Mawlugtinej Cancer Screening Clinic Call for Art Winners

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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:

  • Drinking

  • Preparing infant formula or juices

  • Making ice

  • Washing fruits and vegetables

  • Cooking

  • Brushing teeth and other oral hygiene

Bathing and Household Use:

  • Adults, adolescents, and older children may shower, bathe, or wash using tap water, but should avoid swallowing it.

  • Toddlers and infants should be sponge bathed. Caregivers must ensure no water is swallowed.

  • 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

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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

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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!

Planting the Seeds Event

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There will be an event based around food sovereignty in Listuguj!
“Planting the Seeds” will be happening on March 27th and 28th at the Listuguj Community Development Center (Bingo Hall)
See poster for details!

Call for Art: Indigenous-Inspired Artwork for Cancer Care/Treatment Locations serving our Indigenous communities

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Call for Art: Indigenous-Inspired Artwork for Cancer Care/Treatment Locations serving our Indigenous communities

Project Overview: We are excited to announce an opportunity for Indigenous artists to contribute to a meaningful and impactful project aimed at enhancing the experience of Indigenous cancer patients across the Gaspé region. Our cancer care locations, in collaboration with the Mawlugutinej Cancer Screening Clinic, are seeking Indigenous-inspired artwork to represent and celebrate Indigenous culture, values, and heritage within our facilities.

Objective: The goal of this project is to create a welcoming and culturally resonant environment for Indigenous patients undergoing cancer treatment as well as raise awareness with recognition while celebrating our culture. By incorporating Indigenous art into our spaces and marketing campaigns, we aim to foster a sense of belonging, respect, and connection, while also honoring and elevating Indigenous perspectives within our healthcare systems.

Eligibility: This call is open to all Indigenous artists. We welcome submissions from individuals or groups across various artistic disciplines, including painting, digital art, and mixed media.

Submission Guidelines:

  1. Artwork Theme: Submissions should reflect Indigenous themes, stories, or symbols. We encourage artworks that explore concepts of healing, community, strength, and resilience.
  2. Medium: Artworks can be in any medium that can be photographed and displayed or installed within a healthcare environment, including but limited to paintings, prints, textiles, and digital installations.
  3. Dimensions: Artworks should be adaptable to various display spaces and digital format. Please provide dimensions and installation requirements with your submission.
  4. Submission Materials:
      • A brief artist statement (200-300 words) explaining the artwork’s inspiration, significance, and connection to Indigenous culture.
      • High-quality images of the artwork.
  5. Deadline: All submissions must be received by March 25, 2025. Late submissions will NOT be considered.

Selection Criteria: Submissions will be reviewed by a panel comprising representatives from cancer treatment centers, the Mawlugutinej Cancer Screening Clinic, and Indigenous community members. Artworks will be selected based on:

    • Cultural relevance and authenticity.
    • Artistic quality and creativity.
    • Suitability for healthcare environments.

Compensation: Selected artists will receive compensation for their original works in the based-on standing:

    • 1st Prize: $1000 and the chosen artwork will be prominently displayed in cancer treatment facilities that serve our community members in Quebec, Artist spotlight feature
    • 2nd Prize: $500 and your chosen artwork will be used in digital marketing as well as print to help Mawlugutinej Cancer Screening Clinic spread awareness.

**Selected winners will become part of Mawlugutinej’s Cancer Screening Clinic history; your original work of art will be prominently displayed at treatment centers that serve our community members. Help us to create a welcoming and culturally resonant environment for Indigenous patients undergoing cancer treatment as well as raise awareness with recognition while celebrating our culture.

How to Apply: Please send your submission materials to tanya.webster@listuguj.ca with the subject line “Indigenous Art Submission – [Your Name]”. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact Tanya Webster at 418-788-2155.

We are thrilled to collaborate with Indigenous artists on this important initiative and look forward to showcasing your inspiring work.

Thank you for your contribution to this vital project and for your dedication to enhancing the well-being of Indigenous patients across Quebec.

Sincerely,

Tanya Webster

Project Manager

Mawlugutinej Cancer Screening Clinic

tanya.webster@listuguj.ca

Listuguj Court Cases Now Held in Carleton

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The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government would like to announce a significant change when it comes to Listuguj court cases.
As of today, all criminal court cases will be held at the Point de service de justice de Carleton-sur-Mer. In the past there have been challenges with language barriers and travelling to New Carlisle, and having these cases moved to Carleton will help prevent these issues and prioritize Listuguj. Going forward, our community members will be able to use sacred medicines, such as an Eagle Feather when swearing under oath, and court cases will be done in English.
Earlier today, Listuguj Elder, Roseann Martin did a special pipe ceremony inside the court room. She then gifted the court an Eagle Feather and our four Sacred medicines (sage, sweet grass, cedar and tobacco), along with our Mi’gmaq flag that symbolizes our culture and way of being, within the court room.
Wela’lioq to everyone who helped make this historical change possible: Restorative Justice, Lawyer and President of the Bas-St-Laurent-Gaspésie- Îles de la Madeleine, Alexis Deschenes, Native Court Worker, Donna Marie Metallic, Avocat criminaliste, Hugo Caissy, retired lawyer, Richard Lavigne, Justice Janick Poirier, legal aid officers, defense lawyers and many more.
Information provided by Donna Marie Metallic.