W8BANAKI PILASKW odanak newspaper VOLUME 15 - NUMBER 3 fall 2020

rapidly changing world, life must continue. sovereign rights to this land is often being How do we interact and continue the very threatened not only by government but also important work of reform within our nation? by other nations encroaching on what is our Groups such as “Reforming the Abenaki nation’s ancestral territories. Our lands office, Circle” are called upon to be creative in the the Ndakina Office, has worked diligently to efforts to continue this important process. As ensure this process is followed closely. Abenaki people our capacity to adapt is being called upon. It is difficult, but not impossible We at council support these efforts and will to continue to build our community. We are continue to lead the discussions and relying more and more on technology to meet negotiations with other nations and and deal with sensitive issues that can government. jeopardize the stability and sustainability of our nation for future generations. Here in the community, our current project of creating new streets and the infrastructure to This pandemic is forcing us to reflect on our continue to build houses is nearing its end. limited resources and how we as a nation We now have the space to build in the area of choose to use them in a way that will sustain 30 new houses for our young families wishing us now and well into the future. to either remain or return to the community to raise their families. In loosing a dear friend, brother and teacher, Chief Joe Norton, I am made to think about We continue to grow. As a collective we can just how short life is. Although his legacy will continue to do what is necessary to leave a remain the driving force of those he left strong foundation for the generations to come. Word from the Chief behind, his work at this crucial time was indispensable. He will be missed! Kwaï fellow band members, In peace and friendship,

We continue to work hard to ensure our voice These are very trying times. With all of us is heard and recognized as the stewards of doing our best to deal with the adjustments our lands. We have but little lands where our needed to live our lives in the midst of a people thrived as a nation in the past. Our Chief Rick O’Bomsawin

Word from Councillors

In addition, we are awaiting a bid for work to replace the gantry located in the front, facing the river. We also received a bid for the renovation of the heart of the church. However, the work was postponed considering that the front wall and the gantry are a priority. Minor repairs were done to the parish priest's home. ALAIN O'BOMSAWIN CLAIRE O'BOMSAWIN Councillor On the health side, the “mini- Councillor emergency service” project, which was scheduled to open in Kwaï everyone, However, the date for the September at the Coopérative de Kwaï, resumption of normal activities Solidarité et de Santé Shooner- for the seniors of the Jauvin, has been postponed until As you can imagine, no community has not yet been around the first quarter of 2021. activities have been organized determined. We will inform you I hope you were able to enjoy the summer despite the pandemic for seniors in recent months due as soon as it has been set. to the Covid-19 pandemic. and its many limitations. Please note that this service will Until then, I wish you a nice end

be accessible to all Odanak The first post-confinement of summer and a beautiful As for the community church, residents, whether or not you are activity was held in mid-August beginning of fall filled with painting work on the roof is a cooperative member. and was a corn roast. I would health and love. expected to be started or like to thank everyone who completed, while other work will Wli Wni participated in this event. It was See you next time! be done on the front of the good to get together after all building to make the wall this time. weatherproof. Alain O’Bomsawin Claire O’Bomsawin

2

Word from Councillors to respond to the expectations and and federal governments over who “Jordan's Principle”. demands of the population to the would pay for his specific care. extent that our capacities allow us Another magnificent production to do so given the situation we are Jordan River died at the age of 5 by . facing. without having received the recommended services he needed. Recently, as part of the Présence The years that followed were a autochtone 2020 festival, I had the long legal and political battle that privilege of attending the screening led to the creation of “Jordan's of Ms. Alanis Obomsawin's Principle” in 2007 in memory of documentary film at the this little boy who was a victim of FLORENCE BENEDICT Museum of Fine Arts. the discriminatory and colonial Councillor government system of the day. Kwaï, For those unfamiliar with Jordan's Principle by definition: *It is to Fall is already around the corner ensure that all children and the last few months have been living in can access the difficult for everyone; with the products, services and supports confinement, restrictions, manda- they need, when they need them. tory mask wearing, social Funding can help with a wide range distancing and so on! In spite of of health, social and educational everything, summer was finally, needs, including needed supports let's say, almost normal. The sun for First Nations LGBTQ and Two- and the heat did not disappoint. Spirit youth. With all of our employees Among those present in the room at At any time, you can contact the teleworking, essential services the time of the presentation, we Odanak Health Centre for more were maintained. I would like to noted the presence of Alanis information about the Jordan's take this opportunity to salute Obomsawin, filmmaker, as well as Principle program at 450 568-6766. their work and their daily efforts to Ms. Cindy Blackstock, a great meet the needs of the Nation's Gitxsan activist and Executive In conclusion and according to the members since the onset of this “JORDAN RIVER ANDERSON, Director of the First Nations Child last updates, we did not have any pandemic. the Messenger” is a 65-minute and Family Caring Society who is Covid-19 cases in our community, which means that the measures I would also like to mention that documentary that tells the story of fighting for the well-being of decreed by the governments have the Musée des Abénakis as well as a child from Norway House Cree children and who played a very been effective for our community. the “Awikhiganigamikok” library Nation in Manitoba who was born important role in this battle with the with multiple disabilities and his government for the recognition and have reopened their doors to the Let's continue in this direction, with family who found themselves application of Jordan's Principle, general public since July 13, to respect for others. Let's not let up! everyone's delight. caught in the middle of one of whose dedication to this cause we these jurisdictional disputes (*by can clearly see in the documentary. Take care of yourselves and we'll Life is slowly but surely returning definition, the jurisdictional dispute talk again after the holidays. to normal and we hope that the arose because different levels of Much more than a political and Council offices will reopen very government fund different services legal battle, this documentary Wliwni soon. We continue to attend the for First Nations children, especially recounts the collateral damage of weekly meetings as elected those living on-reserve). This led to an entire family leading up to the *Source Wikipedia. representatives of the Nation and disputes between the provincial completion and application of

Short Column on the

In this issue, I will discuss THE FORMAT ION OF THE PLURAL OF ANIMAT ED NOUNS. Since indefinite and definite articles do not exist in Abenaki, the singular of a noun, such as tree, designates a tree as well as the tree and the plural of trees.

1. As a general rule, to form the plural of ANIMATED nouns, "ak" 3. For names ending with "em", add "ok". is added to the plural. Woman Phanem Phanemok

Tre e Abazi Abaziak We also add "ok" to all names ending with "akw or agw" and Eagle Mgezo Mgezoa "skw or sgw". To form these nouns in the plural. Replace the Snake Skok Skokak Frog Chegwal Chegwalak "w" with an "o".

Wowaron Agbalam Agbalamak Cod Nokamagw Nokamagok Bread Ab8n Ab8nak Kid Aw8ssis Aw8ssisak Groundhog Agaskw Agaskok Wave (on the water) Te g w Te g w ak Flea Pabikw Pabikwak 4. For names ending with "ad or id", the "d" is removed and re- Kettle Kokw Kokwak placed by "jik". Skunk Seg8gw Seg8gwak Baker Nodab8nkad Nodab8nkajik 2. For names ending in "a" or "8", simply add "k". Widower Sigwid Sigwijick Homme San8ba San8bak 1 Chef S8gm8 S8gm8k Excerpt from the book INITIATION À LA GRAMMAIRE ABÉNAKISE, Monique Nolett-Ille, Odanak, 2006. 3

Word from Councillors

1. Generate a movement of - Draw a real, sincere and traditions and our spirituality for positive and constructive actual portrait of the personal and monetary purposes. cultural affirmation Abenaki nation about our Many of these people claim to be identity, social, cultural and our allies, they have sneaked into 2. Reduce and / or discredit political stance. our communities taking advantage efforts to recognize self- of our warm welcome and our proclaimed Abenaki individuals - Promote dialogue for mem- generosity. or groups; bers off and on reserve. JACQUES T. WATSO A term that can be used is the Councillor 3. Effectively inform the mem- - Establish an action plan for "race-shifter", this term generally bers of the Nation about the future of our nation. Kwaï, defines a white man who believes self-proclaimed indigenous himself to be Abenaki, without people. Stay tuned for the Affirmation we are all affected by Covid-19 so Forum. All technological means having to prove or justify his here is a brief message of thanks 4. Promote the efforts of the will be at our disposal for a genealogy. to allband employees from all Odanak and Wôlinak Councils maximum of participants (zoom, We Abenaki have endured a lot of sectors having participated in the and all our band members as simultaneous translator, online well-being of the community as cultural trauma, residential the sole custodians of Abenaki moderator, etc.). schools, missionaries, loss of well as all residents of Odanak for culture and traditions. their collaboration during these Another hot topic that concerns all language, racism, discrimination trying month. Despite the current covid 19 members of the nation, cultural and lateral violence. situation, the Affirmation and identity appropriation. The of Odanak and We have not yet healed the Committee continued to sit and wounds of our past, they tell us W8linak are the sole guardians of one of the conclusion was the Among the Abenaki people, their language, their culture and cultural appropriation is a tsunami how we should live our own importance of having a real and culture and have the nerve to claim their traditions! introspective dialogue among the that harms our own cultural advancement. to live it better than we do. It’s Following the April 2019 members of our nation. very infantilizing, paternalistic and resolution, signed by the councils This is why we are at the stage of Let me explain: colonialist. of Odanak and Wôlinak, we setting up an Abenaki Nation For several decades, many self- established a Wabanaki Here are some examples of self- Affirmation Forum scheduled for righteous (IndianLover) have proclaimed Abenaki: Affirmation Committee. Compo- November 2020. appropriated our cultural heritage. sed of members of both The main objectives of this forum That is, our language, our songs, communities, this committee aims our dances, our crafts, our art, our to: are as follows:

Sylvain Rivard: Mathieu Montminy: Patrick Therrien alias Nia Don Stevens: Skweda Sibosimis: Always close to the community of Self-proclaimed Métis of the Self-proclaimed leader of the Elnu Odanak. He built his career by East, Métis Abenaki. flautist of the Native New Age tribe of Vermont, he has no falsely proclaiming himself of movement claiming to be Abenaki ancestry let alone Abo-

Abenaki descent, thereby creating Abenaki Métis. riginal, leader of the appropriation vast cultural credit on the backs of movement in Vermont. our Nation.

Marge Bruschac: And the list continues. She and her family have called One of the common threads of this cultural and identity appropriation is money. All these people themselves the O’Bomsawin family. exploit loopholes in the system to profit from government grants intended for indigenous members. Exploiting our culture for monetary In conclusion, it is up to us to remain vigilant and assert ourselves as it should and continue to affirm purposes. ourshelf proudly. Let's keep our heads high ! Jacques T. Watso 4

Word from Management

My Records, DANIEL G. NOLETT Executive Director My Choice Abenaki Council of Odanak

Kwaï mziwi!

During this time of pandemic due to Covid-19, where we have If you made an IAP or ADR claim for compensation for residential school just experienced a brief resurgence of cases in , we are abuse, there are records of your claim. You now have the opportunity to gradually returning to normal operations in our administrative choose what happens to those records after your claim is finished. offices, including the Health Centre. Since September 8, the employees who had been teleworking since mid-March have Th e choice is yours blocked out, to respect everyone’s privacy. • Your records from the Independent If you choose to preserve your records with the returned to their offices. Assessment Process (IAP) or the Alternative NCTR, send your completed consent form to the Dispute Resolution process (ADR) are IAP Secretariat and your records will be securely confidential. sent to the NCTR. We have been extremely fortunate not to have had a Covid-19 • To keep them confidential, you don’t need to To get a consent form, call IAP Information toll free do anything. case so far in Odanak. Lucky indeed, but we have made our luck at 1-877-635-2648 or download the form from • If you do nothing, your records will be www.MyRecordsMyChoice.ca. by implementing the measures directed by Public Health. We automatically destroyed on September 19, 2027. How would my re cord s be used at have endeavoured to strictly follow the government guidelines • Until September 19, 2027 you can get a copy and this has paid off. Although we all suffered from the isolation of your records for yourself or to share with the NCTR? anyone you choose. If you choose to preserve your records at the due to these strict measures during the confinement (some • If you choose, you can preserve your records NCTR you may choose either restricted access or suffered more than others of course, such as our elders among for history, education, and research at the open access. “Restricted” means that your name National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and other information that identifies you is kept others), we got through it. We will continue to follow the Public (NCT R). confidential. “Open” means that you could be Health recommendations and guidelines to the letter until the publicly identified. Which re cords are being ke pt? end of this bad soap opera in order to minimize the impact on • Your application form Can I get help? the health of all our community members and residents. • Th e voice recording of your testimony Yes. Resolution Health Support Workers (RHSWs) • Th e printed record (tra nscript) of your can answer your questions and help you with testimony forms. To find an RHSW in your area , call one of The 25-lot servicing project for residential development on the • Th e decision on your claim the toll-free information lines below, or ask at your band office. former CN land is now complete. At the time this article was Can I get a copy of my own re cords? written, only minor excavation work remained to be done on Yes. To get a copy of your application form, the To learn more the Waban-Aki Street residents' properties. I remind you that transcript of your testimony, and your decision, call • IAP Information IAP Information toll free at 1-877-635-2648. Or toll free: 1-877-635-2648 this project is an investment of nearly $1.5 million. You may have email IAPRecords_DocumentsSAPI@irsad-sapi. email: [email protected] noticed that a shared-lane bicycle path has been created on gc.ca. online: http://www.MyRecordsMyChoice.ca Information that identifies other people will be • Assembly of First Nations Pakesso Street, which gives us approximately 1.25 km of bicycle blocked out, to protect their privacy. toll free: 1-833-212-2688 path and/or pedestrian walkway between Waban-Aki Street It can take severa l months to receive a copy of your email: [email protected] and the end of the bicycle path near Kiuna. records. online: www.afn.ca • Inuit Re presentatives: Preserving the history of re sidential Contact for the Inuvialuit: We received confirmation from the Aboriginal Affairs schools phone: 1-867-777-7018 Secretariat (AAS) in mid-August that the application for Th e National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation email: [email protected] (NCT R) has been created to preserve the history online: http://www.irc.inuvialuit.com/ infrastructure funding was accepted. As a result, we will of Ca nada’s residential school system. It is Contact for Makivik: proceed with the expansion of the former administrative office hosted at the University of Manitoba. It is the toll free: 1-800-369-7052 permanent home for the records of the Truth and electronic communications can be located at 102 Sibosis, which now houses the offices of the Reconciliation Commission (TRC). submitted at: Grand Conseil de la Nation Waban-Aki. With the expansion of Th e NCTR invites those who made a claim http://www.makivik.org/contact/ the Grand Conseil due to its many mandates, it has become in the IAP or ADR to add their records to its online: http://www.makivik.org collection. Th ese records will be available forever, • National Centre for Tr uth and imperative to proceed with this expansion. This represents a to researchers and others who want to learn Reconciliation (NCTR) $1.2 million project of which 50% of the costs will be covered about the history and impact of Ca nada’s Indian toll free: 1-855-415-4534 residential schools. email: [email protected] by the funding we will receive from the AAS and the other 50% Information that identifies other people will be online: www.NCT R.ca will be covered by a loan from the BMO. None of our If you are feeling pain or distress because of your re sidential school experiences membership funds or the Council's consolidated surplus will be please call the free 24-hour Residential Schools Crisis line: 1-866-925-4419 affected by this project since the entire cost of this project will ultimately be borne entirely by the Grand Conseil from the rent we will charge them.

Regarding the class action brought by the victims of the federal Indian day schools, our community members who attended the Académie Saint-Joseph prior to its closure in 1959, can apply for financial compensation. You can also refer to the following web link for more information: https://indiandayschools.com/fr/.

After several years of hard work at the Grand Conseil de la Nation Waban-Aki on specific claims, we hope for an early case settlement for the Seigneurie de St-François and its 38 lots. Indeed, hearings before the Specific Claims Tribunal began on September 9 at the Musée des Abénakis. The hearings will take place over a six-week period. Community members wishing to attend these hearings can do so via the Zoom platform. We expect to obtain financial compensation for the loss of use and for the damages that the loss of these lands has caused us. We will keep you informed of the progress and outcome of these hearings.

Wli tagw8gw! Have a good fall! 5

Income Security

Annual Report 2019-2020 Income Security Program

Par Ann Landry

Sector’s mission Provide last resort financial assistance for Odanak community members who do not have sufficient resources to support themselves. Data were collected internally (accounting). They have not yet been verified by the accounting auditors.

Promote the integration of community members (employable) to the Further information on budget items labour market through training, development of employability and employment support programs. Note 1: Limited capacity allowances are provided to people with physical or mental incapacity or due to pregnancy, age (58 and over) and for children under the age of 5. Provide adequate financial resources and individually-based professional services to people unable to work. Note 2: Special allowances are provided to people with special needs in the following situations: illness, pregnancy, death of a family member, etc. Mitigate the dependence on income security and the underemployment issues in Odanak. Employment-based activities, training and special projects

Participate in various community-based projects. ØPeriodic meetings are held with the aim of helping and assisting clients in their efforts towards employment; Activities – Income Security (2019-2020) ØMeetings with external resources for clients (psychologist, ØAnnual meetings (2) of the communities adhering to the policy counsellor); framework;

ØMeeting between the communities adhering to the policy ØApply the administrative procedures of the Income Security Policy framework and the FNHRDCQ (LFNC, single-window approach); Framework, keep abreast of updates and apply them as required;

ØAttend training and information sessions for the application of ØMeetings and follow-ups of employment assistance measures;

the First Nations of Quebec Income Security Policy Framework (3 ØWork in close collaboration with the Carrefour Jeunesse Emploi training sessions were given by the FNQLHSSC); (CJE) so that the clientele (16 to 35 year-olds) has access to all ØProvide professional services to program beneficiaries in employment services and programs;

consideration of their individual needs; ØThe LFNC and income security are working closely to improve ØConduct annual reassessments in order to update claimants’ files; customer service;

ØMonitor individual plans for employable clients; Statistics over the last three (3) years ØDevelop healthy relationships with regional and provincial

organizations related to income security, transfer to the province and employment;

ØWork in close cooperation with each department.

Budget item, social assistance In 2019-2020, income security payments totalled $ 194,439.26 to income security program beneficiaries. Based on statistics, last year, herewith are the results:

Technical Services

several projects in Odanak. Among currently underway; mainly the As you can see, at all times, even the most important are the RRAP programs, minor during a pandemic, the GCNWA extension of Sips, Mgezo and renovations, as well as all the continues to work with the Pakesso streets, which is being modifications made to the various Abenakis of Odanak Council to completed on budget and on buildings owned by the further advance the work and schedule. community, for the benefit of its carry out new projects in your members. community. Another major project will begin shortly, the expansion of 102 At the time of writing this article, If you have any ideas or questions, Sibosis Street, which will be bids are also being reviewed to do not hesitate to contact me. In occupied by employees of the equip various buildings with the meantime, I invite you to visit Grand Conseil de la Nation Waban- generators to address the recurring our website or our articles on Aki (GCNWA), among others. power outages experienced in the social media. MARIO DIAMOND Thanks to this expansion, it will past. Technical Services Director also be possible for all members of the Odanak community and their In closing, it should be noted that Wlinanawalmezi! families to access improved this year, a large portion of Waban-Aki Street was resurfaced services. Kwaï N’nid8ba, and that in 2021, the technical Thanks to the active participation services team will be busy paving Adio. Fall is looming on the horizon and of the Abenakis of Odanak the rest of the street, up to the sounding the culmination of Council, several programs are northern limit of the community. 6

Archaeology summer 2020 - Ndakina Office Despite COVID-19, archaeologists Nations' occupation of the Côte- define the extent of the site. and park users will be able to view from the Ndakina Office were du-Sud region as well as a study of Unfortunately, the archaeologists short documentaries on the called out into the field. In June, all archaeological sites and types could only observe that the major occupation of this part of the several visits were made to the of occupation on the territory prior part of the site had disappeared Alsig8ntegw by the W8banakiak forest management units of the to the colonial period. Following under the effect of erosion caused people. Ndakina Office team Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et this work, some fifteen zones were by the rise in the water level for members will participate in the des Parcs (MFFP) to conduct surveyed in July as part of vacationing purposes. A few documentation required for this archaeological surveys. This work inventory work and excavation artefacts were collected in the project during the fall and winter allows for the recording and supervision. water and uncovered during the of 2020-2021. protection of archaeological sites, areas of archaeological potential or places considered sensitive for the W8banaki Nation. Last spring, Energir mandated the Ndakina Office to draft an archaeological potential study and carry out field work in the context of the extension of a gas pipeline between Lévis and Montmagny. Since the target region is on the Wolastokuk, the territory of the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk Nation The Energir archaeology project team (Maliseet Viger First Nation), the survey. Ndakina Office's archaeologists Between August 10 and 15, developed the project in order to archaeological digs took place at It should be noted that the BkEu-2 View of the submerged BkEu-2 site mentor the members of the the BkEu-2 site, located in the site at Lake Aylmer has been the archaeology team of the Aylmer Lake Park. This object of artefact sampling by Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk Nation's archaeological site demonstrates a collectors for some fifty years. Office of natural resources and continuity of occupation by Over the past decade, several territory. This mandate was an W8banakiak ancestors dating back objects and collections have been opportunity for the Ndakina at least 6,000 years. This project is submitted to the Laboratoire and Office to demonstrate the a partnership between the the Réserve d'archéologie du experience that has been acquired Municipality of Stratford and the Québec (LRAQ). The second in recent years in archaeological Ndakina Office. It has several objective of the project is to project management and the objectives. The first was to assess showcase the results of research protection of First Nations' the condition of the archaeological conducted on the BkEu-2 site. archaeological heritage. The site located on the beach and to Several artefacts will be displayed potential study included a conduct an archaeological inside the main building, Archaeological surveys on the shores historical component of First inventory through surveys to interpretive panels will be installed of the beach at Aylmer Lake Park

FORTHCOMING : A MAJOR CONSULTATION OF THE FUTURE OF BLACK ASH

There is no need to reiterate the considerations that will have to be always had for the W8banakiak In short, how to protect the species importance of black ash for the taken into account in the Nation's people, we felt the need for a while continuing to harvest and W8banakiak people as well as for positioning, and because of the broader consultation that would sell ash products, without altering other neighbouring First Nations in central importance that ash has include all First Nations concerned. the reputation of W8banaki Quebec and the North-eastern basketry in public opinion? And United States. We also know that how can we support the sharing of the emerald ash borer is a growing techniques and knowledge related threat to the species. to ash, from its collection and threshing to its transformation into This year, the Ndakina Office, baskets? together with the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable This will require a great deal of Development Institute (FNQLSDI), dialogue among First Nations. A intends to hold a dialogue on the first virtual meeting should be future of the black ash tree and the held in the fall, followed by a role that First Nations could play in second face-to-face meeting in the its protection and the monitoring spring if the health situation of its condition. permits. The details have yet to be defined and the schedule may Indeed, we were recently have to change. consulted by the Canadian Wildlife Service of the Department of We will definitely announce the Environment and Climate Change rest of our approach, which you Canada to add black ash to the list will also be able to follow on of species at risk. Although it is Facebook at the following address: paramount to protect the ash tree, the status of threatened species https://www.facebook.com/bureau could come with certain ndakina prohibitions and limitations in our traditional practices. In light of all the social and cultural Wliwni. 7

News from the Odanak Environment and Land Office Beto team The Covid-19 pandemic that has data (temperature, cloud cover and territory, we have been called raged in recent months has not wind speed) and temporal data upon to conduct plant surveys in prevented the Odanak (time of day, preparation time and the Masta marsh (ecotourism Environment and Land Office observation time) were also noted. project) as well as in the Domaine team from pursuing its These data influencing the de Pierreville (shooting range environmental projects. Since the calculations will be essential to project). These surveys are spring, we have been pursuing our statistically analyze the intended to draw a portrait of the advantages and disadvantages of different plants, shrubs and trees many wildlife projects (striped the two survey methods. in these environments. Some areas bass inventory in Lake Saint- will certainly be protected in order Pierre, environmental DNA By comparing the results obtained to preserve certain sensitive research on copper redhorse in the using drones with those obtained environments. Saint-François River, fish inventory using the visual method, we will at the dam, turtle then be able to distinguish which In addition, the Kinaw8la (take inventory at the Odanak marshes, variables are conducive to drone- care of yourself) team (Donna etc.). led surveys and which are O'Bomsawin and Evelyne Staircase leading to the St-François conducive to visual surveys. If the Benedict) worked on an We also continued our riverside (behind the museum) results are conclusive in supporting educational document of their rehabilitation of walking trails, drone-led surveys, other humble knowledge of the world of reactivated the Odanak ecocentre environmental organizations such plants and Mother Earth. They and maintained the community's as BETO will be able to benefit want it to be a “living” document from a standardized, timely and so that they can add the various gardens. We also worked efficient survey method that will knowledge of all families and to develop new projects for the allow access to territories that are community members as well. In coming year: inventories of bank more difficult to reach on foot. The fact, we are calling on people who swallows and cormorants, final results of this project were share this passion to contact us. monitoring of erosion sites and published at the end of the summer. archaeological potential, and much Species at risk capsule: Bank more. The majority of these are swallow already confirmed, so stay tuned The Bank swallow is a declining for future editions of the Pilaskw migratory bird whose Canadian to learn more. You can also visit population has declined by 98% the Facebook page of the Odanak over the past 40 years. This species Environment and Land Office that New observation tower at marsh 2 is exclusively insectivore and nests we continuously update. mainly in colonies on eroded slopes with a gradient of over 70% The 2020-2021 BETO team is Surveying the Odanak turtles (sand pits, eroded riverbanks, made up of Samuel Dufour- using a drone sandy cliffs along roads). They Pelletier (Director), Luc G. Nolett form small burrows from mid- This summer, the BETO also (Field team leader), Émile Gariépy Photo taken by drone of a few April to the end of August where (Environmental project manager), carried out a drone-led turtle they lay their eggs. The colonies survey project as part of project painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) Evelyne Benedict (Field assistant), warming up in the sun on the can be used from one year to manager Émile Gariépy's another if they have not been Christopher Coughlin (Field workplace internship for her surface of the water. assistant), Steeve Williams destroyed. Sand quarries, road bachelor's degree in biological and construction and insect control (Ecocentre attendant), Michel ecological sciences at the The BETO hired a community Durand (Land manager), Joannie member as project manager, Émile play an important role in the Université du Québec à Trois- decline of the Bank swallow. Beaupré (Environmental project Rivières. Gariépy. manager) and Stéphanie Harnois Abenaki medicinal plants If you see these burrows on your (Environmental project manager). A drone-led turtle inventory outings, it is important to limit sustainability project in Odanak disturbance to maximize their Rehabilitation of hiking trails has been developed to further breeding success. We encourage develop our knowledge and skills you to share your observations Extension of the Tolba trail: in the use of a drone in the field of with us. biology. Opening this fall The main objective was to verify This summer, the Odanak the relevance and efficiency of Environment and Land Office using a drone in surveying turtles, worked on upgrading the Tolba which is usually done using Trail, which now connects to the binoculars. To achieve this, we had Koak trail. The new entrance to to answer the following questions: Medicinal plant garden at the the trail, located next to the - Do the environment and health centre Abenaki Museum, has also been weather affect the number of improved in order to welcome you turtles observed? Last year, the medicinal plant this fall. garden located at the Health Bank swallow (Riparia riparia) and - What are the drone's optimal Centre was refurbished and several colony burrows Ten new interpretive panels on parameters for counting turtles? species were added, including Abenaki nature and culture have - Can we distinguish the yarrow, plantain, nettle, dandelion, been added: archaeology, invasive different species? sacred tobacco and mullein. This exotic species, ash and sweetgrass, development will have been - Is the ratio (observed river, clay, saltwater shells, the improved at the end of the turtles/time) more profitable by summer, when several other balance between wildlife, flora drone than by sight? and humans, new marsh and forest medicinal plants from the Odanak territory were added. You are all panels and a new trail map. A total of 36 surveys, including a drone count and a visual count, welcome to come and pick what Come and admire the wonderful were carried out in equal parts in you need for your home remedies. three marshes on the Odanak natural environment thanks to the Since several projects are slowly new facilities! territory, from June 4, 2020 to August 8, 2020. Meteorological taking shape on the Odanak 8

News from Your Museum are invited to conduct their new challenge handily. Ministère de la Culture et des investigation! Animals entered the Receptionist and maintenance Communications du Québec. museum during our absence and worker left evidence behind. Will you be ALANIS OBOMSAWIN SHOW- able to find enough clues to CASED IN BERLIN discover who these mysterious Last August, two members of the creatures were? community joined the Museum A retrospective of the artistic work team: Joyce Panadis and Johanne of Ms. Alanis Obomsawin will take SUMMER 2020 At the end of November, we will Lachapelle. Joyce succeeds Hélène the form of an exhibition in Berlin again hold our Christmas Market. Grenier, now retired, as in the winter of 2021. It will cover After restructuring its Taking place at the Museum for the maintenance worker. Johanne is a all aspects of the multidisciplinary programming, as well as access to past three years, we welcome new receptionist. Their skills will artist's career: film, music, its exhibitions and spaces, the more than fifty visitors each year, undoubtedly be valuable assets for engravings, creations, etc. Part of Museum opened its doors on July ready to get their hands on the the Museum's future projects. the exhibition will be devoted to 13 to provide a safe, fun and perfect gift! If you are interested Congratulations, ladies, and the traditional Christmas party, meaningful experience for all its in participating in the Christmas welcome to the team! which Alanis has been organizing visitors. Once again, the public's Market as an artisan, please REVAMPED ARCHAEOLOGICAL for several years. The Museum is response was more than contact us now: or by phone at asking for your help in obtaining EXHIBITION encouraging. More than 1,200 450 568-2600. hand-made toys that would have visitors visited the Museum from been given to you during this mid-July to the end of August. The detailed programming will be In the coming weeks, you will be able to come and discover our activity. If you are interested in Considering that the visitors came mailed to you shortly. Some lending one of your souvenirs for exclusively from Quebec, activities will be free for Abenakis brand new archaeological exhibition. Having unearthed more this occasion, we ask that you first attendance exceeded our registered with the Odanak and send a photo and a description of expectations. Wôlinak bands, stay tuned! than 28,000 artefacts during the most recent archaeological the object by email to: . Thank you CULTURAL PROGRAMMING NEW FACES IN THE TEAM excavations held in the historic for your continued collaboration! square of Odanak, it was Looking forward to seeing you After taking a break for the Management important to update the objects soon, summer, our cultural programming presented in the current exhibition is back this fall! The Museum Ms. Julie Anne Tremblay took up “Pemighassi 8jmow8gan - Digging offers three activities for a diverse her new position last May as into History”, in place since 2015. clientele. Executive Director of the Musée This new exhibition, designed for Vicky Desfossés-Bégin, des Abénakis. From the the young public, will appeal to Communications and At the beginning of October, performing arts to museology, everyone! It will present some Mediation Officer thanks to the active participation Julie Anne Tremblay has been sixty new artefacts, never before Musée des Abénakis of Mr. Michel Durand Nolett, the working in the cultural sector for presented. This project is made Museum will hold a tasting of nearly twenty years. With a possible thanks to a grant from the plants from the rising sun. Master's degree in museology, she Possessing a great deal of worked from 2009 to 2012 in knowledge about the plants from Montreal and Nunavik for the the community, Michel will share Avataq Cultural Institute, an his knowledge with the organization whose mandate is to participants. He will teach how to protect and promote Inuit language use and prepare the edible plants and culture. Since then, she has that can be found in Odanak worked as a consultant on during the fall season. museology projects and has also managed a family tourism On November 7th, a family business. activity - free for Odanak community children - will take The Board of Directors of the place at the Museum. In Odanak Historical Society as well collaboration with the Centre de la as the entire Museum team biodiversité du Québec de welcome Ms. Julie Anne, who will, Bécancour, children between the they are convinced, take up this ages of 5 and 10 and their families

Kiuna College In a different vein, but with enthusiasm, Kiuna started its 10th Local transportation services and fall semester. The entire team those between Trois-Rivières and worked tirelessly to implement the Kiuna remain unchanged. new procedures to ensure a safe environment for its students and A significant new feature to staff, while respecting public mention is that since August 2020, health guidelines. all our programs and courses are now offered in distance education. Each sector has been reviewed in For more information, please order to maintain the quality of our contact us at 1-866-568-6464. teaching and services to students. As a result, psychosocial services, Follow us on Facebook to follow student life activities, and even the latest news and activities that group visits are conducted will mark our 10th anniversary virtually. throughout the year!