Pagtesm & Associates Inc.
Lynn Francis is a Mi’kmaq from the Elsipogtog First Nation. She works for the Elsipogtog First Nation as the director of economic development. Lynn recalls as a child that she has always wanted to make a difference in her community. Her dedication and goals speak volumes given her 24-year career in her community.
She has been actively involved in major business development projects for her community. Lynn’s other aspirations include creating cultural awareness and helping humanity as a whole; namely, sharing the sacred teachings of the Mi’kmaq.
Lynn has always been concerned about the social crisis in her community; the increasing suicide rate, criminal activity among youth, and alcohol and drug use. Her late father started the Lone Eagle Treatment Centre in Elsipogtog First Nation. She recalls her father sharing the importance of one’s cultural identity when following the healing process.
Lynn’s concern for humanity has allowed her to work behind the scenes to make a difference, thus finding other people who share the same concern and vision.
Pagtesm and Associates was created to serve as a way to help youth and individuals reduce the risk of suicide and alcohol and drug use; a way of crime prevention. Lynn is looking forward to seeing the generational impacts the “Taan Tel Oelnemiisi” process will make.
Pagtesm & Associates provides healthy growth pathways for youth using the two-eyed seeing approach. The “Taan Tel Oelnemiisi” process allows trained facilitators to work with youth through collective Indigenous storytelling to identify positive characteristics of themselves. We work with organizations that work with youth at risk for crime reduction, suicide prevention and alcohol and drug use prevention.