Federal and Provincial Government Fail to Fulfill Budget Promises

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2018 (Listuguj, Quebec) – Upon the Federal Government’s funding announcement in terms of First Nations Policing over the next five years, our Government was cautiously optimistic that they would receive the necessary funding to properly sustain their services for 2018-2019 and going forward.

“…We are presented with an offer that does not even begin to address the current situation and the need of our community, let alone scratch the surface of improving officer safety, training and equipment. This offer comes up about 93% short of where we should be starting as a minimum,” said Chief Darcy Gray.

“Forcing our First Nation Governments to sign under duress is not a true Government to Government negotiation process. It is the process Canada and Quebec impose on us, under the guise of reconciliation with our people. Waiting until the 11th hour to announce lower than standard funding is not only negligent and discriminatory but puts the safety and security of our communities in jeopardy. If funding for Federal, Provincial or Municipal police services were about to expire and the Governments did not respond to the agencies and the Canadian population, there would be chaos and they would never allow that to happen. This process clearly communicates that First Nations are not worth the same as the rest of the Canadian population.

First Nations Policing is still recognized as a program, not an essential service as they claim. If it was, we would not be in this same situation year after year. To start, we need legislative funding,” said Councillor Lloyd Alcon.

 

For more information:

Greg Wysote, Public Relations Officer                       Hilary Barnaby, Communications Officer
gregory.wysote@listuguj.ca                                          hilary.barnaby@listuguj.ca
(418) 788-2136 (2026)                                                  (418) 788-2136 (2169)

Atlantic Salmon Unites Mi’gmaq, Anglophone and Francophone Organizations of the Restigouche River Watershed

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March 6, 2018 (Listuguj, Quebec) – On February 14th and 15th, interested groups from the Restigouche River Watershed gathered together for the 4th annual Salmon Summit. Listuguj Fisheries, in partnership with the Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council (GMRC) and the Restigouche River Watershed Management Council hosted a two-day workshop in Campbellton, New Brunswick. The goal of the workshop was to strengthen relationships between all interested parties, as they moved forward in a united fashion, for Restigouche River Atlantic Salmon.

 

Dr. Alistair Bath, a human dimension’s in wildlife resource management expert, facilitated the workshop. Dr. Bath, from Memorial University, has over 35 years of experience bringing together groups around the world. “I think the group really focused on a lot of common ground and there are a lot of things that are really positive to move forward,” said Dr. Bath. “Governments really listen if a diverse group of interest can actually reach an agreement. I have had ministers of environment not change words of single management plans because, why pick a side when there is a diverse group that has agreed on something, let’s just accept that.”

 

During the two-day workshop, the groups planned ways to continue working together in a positive manner and strengthening their relationship. The groups formulated a vision statement during the workshop and it aims at “fostering relationships built on mutual respect of diverse cultures to enhance Atlantic salmon and its habitat for future generations.”

 

Science Director, Carole-Anne Gillis says, “The salmon is the one that brings us all together. We all care for it. It is what binds us even though there have been conflicts. No matter the differences in ways of knowing, we create a respectful space to learn from another. Locally, we strive to continue building these meaningful relationships.”

 

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with biologist Carole-Anne Gillis please call 1-418-750-5314 or email gilliscaroleann@hotmail.com.

Independent Inquiry Confirms that Suspension of Councillor was Justified

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An independent inquiry confirms that the Chief and Council’s suspension of Councillor Cathy Martin on November 7, 2017 was justified and appropriate.

Having conducted a thorough investigation of the relevant factual context that led to the councillor’s suspension, the independent investigator concluded that:

  • The Code of Conduct was properly applied;
  • The rules of procedural fairness have been followed appropriately;
  • The penalty imposed was justified; and,
  • The three month suspension and its terms were appropriate though on the high end.

Please see below a letter from the Sûreté du Québec.  The major crime unit in Chandler investigated the  file.  They came to the conclusion that there was no criminal offense.  Therefore, the file will be closed.

Click the following link to view a translated letter from the Major Crimes Unit in Chandler

Click the following link to view the original letter from the Major Crimes Unit in Chandler

Listuguj Youth in Solidarity with Colten Boushie

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February 13, 2018 (Listuguj, Quebec) – The community of Listuguj, in collaboration with the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, would like to extend support to the family of Colten Boushie.  In his honor, the Mi’gmaq Adult Immersion program will be holding a demonstration show solidarity with the Boushie and Baptiste family.  All neighboring communities are welcome to attend a rally on Thursday, February 15th, 2018 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Subway parking lot in Listuguj.

 

Colten was a 22-year old from Red Pheasant Cree Nation in Saskatchewan.  On February 9th, 2018, a jury ruled that Gerald Stanley was acquitted of all charges.

 

“I think it’s important for us a First Nations community that we’re here to show support. Our Cree brothers and sisters are experiencing a difficult time, and we’re here to stand with them,” said Chief Gray.

 

“As youth of Listuguj, we felt the need to take action against such an unjust situation in any way we can. Listuguj stands in solidarity with Colten and his family and that we will not tolerate the unjust and racist treatment of our people,” said Madelaine Metallic.

 

“As a youth, this feels as a direct threat to our lives, that we have to live in fear on our own ancestral homelands. That as an indigenous person my life is worthless in the eyes of the Canadian Justice System. The fact that even though our people are outraged and stricken with grief, we are asking for recognition and not revenge,” said Rosalie LaBillois.

 

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For more information, please contact:

Madelaine Metallic, 418-865-3518, or

Hilary Barnaby, Communications Officer, 418-788-2136 or hilary.barnaby@listuguj.ca

Winter Weather Surveillance Protocol

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Objective:  The purpose of this protocol is to provide criteria and a tool to the Directors of Education, Capital and Infrastructure and Public Security to allow them to make the proper decision about closures to the Listuguj educational facilities and/or Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government offices due to severe winter weather in the best interest of public safety.

Authorized person:  Is the person(s) who receive(s) the data/recommendation from several departments, conducts a risk assessment based on the developed tool, makes the decision, and communicates it to the Chief, Senior Director of Operations, radio stations and other means of broadcast.

 

Procedure:

  1. Data Collection
    • Capital and Infrastructure will report the current and predicated road conditions based on the forecasted weather and the allowable workforce equipment to the authorized person, no later than 05h30.
    • Public Security will provide surveillance and up-to-date interior and exterior road conditions of the immediate territory, i.e.; (Inter-Provincial Boulevard, Route 132 East & West of Listuguj) at 05h30.
    • Weather Information: The authorized person will review the following criteria for the forecasted weather from official weather channels or websites:
      • Forecasted temperature
      • Forecasted snow falls
      • Forecasted low temperature precipitation (freezing rain)
      • Forecasted wind speeds
      • Visibility conditions
      • Any other warnings
  2. Data Processing

The collected data as per the previous section will be processed based on the weights and their relation. Based on the data processing, a risk assessment level will be then calculated as either HIGH, MEDIUM or MILD.

Based on the risk level, the authorized person will inform the Chief, Senior Director of Operations and the proper communication channels to close the educational facilities and/or LMG government offices if the risk is HIGH.

 

Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government Responds to Announcement by Honorable Ralph Goodale

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February 2, 2018 – The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government would like to acknowledge the announcement made by the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, regarding the federal government’s commitment of $291.2 Million dollars, starting in 2018–2019, for policing in First Nation and Inuit communities.

As we near the end of the Tripartite Agreement, with no commitment yet from the Quebec Government, we are cautiously optimistic of the Federal funding announcement as it does not outline distribution parameters between all First Nation Policing Agencies.  Even with the amount the federal government has committed, that amount is insufficient to meet the growing demands of all First Nations Police services throughout Canada.  The province of Quebec has not made any funding commitments as of yet, to address the needs of First Nation Policing Program.

First Nations Police Forces have been underfunded and under-payed compared to their provincial and federal counterparts since the beginning of the First Nations Police Program (FNPP) in 1990.

LMG Councillor Lloyd Alcon, who is also the Public Security Portfolio holder for the Assembly of First Nations Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL) has stated; “Although it is a step in the right direction, the Provincial and Federal Government must look to include First Nations in the negotiations of these types of agreements in order to improve government-to-government relations.”  The LMG remains committed to Public safety and security and will continue to work diligently with both governments to further develop this essential service.

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INFORMATION:
Gregory Wysote, Public Relations Officer
Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government
Gregory.wysote@listuguj.ca
Tel: (418) 788-2136 (2024)
Cell: (506) 987-1603

The AFNQL Highlights First Nations Wellness Day and Suicide Prevention Week

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NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

THE AFNQL HIGHLIGHTS FIRST NATIONS WELLNESS DAY AND SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK

 

Wendake, February 1, 2018 – Today, the Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec- Labrador (AFNQL), Ghislain Picard, draws attention to the seventh First Nations Wellness Day as well as the 28th edition of Suicide Prevention Week.

 

On February 1 of each year, the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC) highlights First Nations Wellness Day, which was decided in 2011 by the Chiefs of the AFNQL. To honour the theme of the 2018 edition, “My wellness, it’s up to me and my community is actively involved!”, the FNQLHSSC is offering a revamped version of the wellness wheel as well as an interactive tool that suggests several activities fostering individual and collective wellness.

 

In parallel and under the theme “Talking About Suicide Saves Lives”, Suicide Prevention Week will also be in full swing across Quebec from February 4 to 10, 2018. For the occasion, the FNQLHSSC has produced a video entitled “On est là pour toi / We are here for you” aiming to engage First Nations and Inuit to increase their awareness regarding their role in suicide prevention.

 

“The overall wellness of the members of our nations is a decisive factor in improving our living conditions, which allows for ensuring a better future for our future generations. Closely related, these two events are therefore an opportunity for all First Nations to focus on their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, and to help each other. I encourage everyone to get involved, both individually and collectively, and to take action during these two events,” said Chief Ghislain Picard.

 

“Suicide and self-harm are the leading causes of death for First Nations. Simply put, our people are dying in ‘record’ numbers due to an entirely preventable cause. It is imperative that First Nation leaders, communities and our partners continue to bring emphasis on both suicide and mental wellness in general simply because this should not be happening in 2018, in Canada,” stated Derek Montour, President of the Board of Directors of the FNQLHSSC.

 

 

“I call on all Indigenous people and Canadians to assist each other in correcting this heartbreaking situation that occurs in our communities daily. The 28th edition of the Suicide Prevention Week is fast approaching, as well as the acknowledgement of February 1 as First Nations Wellness Day; this is a great time to ‘shout out’ that we are united in making a difference,” added Mr. Montour.

 

To access the tools produced for First Nations Wellness Day or to watch the video, please visit the FNQLHSSC website at www.cssspnql.com.

 

About the AFNQL

The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador is a political grouping of 43 First Nations Chiefs in Quebec and Labrador: www.apnql.com.

 

About the FNQLHSSC

The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission supports First Nations and Inuit communities and agencies in Quebec and Labrador in defending, upholding and asserting the inherent right to health and social services while helping them plan and deliver culturally appropriate programs: www.cssspnql.com.

 

 

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INFORMATION

 

Alain Garon, AFNQL Communications Advisor agaron@apnql.com

418-254-4620

 

Waseskon Awashish, FNQLHSSC Communications Advisor waseskon.awashish@cssspnql.com 418-842-1540, extension 2308

Listuguj Shows Interest to Convert Loan into Shares

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COMMUNITY RELEASE

 

Listuguj Shows Interest to Convert Loan into Shares

 

January 29, 2018 (Listuguj, Quebec) – The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government Chief and Council, at a duly convened council meeting, have indicated their interest via OIC to convert their current loan with International Herbs Medical Marijuana Limited (IHMML) into shares in the company.

 

The LMG Chief and Council are not taking this matter lightly and will be mandating multiple forms of due diligence to take place before any official agreement is signed. We would like to note that this is an “interest to invest” and only following a successful negotiation will the conversion become official.

 

The LMG will establish a corporation to hold the shares in the interest of the LMG and community of Listuguj. This development will be utilizing best practices from other First Nation communities such as Membertou, Millbrook and Madawaska to ensure that the proposed corporation is working to its best capability for the community.

 

The LMG Economic Development Unit will coordinate various activities such as a communications strategy, negotiations strategy and a work plan. This will ensure that the process will be effectively communicated to the people as the process moves forward.

 

This will all be finalized with negotiations between IHMML, of which Zenabis is one licensed producer, and the LMG to ensure that we are receiving the best options for our potential investment.

 

 

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For more information, please contact:

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

Winter Storm Warning

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The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government would like to remind the community that an impending significant snow storm is forecasted today into tomorrow. Heavy snowfall amount with high winds and freezing rain will diminish visibility that may lead to road closures for travelers.  It is inadvisable for lengthy road travel at this time.

 

Weather media outlets have issued Winter Storm Warnings for this region.

 

The LMG would like to remind community members that during periods of heavy snowfall and high winds to minimize pedestrian traffic as Public Works vehicles will be circulating to keep public roadways opened. Also a reminder to keep parked motor vehicles off the roadway.

 

Make sure an emergency kit, such as food and water, is available in the event of a power outage. Families with elders and vulnerable persons, please monitor closely and contact the Listuguj Police Department for any emergencies.

 

Please bring in your pets as they will be vulnerable to the climate and secure movable articles on your property in anticipation of high winds.

 

Please do not throw snow onto the public roadways or private property.

 

Basic Emergency Kit

Due to the impending snow storm, here are some items you may consider having in your home:

  • Water – at least two liters of water per person per day; include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order
  • Food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (replace food and water once a year)
  • Manual can-opener
  • Crank or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries). Replace batteries once a year.
  • Crank or battery-powered radio (and extra batteries) or Weather radio
  • First aid kit
  • Extra keys to your car and house
  • Some cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills and change for payphones
  • A copy of your emergency plan and contact information
  • If applicable, other items such as prescription medication, infant formula, equipment for people with disabilities, or food, water and medication for your pets or service animal (personalize according to your needs)

Council Approves Independent Inquiry into Current Internal Issue

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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

jill.martin@listuguj.ca                                                             michael.isaac@listuguj.ca

(418) 788-2136 (2026)                                                            (418) 788-2136 (2168)