Dear Listuguj Community Members,

Our community is built on resilience, unity, and care for one another, and it is in this spirit that we address the ongoing drug epidemic. Like many communities across Canada, Listuguj has been deeply affected by this crisis. We want to affirm that addressing this epidemic remains our top priority. We have committed to taking strong, meaningful action to combat this issue and restore wellness in our community.

The LMG has been working across multiple sectors to address this challenge, from law enforcement to rehabilitation and prevention, to support for those affected by the symptoms of substance abuse, including domestic violence and mental health struggles.

One of the key areas that LMG is actively working to improve is our law enforcement capabilities. We have secured the necessary funding to hire additional police officers and investigators, invest in advanced tools like drones and AI-enabled cameras, and offer competitive salaries and benefits to recruit and retain skilled officers. We are reaching out to and welcoming any Listuguj former police officers to join us to strengthen our police force, as we address challenges in finding and recruiting new police officers from the community. In addition to this, a special task force has been assigned to focus on drug-related crime, and we are in discussions with other First Nations communities to develop an intelligence-sharing body to improve coordination against organized crime in our communities. Nothing is off the table in this fight and we will be using every legal avenue available to us to combat this issue, from eviction to banishment.

We recognize that enforcement alone is not enough – we must also provide pathways to recovery. The LMG is actively working with Vitalité Health Network to ensure that Listuguj members have access to rehabilitation and detox programs close to home. We acknowledge that there are long wait times in the province of New Brunswick to access this care, so we are also exploring alternative solutions, including securing access to rehab and detox centres in Quebec and developing our own community-based transition house to provide extra support to those seeking help.

Prevention is key to breaking the cycle of addiction. The LMG has mandated the Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative (LWRI) to engage with our youth and community members to promote open, supportive communication and destigmatize the conversations around mental health and substance misuse.

We are investing in community spaces to provide safe, healthy alternatives for our youth, including installing parks and playgrounds within walking distance of all major streets in Listuguj – Glitaw Park was constructed in 2022 and a new playground at Mi’gmaq Drive extension is set to open this spring. We are working with Hydro Quebec to replace and improve street lighting throughout Listuguj, enhancing safety and discouraging illicit activities. There is also an ongoing effort to secure funding for a recreational sports complex to encourage active and healthy lifestyles and support our youth organized sports.

Beyond prevention and enforcement, we are committed to supporting families and individuals affected by this epidemic. The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government is working with LCSSD to recruit a full-time psychologist to provide mental health support, we are working with LCHS to expand harm reduction programs, and a new family physician will soon be available in Listuguj to serve our community members. Restorative Justice and Haven House oversee valuable programs including male mentorship and the youth connections leadership program.

Your voice matters. We are in this together and we value your input. In the coming weeks, the LWRI will be hosting online meetings to provide a platform for community members to share ideas, voice concerns, and collaborate on solutions. We encourage you to participate – your feedback and involvement are essential as we navigate this challenging road together.

Thank you for your continued support, strength, and commitment to making Listuguj a safer and healthier community.

In Peace and Friendship,

Leadership