W8BANAKI PILASKW

ODANAK NEWSPAPER VOLUME 12 - NUMBER 1 JANUARY 2018 THE NDAKINNA OFFICE RECEIVES 2017 RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS AWARD The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse announces the recipients of the Award dedicated to the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Word from the Chief Kwaï fellow band members,

It is with gratitude that I undertake a new term in office representing and leading our community as your Chief. Each term brings new learning and each election gives me a chance to review my role as ambassador, ad - vocate and speaker for our band. Although there are many issues to be addressed in our reconciliation process, we need to name and deal with them as they present themselves. On a first and current order; talks and ne - gotiations with the state to move forward in a long overdue file were a priority in this last year. The fight initiated by our women in 1967, to resolve their exclusions brought about by gender inequalities in the Indian act has finally seen some progress. By the time you read this newspaper yet another step will have been franchised. Our women will finally have acquired some equality in eyes of the state. What comes next is to create a working Geneviève Treyvaud, Yvon Poirier, Suzie O’Bomsawin, David Bernard and Hugo Mailhot-Couture. solution to ensure that our members have im - partial access to services and resources allotted under the act. There is no doubt that The 2017 Rights and Free- The jury members are Vi - W8banakiak people until we know what financial adjustment the doms Award have been pre - viane Michel, President of Que - throughout the territorial government has planned, we must tread lightly sented to eight initiatives that bec Native Women, Béatrice planning process. in the fiscal component of this process. have promoted the recogni - Vaugrante, Executive Director Another order of business will be for us to tion and respect of Indigenous of Amnistie internationale • The Atikamekw Nehirow- look at our membership code and revisit it`s peoples rights throughout francophone, Ghislain isiw Declaration of Sover- structure. Considering that this code was es - Québec, announced today the Picard, Chief of the Assembly eignty seeks to raise tablished to do just what this amendment to Commission des droits de la of of and awareness of and ensure the the act addresses it is important that we personne et des droits de la je - Labrador, and Alexandre recognition of Atikamekw make amendments to ensure the survival of unesse. Bacon, cofounder of Cercle Nehirowisiw ancestral rights our People`s culture and customs be addressed The Commission has cho - KISIS. within the general population also. Please participate in this process by at - sen the theme of Indigenous The Award has been pre - of Québec and Canada. This tending general assemblies to ensure your rights to mark the 10th an - sented during a ceremony held declaration has helped to em - voice and thoughts be heard. niversary of the United Na - on December 10 that was phasize Atikamekw presence What we can do at this time is work on the tions Declaration on the streamed live on the Commis - on the territory during tradi - social component of this fight. Welcoming Rights of Indigenous Peoples. sion's YouTube channel. The tional activities and has fos - into our circle the members who have suffered “We congratulate the eight recipients are the following : tered a new respect from this exclusion is our first order of business recipients for their exceptional non-Indigenous users. and within our shared power. If you are a cit - contribution to the recognition • The Ndakinna Office of the izen of our band and you fall under the mem - and advancement of Indige - Grand Conseil de la Nation • The Centre des Premières bers who have been reinstated, I welcome nous rights among their com - Waban-Aki documents tradi - Nations Nikanite de l'Univer- you to take part in community activities ini - munities, their Nations and tional uses and occupation sité du Québec à Chicoutimi tiated by our Family center, Health center, throughout Québec”, has de - of the Ndakinna territory by provides Indigenous UQAC Language class, Grand Council, Environment clared Camil Picard, Acting the W8banakiak people students a welcoming place services and Museum. Keep abreast of the President of the Commission. () in order to ensure that offers the guidance and activities that will help heal and fill the void “These recipients have been se - protection for their ancestral educational support they brought about by the many years that separated lected by an outstanding jury rights. The Office's consulta - need to foster their academic our women`s children from their rightful her - because of their great involve - tions have help build con - success, in keeping with their itage. With this I would like to welcome you! ment. I want to take this oppor - structive dialogue between culture. The Nikanite Centre tunity to thank the jury for promoters, organizations also educates the academic In peace and friendship, contributing to the success of and government ministries community and the general the 2017 Rights and Freedoms in favour of Nation members public about Indigenous real - Chief Rick O'Bomsawin Award” . and to be the voice of the ities and cultures. - CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 - 2

Word from Councilors

tioned here was handed over by faint-hearted abstained. Children, the Abenaki people to the French meanwhile, were introduced to in 1699. The first analyzes showed boning and had a lot of fun. They that the beads are connected to were allowed to keep their skull one another using animal and plant and bring it home. Thanks to tendons and that the dye used was Christopher, Luc and Samuel for actually made of cranberry ex - this wonderful day! tract. We also observed the metic - ulous and very precise work of our predecessors. I even briefly had FLORENCE BENEDICT the privilege of touching this Councilor wampum made by our ancestors and I was quite moved. The infor - mation gathered will allow us to Kwaï, compare past and current tech - Commemoration. niques and will eventually be used Because the Île Ronde activity for educational purposes. was cancelled due to low partici - ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclero - pation, we decided to organize a sis). The Fall Pow Wow organizers corn roast with about forty partic - were proud to have donated nearly ipants. People had the opportunity $ 750 to the foundation. Nearly a hundred people marched through - to participate in several activities Workshop on deboning skulls. such as a rabaska ride on the St- out the day! For the occasion, an François River and a treasure hunt. “Abenaki canteen” was available They could also participate in for those present. Bannock, smoked fish and sagamité were I would like to acknowledge the Phillipe O'Bomsawin's fish smok - award presented by the SPVM to ing activity and take part in a fish - available at minimal cost. Thank you Eric G.Nolett, Johanne and the Ms. Mylène Trudeau, police offi - ing contest led by Christopher cer-investigator for the Abenaki Coughlin. We ended the day with a beautiful Charlotte for this great Wampum initiative. Dancers, drummers and Police Force, for her high-level and pot-luck dinner and an Abenaki quality work in investigating alle - bingo hosted by June Palmer. A big singers performed and the event was a great success. gations of a sexual nature against thank you to all the organizers of women in various Aboriginal com - this beautiful day: Caroline Cardin, munities in Abitibi aimed at Sécu - Nathalie Cardin, Raymonde Nolett, rité du Québec officers. Luc G.Nolett, Christopher Cough - Congratulations Mylène! lin, David Plante and Mathieu Laforce.

Fall Pow Wow

From November 11th to the With my colleague and friend, 19th, I traveled to France to repre - Mr. Stéphane Picard sent the Abenaki Nation, replacing Mathieu O'Bomsawin who unfor - tunately had other commitments. A fishing activity organized by The purpose of this trip was to as - the Environment and Land Office Rabaska ride sist in the research and the unveil - was held at the community centre ing of the first results of the on December 9th. For the occa - “WAMPUM” belt analyzes per - sion, a huge pool filled with trout On October 4th, a march was or - was set up on site. Both young and Award presented by the SPVM to ganized by Quebec Native Women formed using 3D techniques. This Ms. Mylène Trudeau wampum is considered one of the old were able to fish and keep their (QNW) across Canada to support catch. the murdered and missing women many Chartres treasures and is campaign. In , about 20 treated as such by the Monuments Historiques de France with all the I could not finish this article people, armed with their umbrel - without noting my re-election as las, walked about one kilometre in conventional security measures. This research was conducted councillor for the next two years a heavy downpour to the monu - on the Abenakis of Odanak Coun - ment commemorating the Roger's jointly by the University of Rennes in France and Laval University in cil. I want to thank everyone who Raid in 1759, erected on the contributed! I am very proud to church site. This commemoration . I travelled with my colleague and friend, Mr. Stéphane represent you for a second term. is intended to celebrate not the Hoping you had a happy holiday losses that were incurred at that Picard, representative of the Huron-Wendat Nation, who was season. I wish you joy, happiness time, but our Nation's ongoing and health in 2018. longevity. there for the same reasons. We were also joined by Ms. Geneviève Fishing activity. Let's talk again in the spring. On October 28th, at the Odanak Treyvaud, archaeologist at the Community Centre, the first ever Grand Conseil de la Nation Waban- Aki. Best regards, Fall Pow Wow was organized by At the same time, a workshop Mr. Jacques T. Watso and his wife, At the time of our ancestors, the wampum served mainly for politi - was held on deboning skulls such Florence Benedict. Ms. Carine Vallin. The purpose of as raccoon, beaver and coyote. The this event was to raise funds for cal alliances. The wampum men - 3

Word from Councilors

the elections. In this context, ticipate in the collection activi - we travelled to Albany and Sud - ties. Thanks to this initiative bury to meet the Abenaki peo - and to the contributions by the ple who reside there. We met Abenakis of Odanak Council, some very nice people and I 55 families received assistance would like to take this opportu - during the holiday season. The nity to thank them for their gift cards and the food were warm welcome. distributed on December 15th in the various homes of the Thanks to the annual Christ - community with the help of Ms. mas food drive on November Theresa Watso, whom I sin - CLAIRE O'BOMSAWIN 18th, we were able to raise cerely thank. Councilor $ 2,440. An amount of $ 447 was also added to the food To end the year in style, as Hello everyone, drive total thanks to a bingo ac - tradition dictates, we organized tivity organized by Mr. Sylvain a Christmas party for the eld - Like every year, activities for Robert. Thank you very much ers. Participants took part in the community elders resume in Mr. Robert! I would also like to several activities including a September, such as community thank Jenny Benoit M'Sadoques gift exchange. We thank you for luncheons (breakfasts and and Marc-Olivier O'Bomsawin your participation! lunches) and the Meals-on- who took care of the youth who Wheels service. These activi - were collecting donations on I would like to conclude by ties are going well and are much Marie-Victorin Street, as well as thanking you for your trust by appreciated by everyone. Councillor Alain O'Bomsawin voting for me again as council - for his help throughout this lor. It's a true honou r! In October and November, event. Special thanks to the 55 families received assistance each candidate campaigned for youth who, like every year, par - during the holiday season.

Word from Councilors

tion, a fence was finally installed tration and the population. around the cemetery as planned. These are all topics showing some uneasiness and resignation On November 30th, I had the on the part of community mem - opportunity to participate in the bers. launch of the book Les Abénakis d'Odanak: un voyage I do not intend to be a saviour, archéologique with Chief Rick but I would need everyone’s O'Bomsawin and Councillor Flo - contribution to open a construc - rence Benedict. This book, which tive dialogue on the future of ALAIN O'BOMSAWIN was launched at the Musée des JACQUES T. WATSO Odanak. With this in mind, Councilor Abénakis in Odanak, is truly a Councilor beginning in January 2018, marvel to discover and learn every last Saturday of the Kwaï, more about our past and our cul - Kwaï , month, from 10 a.m. to noon, I ture. Congratulations to will be holding meetings at the I would first like to sincerely Geneviève Treyvaud and Michel I would first like to thank each community hall to talk to you thank my family, my friends and Plourde, the authors of this book. and every member of the about ongoing issues and to all those who supported me for For those who would like a copy, Odanak community who have form a talking circle to address my re-election on November the book is currently on sale at put their trust in me to represent the topics mentioned above. All 26th. I am very proud to be your the Musée des Abénakis. them. To you, dear members, I members, on and off reserve, as representative once again. assure you that I am committed well as all elected officials are Finally, following a special re - to serving you all without dis - invited to participate. A brunch As you know, churches are quest from families in the com - tinction. I shall stand tall, upright will be served at each of these part of our heritage and we are munity who wish to go sledding and proud to represent you. meetings. grateful to have one in our com - or practice other winter sports, munity to host various significant note that hay bales and a fence In recent years, I have initiated I will conclude by reminding you events in our lives. It is therefore will be installed at the bottom debates on various topics such not to forget to attend the Coun - important to preserve it well. the rectory's hill to prevent acci - as cultural identity in the con - cil’s general assemblies. Your With this in mind, I am proud to dents. (Note that adult supervi - text of intermixing or presence is important, so I invite announce that the church's attic sion and caution are required at miscegenation in Odanak, the you to plan your schedule will be insulated to help reduce all times) reform of the electoral code, the accordingly. heating costs. I also met Bishop Council’s omnipresence in our Gazaille to discuss the adminis - daily lives, the crumbling social There is much work ahead of us! tration of the Odanak mission. It In closing, I wish everyone all fabric and the lack of unity Let us roll up our sleeves to act was a very nice meeting. In addi - the best for 201 8! among elected officials, adminis - and move forward together. 4

Word from Management

•$130,353: Investment by the envelope, (in fact, we will spend Street, specifically between Council from accumulated 53 % of our budget envelope since addresses 43 and 47, and descends surplus (2 0% of total cost); the overall envelope represents to the Saint-François River. The $ 760,000), we will recover an amount granted to be received in •$267,224: RBC loan (41% of amount of $ 700,000 through the 2017-2018 is $ 570,862. We have total cost). SAA’s Community Infrastructure been waiting for this formal component. I would like to take confirmation for quite some time Following a call for tenders, this opportunity to remind you now. INAC had confirmed the Excavation LJL Inc. was awarded that when the new administrative project’s eligibility but we were the contract. Work to extend the offices were built in 2014-2015, unaware of when the funds would infrastructure began in September. DANIEL G. NOLETT accumulated surpluses were become available. As often required to finalize the financial happens with this Department at Executive Director Construction work on Phase II of Abenakis of Odanak Council package for this project. This the end of a fiscal year, funds not the industrial motel also began last amount of $ 700,000 will therefore used by other communities October. We are currently building serve to replenish our liquidity. become available. The answer 6,000 square feet of commercial This is very timely with all the came late because INAC needed to space to be leased. The total Kwaï mziwi! projects underway this fall. know how much we were eligible construction costs for Phase II are for this year. Our patience was estimated at $ 800,000. Funding On October 12, 2017, the Band rewarded since INAC decided to for this project will be as follows: First, with regard to the Council received confirmation fund the entire project in 2017- 50 % of the required funding, or from INAC that it would receive 2018. However, as winter was fast Descheneaux case, the $ 400,000, will be provided Government of Canada finally funding of $ 606,307 in 2017- approaching, we had already taken through the Secrétariat aux 2018. This amount will cover the the lead by issuing a call for passed Bill S3. This law came into Affaires Autochtones (SAA) effect on December 22nd. costs related to the construction of tenders for the planned work in the Aboriginal Initiatives Fund II. We a “dome” type shelter to store fall. As a result of this call for will also receive a non-repayable Also, as you perhaps noticed, the abrasives and de-icing salts. The tenders, Excavation LJL Inc. was contribution of $ 120,000 from the dome was built in the fall of 2016 awarded the contract. Work began fall season was very busy in terms Native Commercial Credit of construction projects in the at a cost of $ 47,000, as well as a at the end of November and ended Corporation (SOCCA) as part of new garage for the public works in December. community. Indigenous and the Aboriginal Business Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) department, and an enclosure to Development Program (ABDP), fence off the dome and garage Finally, we hereby announce the has provided several funding which represents 1 5% of project confirmations over recent weeks. area. The cost for building a new departure of Ms. Julie Gagnon as costs. The balance will be financed garage, which measures 4 0 feet X Economic Development Officer Plans and specifications had been as follows: pending for more than two (2) 80 feet (3,200 square feet), is and responsible for housing. Ms. estimated at approximately Gagnon left last September to take years for some of the projects •$80,000: Investment by the which had been the subject of $ 458,000. The balance of up a new professional challenge as Council from accumulated surplus $ 159,307 will be used for the Femmessor’s Regional Director for funding applications. Herewith are (1 0 % of total cost); further details on the projects in fenced enclosure (estimated at the La Mauricie office. question: •$200,000: SOCCA loan (2 5% approximately $ 100,000) and for of total cost). preparing the grounds around the ERRATUM: On August 17th, INAC approved garage building. Following a call In my previous article, I the funding application submitted Following a call for tenders, for tenders, Construction Mathieu announced the retirement of Mr. by the Lands and Economic Construction G. Therrien was Laramée was awarded the Deny O'Bomsawin as Director of Development Program for the awarded the contract. contract. the Odanak Health Centre (OHC). extension of the infrastructure Construction G. Therrien hired a It should have read “I inform you along Route 132 near Kiuna member of the community, On December 1st, we received that we have terminated Mr. Deny College. INAC granted $ 254,188 Jacques T. Watso, for the official written confirmation from O'Bomsawin's employment” . We to the Band Council, which construction of Phase II of the INAC for the funding of wish him all the best in his future represents 39% of the total project industrial motel. With Phase II of replacement works for the Sibosis endeavours. costs. Total estimated cost for this the construction project, which Street stormwater outfall. This project is $ 651,765. The balance represents at least 25% of our rainwater pipe, which needs to be I wish you all a very nice winter! will be financed as follow s: economic development budget replaced, is located on Waban-Aki N’sidaldam mziwi, wli pbon!

2017 Rights and Freedoms Award - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 - universities, and to the general Inuit Board of Directors living in communities in the field of youth public throughout Québec. Over Nunavik. Its mandate is to protection, an area that remains • The poetry of Natasha Kanapé the past 10 years, the Institut protect and promote Inuit poorly documented in Fontaine, poet / performer, Tshakapesh’s Sous le Shaputuan language and culture so that francophone Indigenous actress, visual artist and program has introduced more and Inuit culture may be communities. Their work has, Indigenous and environmental than 100,000 young people of all preserved for present and future among other things, contributed rights activist. Kanapé Fontaine ages to culture. generations. Avataq has to recognize, for the first time in is an Innu from Pessamit, in continually returned to seek out Québec, Indigenous legal Québec’s Côte-Nord region. Her • The Montréal First Peoples and consult the wisdom and traditions, including customary artistic and literary approach Festival is an annual ten-day leadership of Inuit Elders, and to Aboriginal adoption. aims to bring people from event held on unceded Mohawk this day is guided by the different origins together through territory for the past 27 years. concerns, hopes, and long-term Presented since 1988 on the dialogue, discussion, sharing of The stated purpose of this vision expressed by Elders. occasion of International Human values, and through the “tanning annual cultural event is to foster Rights Day marking the adoption of hides”, a metaphor for kinship among peoples and • Sébastien Grammond, judge to of the Universal Declaration on scratching below imperfect respect for differences in a spirit the Federal Court, and Human Rights December 10, thoughts and consciences. of friendship. It is a place where Christiane Guay, associate 1948, the Rights and Freedoms cultures can meet and professor at the Université du Award is each year to an • The Institut Tshakapesh’s Sous le reconciliation can occur. Québec en Outaouais and a organization or an individual as a Shaputuan program offers social worker, have been public recognition for exceptional awareness activities are open • Avataq Cultural Institute is a working, for nearly ten years, to achievement or commitment to both to youth in elementary, non-profit charity organization expand knowledge regarding the defence of human rights and high schools, colleges, incorporated in 1980 with an all- governance in Indigenous freedoms. 5

Odanak Cultural Commitee

UPDATE ON THE BENEFIT Raid against our community in the hundred and fiftieth anniversary of CONCERT FOR A 90th CONCERT OF THE VOLTIGEURS fall of 2019. the Senate of Canada and in ANNIVERSARY DE QUEBEC A big thank you to the Voltigeurs recognition of your valuable service On Sunday, October 8th, 2017, On Saturday, October 14, 2017, Music and the people who came to to the nation." Nominated by The many parents and friends of Mrs the walls of the church of Odanak live this memorable evening! Honorable Senator Dennis Dawson, Thérèse O'Bomsawin Gaudet, still vibrated strongly as the musicians of Quebec-Lauzon. director of Odanak's parish choir, the military band Voltigeurs took 100th ANNIVERSARY OF THE attended the concert of sacred place in the nave. Although it is a BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE songs which was dedicated to her military band, the repertoire In the midst of the on the very day of her 90th birthday. presented to the audience that night commemorative ceremonies of the The event, held in the historic church included successes by Elton John, 100th anniversary of the battle of of Odanak with the support of the Sting and even Leonard Cohen with Passchendaele in Belgium, Mr. Luc RCM Nicolet-Yamaska, recalled the a moving Hallelujah played as an O'Bomsawin was chosen by the time when great music, in which encore. The spectators were Assembly of First Nations to Abenakis excelled, had a large place conquered if we rely on the standing represent them at the different during religious services. At the end ovations that punctuated each piece. battlefields of the Ypres and of the concert, the anthem Thanks to the generosity of those Passchendaele area. During those Weg8damoda was sung by the present and the contribution of the ceremonies the act of remembrance honoree, and sung in unison. On the Minister responsible for Aboriginal was read in abenaki for the first program were Bach, Büsser, Fauré, Affairs (Mr. Geoffrey Kelley), the time on the battlefields of the First PROFESSIONNAL RESSOURCES Franck, Giordani, Gounod, Haendel, Minister responsible for the Centre- World War. REGISTER Mozart, Rosewig and Schubert, In order to create a registry of the du-Québec region (Mr. Laurent ONE OF OURS IS HONOURED BY performed by organist Marc Lessard), the Member of Parliament professional and artistic Senneville, soprano Élise Boucher- THE SENATE qualifications of our members, I am for Bécancour-Nicolet-Saurel (Mr. As part of the 150th anniversary DeGonzague and tenor Guy Louis Plamondon), the Member of again asking for your collaboration O'Bomsawin. This concert was of the Canadian Senate, Mr. Luc in order to gather the contact the National Assembly of Québec O'Bomsawin was honoured for his most appreciated by all. What a for La Peltrie (Mr. Éric Caire) and information of our artists, performance by our artists! dedication towards the Veteran's craftspersons, professionals, the Member of Parliament for Louis- community and for his unreserved Saint-Laurent (Mr. Gérard Deltell), veterans and first responders. This implication to the W8banaki would allow us to target the the benefit concert raised $1135. confederation. This money was donated to the resources of our members according Luc O'Bomsawin, , President of "On behalf of the Senate of to the needs of our community and Odanak Historical Society and will Canada, the Senate Sesquicentennial Odanak Cultural Committee be dedicated to commemorating the to commemorate our veterans and [email protected], 1012, Medal is hereby conferred upon you first responders. 260th anniversary of the Rogers in commemoration of the one Awassos, Odanak, J0G 1H0

Odanak Environment and Land Office

WILDLIFE CAPSULE Moulting of Anatidae specie s : Trees are not the only species to change colour in the fal l! feathers are remarkably durable, is generally observed shortly colours that become useful they eventually deteriorate over after the spring nesting period during their courtship prior to time. Unlike most birds, which and their colours become very breeding. The particularity of replace their flight feathers dull (for both males and females) their moult is that the Anatidae continuously throughout the year, in several species. This species must use high quality thus allowing them to maintain adaptation helps with environments. These habitats, their flight capacity, Anatidae camouflage during a period such as wetlands, must contain species (ducks, snow geese, when these birds become very sufficient food resources because Canada geese) opt for another vulnerable to predation. The of increased energy demands and strategy: they lose all their second moulting, which is adequate vegetation to allow feathers at the same time! partial, occurs later in the fall. At certain species to hide during Anatidae species, part of the this moment, flight feathers do their flightless period. Protecting group commonly known as not fall. Only body feathers are and sometimes managing certain Feathers do not only play a vital “waterfowl”, therefore lose their replaced over a longer period of habitats become essential to role in bird flight; they are also ability to fly over a period of time, giving way to the maintaining abundant resources, used for protection against the around 20 to 40 days. This first magnificent “nuptial” plumage. to the joy of many hunters, elements, camouflage, flotation moult, which leads to what is The males from the majority of ornithologists and and reproduction. Although known as an “eclipse” plumage, species thus display flamboyant photographer s! 6

Odanak Environment and Land Office

SECOND MARSH Wildlife Habitat Development Project in order to Restore the Free Movement of Fish Last September, we carried out With the development project, a wildlife habitat development the banks were stabilized by project at the Odanak's second sowing a mixture of wetland marsh in order to restore the free seeds, installing biodegradable movement of fish between the mats made of coconut fibres, and Tardif channel and the marsh. A planting different shrubs in the new and larger culvert was stream's outer curves (willow, installed 95 cm deeper than the alder and dogwood). previous one. During low water Experimental fyke fisheries will level periods, the height of the be conducted over the next two previous culvert created a small spring seasons to validate the impassable cascade and limited development project's the movement of fish to the marsh. effectiveness. This long-term In order to maintain a slight slope monitoring campaign will allow us (of 1%), the old stream was to collect data on the use of both extended by about 50 m by marshes as yellow perch breeding creating a meander (a “C” shaped sites (and other species). Several bend). Throughout the stream, a Kenny Panadis, Christopher Coughlin, Luc G. Nolett, Sophie organizations have teamed up to succession of small basins and Proudfoot, Steve Williams and Samuel Dufour-Pelletier. help with the recovery of this restrictions were created using species in Lake St-Pierre. The stones, thereby further limiting the results obtained can help guide water's flow velocity. These new was designed to help restore and small fish) will likely use the these organizations through their conditions provide an ideal continuous access to the marsh for new stream; as was the case for decision-making process and also environment for migrating fish in yellow perch, several other species the first marsh in 2014. allow them to draw comparisons the spring. Even though this project (bullhead, pike, various minnows with other development projects.

REMINDE R : WOOD CUTTING A BRAND NEW GREENHOUSE an extra location to grow their vegetables. The greenhouse has four long shelves and a central WOOD CUTTING work surface, which will allow users to start their tomato plants (and other vegetables) simulta - Free firewood available in Odanak for neously as soon as spring arrives. those who wish to cut it themselves. This construction was made pos -

You must however obtain prior authorization sible thanks to the financial sup - from the Abenakis of Odanak Council to wood port of Gaz Métro and the cutting ŽŶƚŚĞĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ͛ƐƉƵďůŝĐůĂŶĚƐ. contribution by several commu - nity members. Where to obtain: If you would like more infor - - Information on wood cutting (techniques) mation on the greenhouse and its - Information on places available for The Environment and Land Of - use, please contact the Environ - cutting fice team built a greenhouse over ment and Land Office, and we - Information on wood cutting the summer so that community will make sure to redirect you to authorization the proper person if needed. garden users could benefit from Michel Durand Odanak Environment and Land Office 62 rue Waban-Aki 450-568-6363 Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 4 pm The Odanak Environment and Or by appointment at other times Land Office team 2017-201 8: IMPORTANT: Michel Durand, Luc G. Nolett, Samuel Dufour-Pelletier, Christopher Coughlin WHETHER FOR YOUR PERSONAL NEEDS OR and Steve Williams FOR SALE PURPOSES, IT IS PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES TO TRANSPORT TIMBER ON THE RESERVE (INCLUDING ON PRIVATE LAND) OUTSIDE THE RESERVE UNDER THREAT OF Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or CONFISCATION, FINE AND REVOCATION OF if you have any information that may be of interest to us; THE WOOD CUTTING AUTHORIZATION including the presence of chimney swifts and bats near your (Section 93 of the Indian Act). property.

ON REQUEST, YOU MUST PRESENT YOUR WOOD CUTTING AUTHORIZATION TO A POLICE OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE Odanak Environment and Land Office ABENAKIS OF ODANAK COUNCIL. 62 Waban Aki Street, Odanak, Québec, Canada, J0G 1H0 Tel: 450-568-6363 e-mail: [email protected] Website: https://caodanak.com/ - Facebook

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Communities Short Column on the FORU M : REJOIN THE CIRCLE & CELEBRATE EARTH DAY In this column, I will discuss have the “sh” or “ch” sound as certain common phrases and in shirt or charade. territor y ? Can we be an Abenaki expressions. The “i” is pronounced “ay”. and live in an urban settin g? Brief reminde r : In the For example, nebi (water) is What traditions do we hold dear Abenaki language, it is pronounced “NEBAY”. The “ô” and wish to preserve at all cos t? important to know that all the or the “8” is a nasal sound Are there attributes or letters in a word must be between the “an” and the “on”, characteristics that have been pronounced. For example, the such as the French words forgotten over time and should be “s” at the end of SIBOSIS should “sans” and “son”. The “w”, revive d ? What does it mean for be pronounced. We therefore when placed before a us to be part of a communit y ? Do say “sibosisse” rather than consonant, is pronounced as an we have a duty to remembe r? “sibosi”. Moreover, the following “o”. It is also pronounced as a letters are not part of our soft “o” at the end of a word. Whether you have clear answers Kwaï kwa ï! alphabet: F, Q, R, U, V, X, Y. The The “o” is pronounced as is, or not to these questions, this “G” is always hard as in “glove”. such as in the word “photo”, forum is for you ! It is with great pleasure that we The “J” for its part is pronounced rather than an “a” as in the “dz”. The “ch” is pronounced word “bought”. When the “o” invite you to the Foru m : R ejoin On the occasion of Earth Day, the Circle & Celebrate Earth Da y! “ts” as in “channa” (tsanna). The is followed by the letter “n”, the April 22nd, we will be discussing “H” is always aspirated. We do “o” is pronounced as a double the territory in particular. In For the purpose of getting not have an “F” sound. For “o” such as in the word addition, we will invite the example, woman is pronounced “mood”. For example, together to renew, learn and communities of Odanak and value our identity, several “phanem” in Abenaki. We say “tassakwabon”, or chair, is Wôlinak to participate with us in “P” hanem. Moreover, we do not pronounced “tassakwaboone”. workshops will be given on the an outdoor activity to proudly following four theme s: celebrate this very important day. In this column, I will discuss the seasons and changing season s: - Traditional knowledge For Whom ? Accessible primarily Winter ...... Pbon - Language to young Abenakis, Last winter ...... Pbona - Arts but open to all Next winter ...... Pboga - Territory members of the communities of Spring ...... Sigwan What does it mean to be Abenaki Odanak and Wôlinak. Last spring ...... Sigwana in 2018 ? Next spring ...... Sigwaga When ? April 21 and 22, 2018. As soon as we get together, Where? Summer ...... Niben something unique occurs. Let's At the Odanak community centre Last summer ...... Nibena take a moment to celebrate our Next summer ...... Nibega identity, our history and our (5 8 Waban-Aki Street, Odanak, Quebec) culture, especially considering Fall ...... Tagw8gw there are few Abenaki people on • Event in French and English Last fall ...... Tagw8gwa the planet. This is something we Next fall ...... Tagw8gwiga all have in commo n! • Accommodations available at the Kiuna Institution residences in Our ancestors experienced many Odanak. Please inform us if you hardships, but we in 2018 are still are interested when you reply. here. Some of us are on the • On-site meals territory, others reside outside the territory, but above all, we are If you wish to be part of the e- dispersed. For most of us, we mail mailing list, or you need almost never have the further information, or to register opportunity to gather and rejoin for the Forum, e-mail us at the the circle. We rarely have the following addres s: opportunity to interact with [email protected] those who ask the same questions as us. Organizing committe e: Hélène O’Bomsawin What does it mean to be Nicole O’Bomsawin Abenak i ? What traditions do we Suzie O’Bomsawin identify wit h ? What is our Mandi Thompson relationship and our vision of the Annie O’Bomsawin-Bégin

2018 edition of the W Fashion Show A quick Hello from the decided on an Aboriginal Marco Bacon, UQAC, Dr. Stanley Vollant, Charlotte Gauthier Nolett, FNCFS. It's already time to add theme by choosing to create Hélène David, Minister responsible for Higher Education and the 2018 edition of the W Fas - their own regalia. Note that the Geoffrey Kelley, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs hion Show to your calendar. The workshops for youth between event will take place on May the ages of 2 and 8 will com - 5th at the Centre des arts popu - mence at the end of the winter Congratulations to Charlotte Gauthier Nolett laires de Nicolet. This year, se - or in the spring. Please don't Congratulations to Charlotte Convention on Perseverance and veral young participants have miss this event. See you soo n! Gauthier Nolett, guest of honour Academic Achievement for First at the third edition of the Peoples. 8

It is a creative experience that requires everyone to create outside his or her comfort zone, focusing on research, innovation and the exploration of new techniques or materials. Reminder: as a member of the Odanak and Wôlinak bands, your admission to the Museum is free; one more reason to discover this THE ABENAKI PEOPLE OF original and innovative exhibit! ODANAK, AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL JOURNEY 2018 FUNDRAISING COCKTAIL; On November 30th, we launched 7th EDITION ! the publication Les Abénakis As part of its 2017 fundraising d'Odanak, un voyage archéologique , campaign, the Musée des Abénakis written by archaeologists Michelle Bélanger, initiator of the project, Mathieu O'Bomsawin, will present its annual fundraising Geneviève Treyvaud and Michel Director of the Musée des Abénakis, Geneviève Treyvaud, author, cocktail on March 23rd. You are Plourde for the project Fort Nathalie Lampron, contributing editor and Michel Plourde, author. invited to this unique and colourful Odanak: the Past Revisited. Over evening, where culinary, artistic and 60 people from Odanak and the Aboriginal discoveries have been scientific community attended. BUILDING RENOVATIONS MICROCOSME EXHIBIT synonymous with success since Thank you for your support! COMPLETED The Musée des Abénakis is proud 2012! As in previous editions, the This publication is a journey Nearly a year ago, work began at to present, until March 15th, 2018, money raised during the event will through time carried out by the the Museum to improve certain the Microcosme exhibit, which, after contribute to the educational and archaeologists and their Abenaki aspects. This project, which ended having been presented at the cultural missions of the Musée des apprentices and presents the at the end of last November, Regional Museum of Rimouski, the Abénakis. results of their research which included several items: repairing Kamouraska Art Centre, the Maison If you would like to contribute by began in 2010 on the banks of the the building's foundation, Amérindienne de Mont Saint-Hilaire, donating a work for our famous Saint-François River. The primary repainting the exterior, solidifying the Musée Amérindien de silent auction, or if you would like purpose was to locate the remains the balcony and terrace, as well as Mashteuiatsh and the Huron-Wendat to book your ticket, contact us now of a fortified mission, unique in renovating the interior floors. Museum in Wendake, will finally be at 450 568-2600. Canada, built at the end of the 17th Due to the extensive work on the presented in Odanak. Please show your support for the century, where the community of building's floors, the Musée des Microcosme is composed of seven Musée des Abénakis by attending Odanak is currently located: the Abénakis had to close temporarily artists, all members of the Métiers this unique regional event! Saint-François-de-Sales mission. in February and November, during d'Art/Bas St-Laurent corporation, Finally, the entire Museum team This fieldwork yielded much slower periods. Fortunately, this and were paired with seven joins me in wishing you a very unpublished information on the did not seem to have had any major Aboriginal artists from different happy New Year. May it be filled history and lifestyles of the impact as attendance is currently First Nations in Quebec, including with happiness, harmony and Abenaki people. up for the current fiscal year, Ms. Sylvie Bernard from Wôlinak. serenity, and may your most The publication is now available which ends on March 31st. In These artists were invited to create cherished projects be realize d! addition, we made sure that a project in two stages. First, at the Museum's gift shop, in Looking forward to seeing you soon, French and English. Reminder: visitors to the Museum during everyone was asked to create a when you become a member of these closures received miniature piece, then pass it on to Vicky Desfossés-Bégin, the Museum, you obtain a 15% compensatory passes. their partner, and subsequently Communications and Mediation discount on your purchases at the You are invited to come discover integrate it into each artist's final Officer gift sho p! the improvements to the building! work. Musée des Abénakis

Technical Services of the Grand Conseil de la Nation Waban-Aki In Odanak, the infrastructure has In addition to these important wheel is spinning and gaining been extended to the community's dossiers, the Grand Conseil has momentum, for the benefit of all. eastern limits on Route 132. The participated in many lower-cost In addition to the respective construction of a new incubator is projects, but equally important for projects in the communities of progressing well and new businesses the members, such as the minor Wôlinak and Odanak, the GCNWA will be able to start up soon. Also in works program, the RRAP, the Technical Services Department is the same area, a new garage for the assessment of the vulnerability of also working with the communities public works department will be infrastructure, etc. of Listuguj, Kanesatake, constructed. This facility will house In conjunction with the Canada Kahnawake and La Romaine, and its various machinery and facilitate 150 Community Infrastructure participating in other projects for MARIO DIAMOND maintenance. Program (CIP 150), the Band INAC, the MRC, the City of Technical Services Director The extension of Mgezo Street will Council has also contributed to the Bécancour and the Port of Trois- allow the construction of new renovation of the Musée des Rivières. We are also involved in dwellings, and the extension of the Abénakis and the Community Hall. several small projects in other water supply and sewer systems on In addition, the construction of the Aboriginal communities. It is Kwaï nid8bak, s8gm8, Marie-Victorin Street will promote semi-detached house on important to mention that the podawazwinnoak, economic development with the Managuan Street is now complete. Grand Conseil is always committed arrival of new businesses. In addition, Soon, in collaboration with to employing Aboriginals in its kagwilit8gwad (What's new)? A these expansions will link the water Aquadata and the public works various community projects. lot, and things are buzzing in our system and improve the quality of department, we will evaluate the All in all, many projects have communities. Many projects are in drinking water. Other infrastructure network in order to plan and been completed in our progress or about to be completed. work will soon commence on budget for repairs, improvements communities and many are still to The Grand Conseil de la Nation Wabanaki Street. The current outlet or construction of different come. Waban-Aki has worked hard with is nearing the end of its useful life and portions of the network which Please contact me for more the executive directors, chiefs, will be replaced. A long 5-foot in have become out-dated or information, elected officials and stakeholders diameter concrete pipe will be obsolete. to develop, fund and realize all installed to drain the community's As you can see, things are Wliwni. Adio. these projects. Here are a fe w : rainwater to the Saint-François River. happening in your community. The Wig8damod a!