Quebec Government Ministers visit Aanischaaukamikw

We have a wonderful visit from some of the ministers from the Quebec Government.

Réjean Hébert

Minister of Health and Social Services

Minister responsible for Seniors

Minister responsible for the Estrie region

Élizabeth Larouche

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs

Véronique Hivon

Minister for Public Health and Youth Protection

Minister responsible for

the Lanaudière region

Thank you to the Chairperson of Cree Heath Board, Bella Petawabano, Diane Ried, President of ACCI and Abel Bosum, Cree Negotiator for make this a memorable visit.

Jackie Gull Memorial Pipun Eeyou Eetouwin

Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute was recently invited to attend the Jackie Gull Memorial Pipun Eeyou Eetouwin in Waswanipi. We were absolutely delighted with the hospitality and kindness shown towards us from everyone involved in this event. Upon our arrival in Waswanipi we were invited for a feast where we were served bannock, rabbit stew, moose stir fry, moose tongue and moose intestine. All food was prepared on open fires in teepees at the cultural village by an extremely knowledgeable and friendly group of elders. As we sat around, sampling some of the most delicious and exquisite food, laughter and stories filled the lunch time conversation. Being welcomed with this form of hospitality was truly a remarkable experience. 

We quickly set up our table and met with residents from the Cree Nation of Waswanipi. Virtual tours of our exhibit were shown; books and information from our Library and Archives were on display; and people came to view our collection of videos. As day turned to evening, the excitement grew as we prepared to show “The Cree Hunters of Mistassini”, a film that follows 3 families living in the bush for the winter months while they live a traditional lifestyle. The turnout was exceptional and all in attendance enjoyed seeing the film.

On the following day Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute staff returned to show the same film to the local elders. When the film started, laughter filled the air, and when it was over, the conversation amongst the audience was all about living a traditional lifestyle and memories were shared for all to hear. 

ACCI would sincerely like to thank Diane Cooper, Alex Moses and the Elders of Waswanipi for inviting and allowing our staff to participate in this wonderful event.

Cree Native Arts & Crafts Association Festival

From March 15 to 17, CNACA held their first festival in Val d’Or and ACCI was present at this event.  There was an abundance of talented artists in attendance at the festival. Tim Whiskeychan, one of the most respected artists in Eeyou Istchee, showed many curious visitors some of his unique painting techniques. There were crafts people showcasing their works, from moccasins to mittens, from paintings to tamarack birds. The level of craftsmanship was outstanding.

Caroline and Rob at the ACCI booth.

Movie Night at the Museum - Cold Journey

On Wednesday March 20, Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute hosted another Movie Night showing “Cold Journey” starring Eeyou Istchee’s own Buckley Petawabano. Mr. Petawabano was kind enough to record a message that was played before the start of the film. He spoke of his time making the film and the work that came, such as the TV series “Rainbow Country”. ACCI would like to thank Mr. Petawabano for taking the time to record such a heartfelt and meaningful message.  

“Cold Journey” is a story about a young boy trying to fit into two very different worlds. His family remains on the reserve and survives by hunting, trapping and fishing. The main character struggles between the lifestyle and traditions of a young Native man and the residential school system imposed by the government. Similarly, while being drawn to a traditional lifestyle, Buckley was required to attend a residential school himself and so was able to relate to the main character of the movie. 

Even with such a serious topic, there were moments that had those in attendance laughing. In one scene, the main character shoots a gun in the house of the family he boarded with, highlighting cultural differences in a humorous way with the line, “Indians don’t have loaded guns in the house”. The driving skills displayed after the main character “borrowed” a skidoo from the skidoo shop were exceptionally exciting and brought some chuckles from the audience.  

ACCI was happy to present this film just before Mr. Buckley Petawabano was officially recognized for all the years of service to Eeyou Istchee at the Cree Native Arts and Crafts (CNACA) Festival. Not only is Mr. Petwabano an actor and a cinematographer, but he was also instrumental in the creation of the James Bay Cree Communications Society. Mr. Petawabano was given the Cree Legend Award by CNACA at their awards ceremony on Saturday March 16, 2013. As a deserving recipient of this award, Mr. Petawabano was given a standing ovation as he was recognized by his fellow artists. ACCI would like to congratulate Mr. Petawabano on this well-deserved honour.

Paula Menarick and the Beaded Hood...A Tradition lives on...

ACCI had a real treat before the Christmas holidays; we had a wonderful young lady, Paula Menarick, come to and work on-site for an entire week on replicating a beaded hood. The amount of work that she put into this project was absolutely incredible. The beads that she worked with were so small, the details in her stitching were exceptionally precise, and the care that was put into her work was something to admire. We are very happy that Paula was able to make the time to work on this extraordinary piece for us.

The beaded hoods that we have on display are beautiful. They symmetry, detail, and precision of work in the bead patterns is something that is a must see when visiting Aanischaaukamikw. The beads that were used were so incredibly small; we were worried that the needle might be too large for the beads themselves! Much of the knowledge about beaded hoods, from the use of them to knowing how to make them, is no longer passed from generation to generation in Eeyou Istchee. Aanischaaukamikw has done a large amount of research with Elders about the use of the beaded hoods and having a hood replicated at Aanischaaukamikw provided a unique insight into the process of making a hood. Watching an artist demonstrate how to place these tiny beads on a needle and then attach them to fabric, we were brought closer to our ancestors with every stitch.