Mi'gmaq
Listuguj
Listuguj Mi’gmaq Community Plan
The Mi’gmaq Creation story tells of the formation of Mi’gma’gi, and the creation of its seven districts. Listuguj is located in Gespe’gewa’gi (“The Last Land”), the seventh and largest district of Mi’gma’gi. Gespe’gewa’gi has been Mi’gmaq and Listugujewaq traditional territory since time immemorial. It includes what is now known as the Gaspé Peninsula, parts of mainland Québec and Maine, and northeastern New Brunswick. As of 2022, Listuguj is comprised of 4,269 citizens. Half of Listugujewaq live in the community (2,075), while others live in neighbouring areas or further abroad (2,194). Listuguj is a vibrant community culturally, socially, economically, and historically. As people of the dawn, they inspire other Nations with their strong values and leadership.
Sources :
What was the
starting point
of the CCP?
In 2012, the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government first heard about CCP through the Cities and Environment Unit at Dalhousie University, which promoted the idea of a community-based way of planning that could benefit communities, particularly First Nations communities. Chief and Council immediately saw the potential of CCP, how it could help grow Listuguj as a community. A call for tenders was released and Dalhousie University was hired to support the planning process. Councilor Tracy Metallic took on the role of CCP champion and began the groundwork with the Dalhousie University team in creating a community-led plan for all Listugujewaq.
How did the
planning process move forward?
The CCP process in Listuguj has faced many challenges over the years and has been anything but linear. In its early stages, in 2012-2014, maintaining clear communications with the community was a challenge, as multiple ongoing processes, including major settlement agreement claims, added layers of complexity. A first draft of the CCP was completed by Dalhousie University, but following elections in 2014 and new political priorities, CCP was dormant for a few years. Then, in 2017, Chief Darcy Gray and the newly appointed Economic Development Manager, Delphine Metallic, began efforts to revitalize the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Community Plan (LMCP). A CCP Coordinator was hired, with the main task consisting of reviewing the entire draft of the LMCP document and identifying areas that needed revision.
In autumn 2017, the CCP team launched an extensive community engagement strategy and held over 20 activities over four months. Over 400 community members (approximately 20% of members) participated in workshops, meetings, focus groups and surveys, which provided incredibly valuable data for the re-development of the plan. The LMCP Vision Statement was renewed, the projects and policies listed in the four Action Areas were updated, and the plan was validated by the community. In March 2018, Chief and Council officially adopted the updated LMCP, reflecting the community’s confidence in the process and the amazing work accomplished by the CCP coordinating team.
What changes did CCP bring in Listuguj?
Commitment to the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Community Plan (LMCP) brings a sense of empowerment to Listuguj members. With the support of several administrative sectors, it is their contribution that brings the collective vision to life, by successfully setting in motion multiple projects in each of the four Action Areas: Healthy Community, Environmental and Resource Stewardship, Entrepreneurship and Employment, and Mi’gmaq Laws and Governance.
Here are some examples of projects and initiatives already in motion :
Multiple activities and programs are offered to support language revitalization in Listuguj: a Mi’gmaq immersion course at the Alaqsite’w Gitpu school, a mentorship program for adults who want to teach and learn Mi’gmaq, adult immersion, Nipugtugewei Gina’masuti (outdoor experiential learning in immersion).
Listuguj is moving ahead with the construction of an Elders Home facility that will have up to 12 beds, allowing Elders to continue to be at the heart of community life.
Developing a massive infrastructure project for the Busteed Lands, which were returned to Listuguj following the settlement claim. The development will welcome a new high school, new housing, an economic development section, an industrial park, a new police station and a new fire station.
Listuguj implemented a new Lobster Law to manage its own fishery, a first by a First Nation in the province of Quebec. This law will be used as the basis for other resource stewardship laws, to manage salmon (plamu), hunting, and forestry. This reflects two of the priority areas in the LMCP: creating and implementing Mi’gmaq laws and governance and exercising our stewardship regarding lands and resources.
What are the next
steps?
Now that Listuguj has five years of implementation under its belt, the LMCP will be entering it’s first review and update cycle – which is recommended every 5-7 years in CCP practice. Summer and Fall 2023 will be dedicated to a community engagement effort focusing on revisiting the LMCP action areas, core principles, community vision and project, policy, and infrastructure ideas. The CCP team is hopeful that a revised community plan will be ready for community validation and formal adoption by early 2024.
Moving forward, the CCP coordinating team will work towards nurturing the relationships that have been created with the community and political leaders to keep expanding the commitment to the community vision. They also plan to continue their work with the community in moving towards healing and connection to support Listuguj’s continual growth and development. Another goal is to bring in more people and resources to join the CCP team and to create a permanent home for the CCP in the LMG’s structure. A monitoring and evaluation framework has also been developed to keep track of the results achieved. Regarding new projects, the focus will be on revitalizing employment and entrepreneurship. Listuguj plans to create new economic opportunities by developing its entrepreneurial and tourism sectors, which will help create fulfilling jobs and strengthen capacity within the community.
Who to contact for more information?
If you want to know more about the CCP in Listuguj, you can view their short documentary or visit the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government website.