Alternating Lane Closures on J.C. Van Horne Bridge
Please note that the J.C. Van Horne Bridge will have intermittent alternating lane closures from Monday, May 19th to Wednesday, May 28th.
See memo below:
Listuguj and Québec sign framework agreement creating government-to-government negotiations
May 14, 2025, Listuguj, QC –Ian Lafrenière, Québec’s Minister Responsible for Relations with the First Nations and the Inuit, met with Chief Scott Martin and council members of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government to sign a framework agreement establishing a new negotiation process between the two governments. The agreement recognizes that the Listuguj Mi’gmaq have a unique culture, language, legal tradition, and national identity. It establishes a government-to-government negotiation table with Québec to build respect and mutual trust in the spirit of peace and friendship.
“Signing today’s agreement is a step in the right direction,” said Chief Martin. “Our relationship with Québec hasn’t always been easy. There hasn’t always been respect for our rights, our laws, our treaties, or our territory. With this new negotiation process, that is starting to change.”
The agreement supports future negotiations regarding the recognition of Listuguj’s treaty and Aboriginal rights, including Aboriginal title.
“We want to improve the lives of our community members by exercising our self-determination. We want to increase our presence on the territory. We want our Mi’gmaq laws to be recognized,” said Chief Martin. “I am very happy Québec is willing to explore how we can make this happen.”
The new framework agreement does not define or limit Listuguj’s Aboriginal or treaty rights in any way.
Negotiations are anticipated to begin without delay. The framework agreement has a term of 10 years, after which there is an option for renewal.
Natural Resources Directorate – Let’s Talk About Water Safety
The Natural Resources Directorate has just released May’s edition of its newsletter, “Let’s Talk About Water Safety.”
Check out the newsletter below to learn more about staying safe around water. As we head into the warmer months, now is the perfect time to brush up on water safety essentials.
Some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe around water:
Always wear a lifejacket or PFD
Never swim alone
Keep an eye on children at all times
Be aware of weather and water conditions
Learn basic water rescue techniques
Written by Felix Atencio-Gonzales, Media Journalist/Communications Consultant, NRD
Mawlugtinej Cancer Screening Clinic Call for Art Winners
The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government is thrilled to announce the winners of the Mawlugtinej Cancer Screening Clinic Call for Art, a powerful initiative by Listuguj Community Health Services that brings Indigenous-inspired artwork into cancer care and treatment locations.
1st Place: Hannah Jay Martin
2nd Place: Emily Isaac Johnson
Their beautiful Indigenous-inspired artwork will help bring healing and culture to cancer care spaces in our communities.
Wela’lioq to all artists who shared their vision and creativity.
Community Notice – Grass Fire Ban
Grass Fire Ban – Effective Immediately
Community Notice:
The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government (LMG), in partnership with the Listuguj Fire Department, Listuguj Police Department, and Bylaw Enforcement, is issuing an immediate ban on all grass fires within the community.
Effective immediately, grass fires are strictly prohibited on all private properties, as well as on any lands or properties managed by the LMG.
This ban is being enforced for the health, safety, and environmental protection of our community. Increasingly dry conditions and high winds make grass fires more dangerous and harder to control, placing additional stress on our fire department. Fires can spread quickly, putting nearby homes and structures at risk. Fires can also pose a risk to people with respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma.
We kindly ask all residents to respect this ban and refrain from starting any grass fires. Your cooperation is essential in helping us keep our community safe.
If you witness a grass fire or someone attempting to start one, please contact the Listuguj Police Department’s non-emergency line at 418-788-2334.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support in protecting our community.
Precautionary Water Boil Advisory – UPDATE
Please note that as of Wednesday, April 16th at noon, the precautionary water boil advisory will be lifted.
All samples came back negative. Free from any microbiological contaminations.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Easter Closure Notice
Easter Closure Notice
The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government offices will be closed April 18 & 21, 2025 in observance of Pa’gewumg (Easter).
We will reopen on Tuesday, April 22.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Easter weekend! 
Guljie’wto’t Na’gweg (gul·chew·tood_naa·gwek) – Good Friday
Pa’gewumg (baa·gee·wumk) – Easter
Precautionary Boil Water Advisory
Important Community Notice – Boil Water Advisory in Effect
As of Thursday, April 10, 2025, a precautionary boil water advisory is in effect due to the commissioning of the new water treatment plant and reservoir.
This is a preventative safety measure to ensure water quality during the transition to the new system.
What You Need to Know:
During the advisory, all water intended for the following uses must be brought to a rolling boil for at least one full minute:
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Drinking
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Preparing infant formula or juices
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Making ice
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Washing fruits and vegetables
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Cooking
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Brushing teeth and other oral hygiene
Bathing and Household Use:
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Adults, adolescents, and older children may shower, bathe, or wash using tap water, but should avoid swallowing it.
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Toddlers and infants should be sponge bathed. Caregivers must ensure no water is swallowed.
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Dishes and laundry may be washed in tap water by hand or in machines.
Duration:
This advisory is in effect until further notice. We will notify the community immediately once it is safe to lift the advisory.
We understand this may cause inconvenience and appreciate your patience. This measure is temporary and necessary to enhance the safety and reliability of our community water system. Every effort is being made to complete the work as quickly as possible.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the numbers provided below.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Dr. Jean-Paul Dedam, MD Joins Listuguj Community Health Services
The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government is pleased to announce Dr. Jean-Paul Dedam, MD will be joining the team at Listuguj Community Health Services on May 1, 2025.
Dr. Dedam’s office will be temporarily located at the Waqatasg Elder’s Care Facility. He will be working with community members who do not currently have a doctor.
Welcome Dr. Dedam!
See official notice below:
The Four Pillars Society
The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government (LMG) joins First Nations across the country in recognizing the Federal Court’s approval of the Band Reparations Class Action lawsuit. This class action, launched in 2015, sought to hold the Government of Canada accountable for the collective harm suffered by First Nations due to the loss of language and culture. In 2016, LMG formally opted into the lawsuit, which reached a settlement in 2023.
Through this settlement, Canada will transfer $2.8 billion into an Indigenous-led trust enabling participating communities, including Listuguj, to invest in the revitalization of Indigenous languages, culture, heritage, and wellness. This marks the first time Canada has provided compensation to First Nations as a collective for the cultural and linguistic losses inflicted by the residential school system.
These settlement funds are currently being invested and distributed by an Indigenous-led trust known as The Four Pillars Society (FPS); a not-for-profit organization that has been created for the sole purpose of investing and distributing the $2.8 billion settlement across the 325 First Nations communities who opted into this lawsuit.
Each community, including Listuguj, is eligible to receive one-time planning funds to develop a funding proposal aligned with the Four Pillars identified in the settlement:
· Revival and protection of Indigenous languages
· Revival and protection of Indigenous cultures
· Protection and promotion of heritage
· Wellness for Indigenous community members
These proposals will be reviewed by the Four Pillars Society and used to distribute the Initial Kick-Start Funds. Over the next 5 years, the LMG will receive $2.8 million to be allocated to projects identified in the funding proposal. The Four Pillars Society Trust is structured to dissolve in 20 years, at which time the remaining settlement funds will be dispersed equally among the 325 First Nations communities.
The LMG is committed to ensuring these funds are used to strengthen cultural identity, community resiliency, and build a stronger future for the next seven generations. Community engagement sessions will be taking place April 1 – 4, 2025. More details on these sessions will be released soon.
More information regarding the Band Reparations Class Action can be found at: https://fps-lchw.ca/ https://bandreparations.ca/
We look forward to hearing from community members and making this project a success together!
