Experience Québec
Indian summer
On the Native trail again
It’s now time to get down to business and experience the Native way of life. Let’s meet the First Nations. The Montagnais, Wendat, Algonquin and Cree offer you ethno-cultural getaways that vary with the seasons. Ready for a change of scenery and to partake in rich educational activities? On the Native trail, this is Indian summer. Part two.
You already have a good foundation. You know a little more about Amerindian life. And if you’ve participated in a guided tour, then you’ve had the chance to ask all the questions that up to now had gone unanswered. You’re more the wiser! So let’s hit the trail and visit some theme sites.A "brave" new world
Visit the Onhoüa Chetek8e Traditional Huron Site (the 8 is pronounced as "ou"), in Wendake, just 15 km (9 mi.) from Québec City, on the Wendat nation reserve. You’ll learn all about the nation’s traditions past and present at this recreated 17th-century Wendat village. You’ll also find information about Québec’s other First Nations, enjoy evening theme packages and watch performances of Huron dancing and chanting. What’s more, you’ll savour authentic Wendat dishes at the restaurant on site. Then there’s the Maison Aroüanne, a Huron-Wendat cultural centre and tourist information centre set in the heart of Old Wendake.
Wachiya!
That’s welcome in Cree. And Oujé-Bougoumou (1 888 745-3905, toll free from Canada and United States), is the place where people gather. Experience an unforgettable visit to this modern village where the Cree nation’s traditional way of life is respected. Designed by architect Douglas Cardinal, Oujé is the new Cree destination. A tourist site built according to the principles of sustainable development, this village has been recognized by the United Nations as one of 50 communities in the world to strike a harmonious balance between Native tradition, modern life, ecological values and technology.At Oujé, the Cree have developed getaways lasting five to seven days, packages designed to give visitors the opportunity to take part in the customs of these northern Aboriginals. Canoeing, hunting, fishing and arts and crafts make these ethno-cultural packages complete. You’ll learn how to smoke sturgeon and spend your nights sitting around the campfire listening to stories and legends of this great Amerindian nation.
A Cree among the Montagnais
Gordon Moar is Cree. His grandfather left his home north of Chibougamau to go live along the shores of Lac Saint-Jean at the turn of the 20th century, near the Mashteuiatsh reserve (Pointe-Bleue). For the past seven years, Mr. Moar has been organizing ethno-cultural getaways in the forest with Aventure Mikuan II. He points out, "I strive to illustrate present-day Amerindian culture by showing past customs that are alive today." He collects memories, particularly those of the elders. He paints a simple, but utterly fascinating, picture of Amerindian life today.Aventure Mikuan II invites outdoor enthusiasts to discover traditional life on the ancestral territory of the Ashuapmushuam wildlife reserve. The adventure includes spending the night in a tent on a bed of fir branches, canoe excursions in the summer or snowshoeing in the winter, and learning about trapping and tracking. In short, it’s a totally authentic experience for nature lovers!
Celebrate!
Discovering and becoming educated about other cultures is great, but it’s not everything! You’ve got to have fun as well! The summer solstice marks the beginning of summer and the end of a major event, the First Peoples’ Festival, which features scenic and visual arts, films, music and more. A camp is set up in downtown Montréal and the festivities close with a huge parade. In Wendake, a suburb of Québec City, don’t miss the Carrefour des Nations (gathering of nations), a festive event that blends traditional and modern customs. This is a great family outing, with lots of activities for the kids. Native dance competitions, traditional food and Native drumming demonstrations share the stage with rock and blues performances. Nevertheless, the definitive traditional celebration remains the pow-wow, which honours the gods, the elements and the Earth, the mother of all living things, through dances and chants and the friendly sharing of a veritable feast. So there you have it an activity-filled summer. In October, when the maple leaves turn red and the birch trees are cloaked in yellow, when autumn’s frosts chill the nights and then milder temperatures return, Indian summer will take on an entirely different meaning.| On the native trail |
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André Quenneville
2008-04-10
