About us...

ACCI flows from the knowledge that Cree culture must be captured, maintained, shared, celebrated, and practiced. Cree Elders have spoken of the need for a central place for the protection of the way, and have developed a vision for Aanischaaukamikw over several decades.

Dec 17, 2013

FAMILY WEEKEND AT ACCI

November 22, 23 & 24 saw Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute host its 2nd annual “Family Weekend” and what a weekend it was.  There were visitors from all over Eeyou Istchee that came to see Aanischaaukamikw and the events that happened throughout the weekend.



Two elders, Nancy Snowboy and Elizabeth Cookish, came from Chisasibi to show off their sewing skills and help any interested onlookers with their sewing skills.  Being from a coastal community, the two elders have access to different furs to sew with than what is normally used in Ouje-Bougoumou.  Many of their mittens were made using seal skins.  Just from looking at them, these mittens must be extremely warm in the winter months and they definitely keep your hands dry during spring.  Hopefully some of our visitors were inspired by their work and incorporate some of the coastal designs into their sewing. 

Johnny Neeposh came to share some legends and stories that he was told as a child.  Mr. Neeposh is an incredible story teller; he has the ability to capture the imagination of everyone around him when he speaks.  His story about the boy and the bear and why it is important to respect traditions and advice from others proved to be a valuable life lesson to all who listened.  He also told stories of when he was a boy living in the bush with his parents and all the knowledge he acquired while growing up. He expressed the importance of keeping these teachings strong by passing them down to our own children and future generations. It was such a pleasure having him here with us.

"This is Our Story: First Nations and Inuit in the 21st Century" at The Musee de la Civilization in Quebec City


On the 26th and 27th of November, the Board of ACCI met at the Hotel-Musee Premieres Nations in Wendake, near Quebec City.

One of the highlights of the meeting was participation in the opening of the new permanent exhibition at the Musee de la civilization, titled "This is Our Story: First Nations and Inuit in the 21st Century".

The exhibition takes an in-depth look at today’s aboriginal cultures, from their diversity, worldviews, beliefs, and ways of identifying with their pasts, to contemporary expressions of aboriginality around the world. The exhibition delves into what it means to be aboriginal in the 21st century.

Dianne Ottereyes Reid, Willie Iserhoff, Kenny Mianscum, and Stephen Inglis had participated in meetings in Quebec to discuss the exhibition over the last three years.

Staff at ACCI had also hosted a visit of several days by the exhibition team.


The board members, staff, and friends gathered for a photo in the lobby of the museum before the event.



Photo attached, she is accompanied by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Mrs. Elizabeth Larouche, the Minister of Culture and Communications, Mr. Maka Kotto and the Museums of Civilization Executive Director, Michel Côté (left)
Our President, Dianne Ottereyes Reid, was hounered during the formal part of the programme.