students only).
  3. provide a copy of status or medicare card (for those who have not yet provided one).

The information requested is to ensure compliance with Indian Affairs funding requirements.  For more information, call the Complex at 418.788.2248

 

 

 

Listuguj Enforces By-Law 16.

COMMUNITY RELEASE

Listuguj Enforces By-Law 16.

June 7, 2017 (Listuguj, Quebec) –The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government has enforced By-law 16 which currently states;

“Whereas under S.28 of the Indian Act only a band member can occupy or use a reserve or reside or otherwise exercise rights on a reserve without the authorization of the Minister/ or the Band Council;”

This By-Law is going to be reviewed and adapted to apply to community members along with non-community members to better keep our community free of drugs, violence and any other incriminating conduct that may occur within our community.

“On June 7,2017, we signed an OIC in council to remove an individual residing within our community. We as leadership have the utmost confidence in our officers that due process has and is being done…” said Chief Gray.

“We felt that even with the due process that was followed, we recognize there can be limitations and felt that we as leadership needed to take additional steps to maintain the safety and wellbeing in the best interest of our community.” Said Councillor Lloyd Alcon

“Statistically speaking, Indigenous Women are more likely to be abused than any other race”

“Violence Affects Us All! I want to let you know You Are Not Alone! There are a multitude of professional, qualified resources available and we are proud to have taken another step towards a healthy Listuguj our community members.” Councillor Shelia Swasson

— 30 —

For more information, please contact:

Mike Isaac Communications Officer, 418-788-2136 or  michael.isaac@listuguj.ca

Click here to view the official community release – By-Law 16

Head Start Registration

Head Start registration for September students will be on Thursday June 29th at 9am -11  and again from  1pm -4 . Also Head Start has a new location which can be found at  6B Pacific drive.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Head Start at  418-788-3041.

PSA: Child Safety Initiative

Listuguj Police Department;
Upon repeated observations automobile and all-terrain vehicle motor vehicle traffic of public roadways near the Head Start Program , Mawo’itijig Mijjjuaji’g building. Listuguj Public Security will initiate preventative measures to ensure safety along the roadways in those particular areas with installations of speed bumps along the roadways.

Also, in consideration of speed bumps installations is the school zone areas of LMDC north/south lanes of Pacific Drive and the east/west traffic lanes of Riverside East and West in front of St. Anne’s Church.

IF you have any questions please feel free to contact the LPD at 418-788-2334

Listuguj Community Live Stream

For those who are not following the LMG on Social Media here is a link to our live stream page.

www.listuguj.ca/live

We hope to have you all tune in.

PSA: Listuguj Police Department Enourages Safe Driving in the Community

2017-05-11

The Listuguj Police Department would like to remind the public that during the school hours of 08h00am to 17h30 AST, the reduction to the speed limit to 30km/h in all school zones is necessary to ensure safe passage of our students arriving and departing either as pedestrians or occupants in motor vehicles at all educational buildings within the community of Listuguj.
Designated areas are sectioned from the full length of north south traffic lanes of Caplin Road as well as the intersection of Riverside East & West and the southern Pacific Drive area. The Listuguj Police Department is asking the motorists to comply with the designated school zone areas regarding the speed reduction in which we can all work towards a safer community for our students.
Please drive safe and be aware of the pedestrian traffic at all times especially in low lighting .

– A Message from the Listuguj Police Department, Welalieg