LISTUGUJ, QC – “The Mi’gmaq language is something that is very important to the people of Listuguj. The loss of language has had residual impacts on our community and I am so happy to see the language being taught in our school along with our adult learners. The battle to restore our language is something we have been working on for many years and I am happy to say that with the help of the federal government we are one step closer to achieving our goal of a fluently Mi’gmaq speaking Listuguj, ” comments Chief Darcy Gray, Listuguj.
Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon−La Mitis−Matane–Matapédia, on behalf of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, announced investments of more than $1.7 million for infrastructure and education projects.
Funding announced today includes $320,000 over two years to support the Languages and Culture component of the New Paths for Education program. These investments will allow more students to access the Mi’gmaq immersion program.
Other investments will help to support community growth, including the development of a waste transfer site, the construction of a municipal garage and access road, and the installation of a roof over the outdoor skating rink.
“These investments will give more community members access to education in Mi’gmaq, allowing them to strengthen their culture and walk proudly in both worlds. We are honoured to work with the community of Listuguj, in a true spirit of reconciliation, to celebrate your resilience and improve the quality of life for your residents,” says Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P. Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
“Language is the expression of ways of thinking and of culture. Learning, preserving and teaching First Nations languages is a benefit for the outreach and development of their cultures. Furthermore, the development of infrastructure and community spaces energizes communities. The Government of Canada is proud to support the Mi’gmaq immersion program and invest in the Listuguj community facilities,” comments Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia
