This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
This weekend, December 2 and 3, Oka National Park, in the Basses-Laurentides, is hosting a new indigenous market organized by Tourisme Kanehsatà:ke, with artisans and artists from several First Nations of Quebec. Close-up on an event based on creativity, openness and encounters.
Apart from powwows and a few celebrations like the Native Presence festival, we don’t often have the chance to meet creators from the Mohawk nation. “We are starting from scratch a bit in terms of tourism,” admits project manager Véronique Vincent. In Kanesatake, we do not have any reception infrastructure or financial autonomy. We also do not have cultural activities generating economic benefits. We must therefore be innovative and patient in setting up initiatives. »
For two and a half years, Mme Vincent is carrying out long-term work to reconcile development and respect for the values of his nation. In 2021, she organized the Kanehsatà:ke Collective, a kiosk at the Saint-Eustache summer public market where all the products came from artisans in her community.
“People were surprised and happy to discover this cultural richness, so it encouraged me to launch other initiatives with non-native partners on our ancestral territory. This is how the idea of the Indigenous Winter Market was born,” says the project manager.
Indigenous crafts and art
On Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the general public is invited to come to the Le Littoral Service Center of Oka National Park to discover and acquire the work of around forty artisans and First Nations artists.
“It’s the very first of its kind, and it brings together creators from the Kanesatake community as well as others of Cree, Inuit, Wendate, Innu and even Atikamek origins,” says Véronique Vincent.
Many disciplines are represented in this unusual market: making traditional clothing, beading moccasins or accessories, creating jewelry with or without fur, basketry, making soaps and candles, natural products, pyrography, sculpture, printing textiles, painting, publishing with Hannenorak, etc. Several exhibitors will also offer edible products, including hot sauce!
To complete this offer, artisan demonstrations, as well as song, dance and music shows are planned during the two days of the market. Enough to have a great time, while shopping for the holidays and, better yet, taking the time to interact with the participating creators.
As indicated by Mme Vincent, “this approach demonstrates that tourism can be an opportunity for innovation, creativity and enthusiasm, while sharing an authentic and respectful story.” An invitation that cannot be refused.
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.