Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative – Resources

Families First Support Services (FFSS)/Prevention Services

• Traditional & Cultural Support Services
• Healing/Talking Circles- The service approach, wherever possible and intended to assist individuals, families, and community members with an alternative means of exploring, assessing, and enhancing one’s ability and power by sharing.
• The Seven Sacred Teachings –  Our 7 Sacred Grand Father Teachings applied throughout our programming as a set of teachings based on human conduct towards others.
• Drum Making, and Teachings – Drum making sessions guide and teach individuals about the importance of the drum, the cultural significance of prayer and traditional Mi’gmaq teachings on caring for your drum which embraces Mi’gmaq historical values and beliefs.
• Traditional Ceremonies – Teaching on traditional ceremonies develops and understanding and reinforces within the individual the interconnectedness of all that is in creation as it is directly linked to each of us.
• Male mentoring programs – One-on-one or in a group.
• Protecting Ancient Leadership Skills (PALS) program – This program enhances and complements the existing services for the male youth population that are receiving support services within FFSS. Any young boys between 10 to 13 years of age seeking advice and support can do so within a safe environment.
• Girls Empowerment-Mentoring Strengths (GEMS) – This program enhances the complements the existing services for the female youth population of girls receiving support services within FFSS. The gathering includes traditional teachings, peer support, guidance, and a back-door approach to addressing issues that impact their lives.
• Self-Discovery Programs – This program entails six sessions that asks participants to explore past trauma, incidents of breaches in trust, family history, etc. that contribute to the imbalances as experienced by families or individuals. The sessions may include but not limited to the following topics: Perception, Boundaries, Stress, Family of origin, Family Genograms, Grief and Loss.
• Grief, Loss, and Recovery Program – This four-week program can be done individually or within a group.
• One-on-One Counselling Sessions – One-on-One counseling is an aspect of Prevention services that enables members of Listuguj an opportunity to access services from a community-based perspective and without the burden of outside policies that hinder the healing process. Individuals may drop by for in-house support on as needed basis or become an active follow-up family that are client client-centred and driven.
• Sacred Children Parenting – This Program emphasizes the belief that parenting is a sacred responsibility and places immense value on child rearing while introducing topics such as communication, discipline, and self-esteem. The program runs over weeks and covers a wide variety of topics, activities, and talking circles.
• Silent Witness Tree Protection Presentation – This presentation takes participants on a journey through the first-hand accounts of obstacles as overcome and demonstrated through FFSS Team Members.
• Self-harm/cutting presentation – This prevention-based presentation creates awareness and addresses the realities of why individuals participate in this behaviour while shedding light on how we as parents, teachers, friends or as cutters ourselves, begin to understand the nature of how people cope with issues affecting their lives.
• Healthy relationships presentation – This presentation created as part of an awareness campaign that identifies the cycle of family intergenerational trauma and issues within the family, relationships with peers, partners, co-workers’ etcetera.
• FFSS Information Sessions – Wholistic External Services – Wholistic External Services offered to Community Resources is a service that provides to Community Resources wherever possible, who have a desire to understand our traditional Mi’gmaq Teachings as an alternative to mainstream teachings as a mechanism to addressing internal support for their respective staff members.
• ADHD/ADD Workshops – This presentation/workshop provides parents, families, kinship families and community members access to information on living with a child/or person with ADHD/ADD.
• Kitchen Table Discussions – This approach to community mobilization and accessing community input is a community-based grass root approach in meeting people where they are, in their own homes among their families and friends. The team at FFSS invest in the community for feedback, input, and interest as a means of getting a first-hand portrait of what community members envision for the future of service.
• Family Centred Circle Program – The Family Centered Circle program (also known as family group conferencing) resembles a healing circle and talking circles of our Mi’gmaq culture. The Mi’gmaq Nation and other Indigenous peoples, the circle is a powerful symbol of connectivity and completeness.
• Circle of Care – This project in its entirety is aimed at supporting members of Listuguj who are most vulnerable by implementing a circle of care coordinator who will seek to ensure that the most vulnerable receive wraparound services.
• Initiative to Combat Poverty – As of July 2023, the Food bank progressed to allowing the clients to shop for their own needs by Food vouchers. This operates on a weekly basis. and provides its clients with a bag of groceries intended to help them get by as a last resort.
• Post Majority Care Program – Overview Post Majority Care Program is to assist youth have reached the age of majority, 18 years, that were formerly in Foster (CFS) or Kinship Care by providing a wraparound holistic approach in service delivery.
• Convergence – Convergence is a non-profit community organization whose mission dedicated to helping men who resort to violent behavior in their intimate relationships and men in difficulty throughout the whole Gaspe region.

For all the programs listed above, please contact Manager Sarah Isaac at the Listuguj Community Social Services for information. She can be reached at 418-788-3039.

Listuguj Income Security

• Unable to Work – Income assistance under the category of unable to work is provided to people who have restrictions preventing them from holding employment or participating in training measures owing to their precarious state of health, a chronic impairment, their age or any other reason recognized by the regulations.
• Able to Work—Income assistance under the category able to work is provided to people in a situation of financial insecurity or employment instability who have not demonstrated an incapacity to participate in employment insertion and training measures. This category of income securities is considered a transitional step.
• Income Assistance Program – The IA program also offers Case Management and Pre-Employment support. The support consists mainly of programming designed to assist IA recipients in transitioning from income assistance to education and employment.

For information on income programs, contact Denise Jacques at 418-788-3039.

Listuguj Community Services

• The Listuguj Youth and Family Centre will strive to enhance the quality of life through understanding the ideas and complex issues that challenge the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Youth of today.  We will provide services, activities and programs that will incorporate the values and philosophies of our Mi’gmaq culture that will build the confidence and self-esteem of our youth and promote wellness directed at their spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

  Programs:

  • After-School Program
    • Description: The after-school program provides children and youth with the opportunity to engage in an environment consisting of caring, creative, and experienced Youth Care Workers, develop in spirit, mind and body, and socialize with peers. Children/youth will be provided with the opportunity to engage in structured physical activities/sports, outdoor play, arts and crafts, and so much more. Help with homework and daily nutritious snacks will also be provided.
    • Target Population: Children ages 5-10 (Group 1 à Ages 5-6, Group 2 à Ages 7-8, Group 3 à 9-10).
    • Capacity: 30 students daily à 10 students per group.
    • Hours of Operation: This program typically runs from September – June, Monday through Friday from 2:30pm – 5:00pm.
  • Drop-In Program
    • Description: The Youth Centre will provide the youth in our community with the opportunity to engage in a safe environment where they will be provided with an abundance of activities to engage in provided by our engaged and motivated team of Youth Care Workers while also socializing with their peers.
    • Target Population: Youth ages 8-17.
    • Capacity: N/A
    • Hours of Operation:
      • This program runs Monday through Friday from 6:00pm – 8:00pm for youth ages 8 and up and from 8:00pm-9:00pm for youth ages 12-17, and Saturdays from 12-5pm for youth ages 8-17 year-round.
        • Life Skills Program
          • Description: The Youth Centre is offering life skills workshops that aim to teach community youth such things as how to measure ingredients, cook small and simple meals, cook traditional seasonal food, learn how to keep cooking areas sanitary, learn sewing techniques, and so forth.
          • Target Population: Youth ages 8-17.
          • Capacity: N/A
          • Hours of Operation: This program runs on Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm-8:00pm year-round.
        • Culture Nights
          • Description: The Youth Centre is offering cultural programming on Thursday evenings during drop-in.
          • Target Population: Youth ages 8-17.
          • Capacity: N/A
          • Hours of Operation: This program runs on Thursday evenings from 6:00pm-8:00pm year-round.
        • Workshops
          • Description: The Youth Centre provides workshops during drop-in on Tuesday evenings.
          • Target Population: Youth ages 8-17.
          • Capacity: N/A
          • Hours of Operation: This program runs on Tuesday evenings from 6:00pm-8:00pm year-round.
        • Workout Gym
          • Description: The Youth Centre provides workout programming Monday through Friday during drop-in.
          • Target Population: Youth ages 8-17.
          • Capacity: N/A
          • Hours of Operation: This program runs Monday through Friday evenings from 6:00pm-9:00pm year-round.

  Summer Camp

  • Description: Summer camp offers the youth in the community with the opportunity to engage of a variety of different activities (ex. arts and crafts, science experiments, cultural activities, etc.) on a daily basis to help keep them occupied throughout the summer months. Special outings are also planned for each group which include both in and out of community day trips.
  • Target Population: Youth ages 7-13 (Group 1 à Youth ages 7-9, Group 2 à Youth ages 10-13).
  • Capacity: 30 youth per group (Total = 60).
  • Hours of Operation: This program runs in July and August, Monday through Friday from 9:00am-4:00pm. Each group runs for a period of 3 weeks.

For more information regarding programs run through the Listuguj Youth and Family Centre, please contact Melissa Wood or Kristen Lind via telephone at (418) 788-3150 or via email at melissa.wood@listuguj.ca or kristen.lind@listuguj.ca

Sports and Recreation

Vision Statement: These programs aim to provide Mi’gmaq Youth with a safe engaging space that inspires them to be physically active by engaging in different sports and recreational activities.

Mission Statement: The Listuguj Sports and Recreation Program will strive to improve the overall health and well-being of our community from a holistic perspective by supporting our youth to be a force of positive change in their own lives, their family and in their community. We believe that Sports/Recreation/Physical Activity/Cultural Activities are powerful agents for change and innovation within the community and can lead to promising social outcomes for the youth and community at large.

Listuguj Community Playground and Splashpad/JRM Outdoor Rink/Jack Wysote Memorial Ball Park

Vision/Mission Statement: Recreation area that promotes physical activity for the full enjoyment of all community members

Recreational Monitor

Vision Statement: An individual in place to provide support and physical activity instruction, to minimize vandalism, and to maximize the use of the recreational areas in a safe and secure space.

Mission Statement: Supporting physical activity/sports among our youth and community members through mentoring and presence of a Recreation Monitor minimizes vandalism and promotes a safe space for community members to enjoy the recreational space.

Programs:

• Listuguj Youth Hockey (Listuguj Pugtew)
  • Description: This program is run by coach Michael Isaac with the assistance of one of our Youth Care Workers. This program focuses on teaching Listuguj youth the basics of hockey and works towards getting the youth who would like to play hockey active and engaged in a team environment.
  • Target Population: Youth ages 9 and under OR older youth in their first or second year of hockey.
  • Capacity: N/A
  • Hours of Operation: This program takes place on Saturdays for 1 hour (depending on ice time availability). This program runs from September until March.
• Listuguj Youth Boxing
  • Description: This program is run by coach Lawrence Martin and focuses on teaching youth the foundations of boxing, stances, positions, proper protection and mini games.
  • Target Population: Group 1 (ages 4-6), Group 2 (ages 7-10)
  • Capacity: 5 (Group 1) – 15 (Group 2)
  • Hours of Operation: Listuguj Youth Boxing takes place on Saturdays from 1-2pm. This program began on October 14^th and will run until February 10^th . The next session will be called “Fun Box” for youth ages 7-10 and will begin on March 2^nd until June 8^th
• Recreation Nights
  • Description: Recreation Nights at the Youth Centre provide youth in our community with the opportunity to engage in different sports and recreational activities in a safe environment. Youth will have the opportunity to explore their interests in this field of physical activity while also socializing with their peers.
  • Target Population: Youth ages 8-17.
  • Capacity: N/A
  • Hours of Operation:
    • This program runs on Mondays from 6:00pm – 7:30pm
  • Softball Development Summer Camp
    • Description: The goal of this program was to help community youth develop softball skills and interest in the sport.
    • Target Population: Children and Youth ages 5-12 (Group 1 à Ages 5-8, Group 2 à Ages 9-12).
    • Capacity: 25 youth per group (Total = 50)
    • Hours of Operation: This program took place from July 12^th until August 12^th, 2022, on Mondays and Fridays from 10:00am – 11:00am for Group 1 and 11:00am – 12:15pm for Group 2.

For more information regarding programs run through Sports and Recreation, please contact Katy Scerba via telephone at (418) 788-3150 or via email at katy.scerba@listuguj.ca

Youth Protection Support Programs and Services

• Health & Social Services Act – CFS provides services in the areas of referrals, assessments, voluntary measures, basic counseling, placement (when required on a voluntary basis), and mediation for and with families.
• Youth Protection Services “A Last Resort” – The Child and Family Services component of the Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate operates under the authority and jurisdiction of the Province of Quebec, specifically Center Jeunesse, which mandates their various delegations as follows: Section 32 and Section 33.
• Article 22 – Povide required surveillance to adolescents under probation order, aid adolescents found guilty, be present at court sessions when required, write pre-decision or evaluation reports
• Young Offenders – CFS provides services to youth who have experienced difficulties with the law. The goal is to assist youth with making restitution and to behave in a manner better adapted to living in the community. Through the rehabilitative services provided, youth are encouraged to regain control of their lives and improve relationships with family and community members.
• Foster Care – Child and Family Services participate in the recruitment, evaluation, and supervision of a network of foster homes and group homes that are adapted to the various needs of young people who cannot live in their own families.
• Adult & Elderly Care – The adult and elderly care program provides quality service in a safe, secure, confidential manner while respecting the dignity of our clients. Honoring our sacred teachings while respecting the values, beliefs and Mi’gmaq language, we ensure that our clients receive safe quality care. This community-based program promotes adult and elderly participation in our community-based activities.
• Child & Family Services (CFS) Partnerships – The program intends to support the well-being of First Nations children, youth, young adults, families, and communities, and recognizes program delivery is unique and complex.

For all the programs listed above, please contact Lee Barnaby at Listuguj Community Social Services at 418-788-3039.

The Gignu Rehabilitation Centre

• It is important for the Gignu unit to offer the best possible services adapted to the needs of the young people and families it serves. Gignu opened its doors to serve the clients of Listuguj and Gesgapegiaq on December 9th, 1985. It is an open unit within a structured environment. Gignu is a co-ed unit for youth ages 12 to 18 years. Gignu is a rehabilitation centre: that provides tools to change the thinking process of the client to enable them to return to their environment. Working in collaboration with the family is of the utmost importance during the duration of the youth’s placement. The structure of this environment helps develop well-being relating to security and self esteem; development of peers and adult relationships; development and utilization of self-control.  The Gignu team helps identify resources that are beneficial to each youth case such as counseling, drug and alcohol outreach, anger management, building healthy relationships, etcetera.
• As well as implementing the seven sacred teachings which are love, honesty, respect, truth, courage, wisdom, and humility. Youth work on reflection questions to manage their feelings and emotions daily our team provides one-on-one time with each youth to make sure that their needs are known and that they have someone to talk to.
• They also follow a daily routine such as daily activities, chores, and schoolwork. The goal is to reintegrate youth back into their home environment with the skills to make better choices to succeed.

Contact Listuguj Community Social Services for information at 418-788-3039.