W8BANAKI PILASKW

ODANAK NEWSPAPER VOLUME 12 - NUMBER 3 fall 2018

Word from the Chief Abaznodali8wdi people. Noteworthy, is the expansion of the college for the new academic year. AUTBHORaS : DAsVIDk BEReNARDt AN DR MEGAoN HÉuBERTt-LEFe EBVRE Congratulation s! Through a research grant from the baskets were sold, where baskets were Social Sciences and Humanities made, manufacturing methods and any With this expansion came the Research Council (SSHRC), the Niona other related information or memory. need to build a new economic youth intervention team, the First development park, which is 3) Finally, for the environmental aspect Nations Child and Family Services now up and running, housing a of this project, we will conduct an (FNCFS), the Ndakinna Office, and the few new businesses in our assessment of the impact of climate INRS-ETE will collaborate between community. change and the emergence of the July 2018 and July 2020 in the research emerald ash borer – an invasive alien project: Abaznodali8wdi: la route des In the realm of education, our species – on the viability of the paniers. This archaeology and history students are beginning a new W8banakiak basket-weaving practice. research project will focus on academic year. Our Council Niona will be entirely responsible for craftsmanship and the manufacture of extends good wishes to all of the media aspect of the “la route des black ash baskets from the 1500s to the students returning to school paniers” project, by developing a media today. Over the next two years, we will or starting a new study support for a database where all the analyze the history of the basket program in 2018-19. I want to information collected during the industry with respect to environmental share a recent reflection; more project will be gathered. Kwai fellow band members, contexts, occupation of the W8banaki and more we are seeing our First, Niona will participate in the Nation land and its use over time, people succeed in completing production of the interviews. The team Let me begin by congratulating divided into three parts: the necessary requirements to will be able to put into practice the Chief Perry Bellegarde, on his 1) First, we will conduct an knowledge taught by professionals in re-election as our National fill roles such as doctors, lawyers, teachers, judges and archaeological survey of ash basket the field of communications and Chief at the July assembly in production methods to document the research. They will film the interviews, Vancouver. As a supporter of managers, to name a few. It is clear from talking with a few of development of wickerwork and record the sound, take pictures and Chief Bellegarde I am pleased techniques used by W8banakiak share the progress of the project with the outcome of the our graduates that perseverance in spite of life's artisans between 1500 and today, in the through social media. elections and look forward to United States and . In the Secondly, thanks to the database continuing the work started on challenges is what led to their success. We are very proud to coming year, Geneviève Treyvaud, an they developed, Niona youth will be such files as the First Nation's archaeologist with the Ndakinna Office, able to create different types of media Trade agreement, First Nation's have these resources and role models for our community. will visit archives at the Abbe Museum, content such as short films, video clips, Education, Cross Territorial the Musée des Abénakis, the University flyers, books and more. Their goal is to Hunting between our nations of Vermont and the Canadian Museum make information accessible to the and the impact on our nations On the cultural front we have seen some very important work of History. Consulting all the artisanal general public in order to raise of the Legalization of Cannabis productions in these institutions will awareness about this part of their at the Federal table. We can done by our people. Our youth group NIONA, published an enable her to understand the evolution history and culture. continue to work together with of W8banakiak material culture and This collaboration between Niona and different levels of government interesting booklet called “SALAKIWI” in which they expertise transmitted from generation the Ndakinna Office's research while being supported to do so to generation within the framework of professionals will enable youth to by a Grand Chief who share valuable insights and information about our culture a collective and family tradition. This develop research initiatives, audio-visual acknowledges our distinct will also allow her to demonstrate the and communication skills that may be needs as Canada's numerous as well as a few good recipes. Another book “Legendes cultural and technological links useful in the future. Moreover, the communities. This between the W8banakiak of Canada research project has already been consideration while working for Wabanakises” which is a collaborative work by Monique and those from the United States. For presented to the ACFAS on May 10th. the common good is the example, it will be possible to determine Ms. Megan Hébert-Lefebvre and Ms. foundation to improving the Nolett, Raymonde Nolett, Philippe Ille and Christine which tools or techniques were used, or Émy-May Duguay-Bonneville of Niona outcome for our people. Wliwni what impact did the development of the Wôlinak were among the panellists and Chief Bellgarde. Wawanoloath was launched in June. Here, one can find some territory have on basket weaving were able to present their realizations at of our stories to read and enjoy. methods. the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi. At the community level we At the end of this project, thanks to the continue to see growth. A We're excited to see groups of 2) We will then conduct a historical our members mobilize to gather study of the W8banakiak basket information gathered, we will produce an perfect example of interactive map of the basket route and, regional/community very important threads of our industry between 1880 and today. history and reweave them into About thirty interviews will be who knows; maybe the project could be collaboration is Kiuna College. adapted into a temporary exhibit at the The precious dedication of both current, accessible resources. required to complete this phase of the project. In collaboration with David Musée des Abénakis ! First Nations' Education In you have any information you Council and Miss Prudence We still have much work to do, Bernard, Research Officer with the but with work continuing at Ndakinna Office, the youth from the would like to share, or if you like to get Hannis (one of our own) has led involved in this project, contact us! Kiuna's team to create a place both ends of the spectrum, I Niona team in Odanak and Wôlinak am optimistic that we will will conduct the interviews with the where we are seeing very David Bernard, Research Officer, important academic and social continue to set the stage and people from the communities wishing create a better experience for to share their knowledge, their Ndakinna Office strides for our young people. [email protected] This fall will see new programs our generations to come. memories and their related expertise in craftsmanship and ash basket making. including culture and language Geneviève Treyvaud, Archaeologist, in its curriculum. This is a Several pieces of information are In peace and friendship, important for the project’s success. We Ndakinna Office welcome element in the [email protected] education process of our young Chief Rick O'Bomsawin are seeking to understand the locations where ash was harvested, where 819.294.1686 2

Word from Councilors Thank you to our two teachers, thank our valued sponsors: the Mrs. Annette and Diane Nolett, Grand Conseil de la Nation Waban- who, as usual, have shown great Aki and the of Odanak patience. Council, as well as our many Winter Festival volunteers who made this activity held during Spring Break: a success. Now for the activities that took place over the summer. On May 5th, the annual Project W Parade was held, a colourful parade where young people paraded their FLORENCE BENEDICT traditional costumes made with Councillor the help of members of our community, complemented by a Kwai, pleasant mix of techno and traditional music. Thank you to the Despite a beautiful hot summer, FNCFS, especially to Ms. Jenny with many heat waves, I cannot M'Sadoques, for her dedication ignore the loss of loved ones in our and commitment to this great Musée des Abénakis. It is a community that has somewhat project. I take this opportunity to beautiful exhibit that transcends darkened our summer. Losses can wish her a wonderful maternity time and reminds us of the clichés sometimes be cruel, sudden and leave. of the past concerning Aboriginal unexpected. In this issue of our On June 11th, all Council people. Several objects from the newsletter, I would like to offer my members, our Executive Director personal collection of Mr. Sylvain sympathies and reiterate my full Daniel G. Nolett and I went to a Rivard are displayed. Among other support for the Maher-Normand press conference at the Mount things, there are several dolls and and Watso families who have been Ham Regional Park as official old toys, all with the effigy of severely tested. May you find the partners, with the Grand Conseil “Indians” as we were called at the strength and courage to overcome de la Nation Waban-Aki, for the time. This exhibit was also the this hardship with your family and unveiling of the new image of the subject of an article in the Journal friends. Park. However, this new visual de Montréal, published July 28th. In the last issue of the Waban- identity with Abenaki accents is A must-see exhibit! Aki Pilaskw, I failed to mention not the only Aboriginal element of Several people attended our two important events that took this tourist attraction. Indeed, the annual gathering, our magnificent place last March Mount Ham Regional Park also Pow Wow, organized by Mr. The end of the Fifty people, young and old, announced the development of a Jacques T. Watso on July 6, 7 and basket-weaving workshops: participated in several activities brand new trail inspired by our 8. Thanks to Jacko and all the during the weekend, including a Nation, as well as a new annex volunteers who gave their time for spaghetti dinner prepared by none named “Espace Abénakis” where the realization and success of this other than Ms. Caroline Cardin. we can find much information event. Mr. Watso and his Draws and many gifts were also about our culture and our committee are already busy given to participants throughout traditions. Several government preparing for the Pow Wow’s 60th the event. The Winter Festival officials and mayors from edition in 2019. ended with an evening at the surrounding municipalities In closing, I would like to say: be Odanak Family Hall with a bonfire attended the event. careful on the roads and enjoy the and free skating, with music from On June 28, the new temporary beautiful weather! Let’s talk soon. the 80s cleverly chosen by DJ exhibit “L’Indien au-delà Nicholas Langlois. I would like to d’Hollywood” was held at the Wli Wni

traditional clothes made by On June 28th, I was fortunate to be aboard an “amphibus”, i.e. a bus members of our community. part of the launch of the new that travels both on the streets and Congratulations! This colourful exhibit at the Musée des Abénakis, on the water. It was a very event was a success. Indians Beyond Hollywood interesting experience! Then, on May 23rd, I attended a (L'Indien au-delà d'Hollywood) which focuses on the biased image Aquafitness classes for elders also meeting at the Kiuna Institution started on July 31st. This is an focusing on our ancestral rights, of Aboriginal people which used to be disseminated into the activity offered at the Odanak from Confederation to today. public swimming pool where Unfortunately, this meeting made popular culture. This is a very interesting and entertaining classes are given by Ms. Jessica us realize that there have only been Papineau, kinesiologist. I would slight changes over the years… exhibit. I strongly recommend you CLAIRE O'BOMSAWIN see it. like to thank the Odanak Health Councillor In mid-June, the various activities Centre for holding this wonderful offered to elders, including cooking Once again, Odanak's Pow Wow activity. was a success! Several artisans, Kwaï dear members, workshops, were on hold for part Finally, I would like to inform you of the summer and resumed at the dancers, singers and members Here is a summary of the activities from communities everywhere that I surveyed the elders in the end of August. A nice break community to identify all those I have enjoyed participating in over enjoyed by all! were present on July 6, 7 and 8 to the last few months. celebrate our beautiful Nation. who have an air conditioner. I I also take this opportunity to Congratulations to Jacques T. wanted to conduct this census First of all, on May 5th, the congratulate our Chief of police, partly because of the abnormal marvellous parade organized as Watso and all the volunteers for Mr. Éric Cloutier, who recently this beautiful event! heat we had this summer. I will part of the W Project was held. celebrated 20 years of service. inform you of the results and my Since this year's theme was Well done Éric! Your work and On July 19th, the community findings shortly. Abenaki culture, the youth dedication are extremely elders and I made a trip to Old paraded dressed in beautiful appreciated. . We took a guided tour Hope to see you soon! 3

Word from Councilors Hello, vocation of the Mount Ham Regional with the communities of Odanak and Park, which now includes a sun Wôlinak with the Abenaki Police First of all, I would like to begin by representing the Abenaki Nation. Force. thanking the organizers and all the The brand new Espace Abénakis was In closing, I suggest you visit the volunteers who contributed directly also unveiled at this press new exhibit Indians Beyond or indirectly to our magnificent Pow conference. It is found attached to Hollywood “L'Indien au-delà Wow last July. The event was a the main building of the Regional d'Hollywood” presented at the succes s ! Brav o ! Park and contains information about Abenaki Museum. This is a I participated in an ancestral rights our history, culture and traditions, as spectacular exhibit that awakens training held at the Kiuna Institution well as artefacts and sculptures. childhood memories, accompanied to better understand the issues of I would also like to take this by a superb collection of objects. these past and future agreements. opportunity to congratulate Mr. Éric ALAIN O'BOMSAWIN I was also fortunate to witness the Cloutier on obtaining his medal Wli Wni, Councillor unveiling of the new image and honouring his 20 years of service

For the rest, what happens in your Calumet. This saga stitched by automatic process of receiving a JACQUES T. WATSO home does not concern us. mismanagement and blatant ballot by mail without even Councillor On August 18, thanks to the nepotism is finally over. knowing the real issues of Odanak generous sponsorship of Pavage Also in July, we set up a Pow or even without knowing the Kway dear members of Odanak, 132, a paving company that Wow drum group for the Odanak candidates is absurd. The majority contributes greatly to the community. The group is called of off-reserve members do not Our 59th edition of Odanak's community life of our community, The Flying Sturgeons. We will be know the reality of our community Pow Wow was held on July 6th, as well as my personal the spearhead of the cultural where their only source of 7th and 8th. This year, we were in sponsorship, fifty or so members renewal of Odanak. Contact me information is this newsletter. The “AFFIRMATION” mode, proudly of Odanak had the chance to for more information about this. reality is different than the celebrating our origins and sharing attend free of charge the On October 27, the second beautiful stories we read about! our culture with First Nations legendary Jacques Rougeau traditional Fall Pow wow will be It's time for a reform. Your leader people from all over the world and Wrestling Gala. In fact, Mr. held in Odanak. All proceeds from depends on the outside vote, so it many members of the human Rougeau had already come to the event will be donated to the is for this reason that he opposes family. A big “Kchi Wliwni” to Odanak last May to give a ALS- Foundation. This this reform without considering everyone! This is an invitation for conference to fight against terrible disease, amyotrophic the on-reserve members who live the 60th edition, July 5, 6 and 7, bullying. lateral sclerosis, carried away my and ensure the continuity of 2019. The committee is already brother last June. Odanak. Please give it some formed and each member is Here's a little feedback on my though t! And do not hesitate to working hard to ensure that this last article about the electoral contact me to discuss this further. edition is a total success. code. The goal is not to prohibit Don't be shy. Unanimously, the Band Council off-reserve members from voting, Finally, know that we are passed legislation prohibiting the but to hold them accountable to currently working on a plan of production, distribution, storage, their community. 95% of the funds action to attack head-on the marketing and sale of cannabis on administered by the Abenakis of “wannabes” and usurpers of our the Odanak territory. The Council Odanak Council come from the culture. May the battle begin! also banned the use of cannabis in Canadian government and are Lasting success and let's public places (parks, swimming calculated according to the continue to move forward pool, and public roads) as well as In July, we proceeded with the members living on reserve. A positively and constructively. in homes belonging to the Band. demolition of the restaurant Le reform is largely due, because the

Wild Domestic Short Column animal ...... sing...... Awaas animal ...... sing...... Nidazo Wild Domestic On The animals ...... plur...... Awaasak animals ...... plur...... Nidazoak Bear ...... sing...... Awassos Dog ...... sing...... Almos Bears ...... plur...... Awassosak Dogs ...... plur...... Almosak In this column, I will discuss animate and inanimate words, in Turtle ...... sing...... Tolba Cat ...... sing...... Minowis particular animals. Turtles ...... plur...... Tolbak Cats ...... plur...... Minowisak Moose ...... sing...... Moz Sheep ...... sing...... Azib In the Abenaki language, as in all First Nations languages, there Moose ...... plur...... Mozak Sheep ...... plur...... Azibak are animate and inanimate words. For common nouns, everything Caribou ...... sing...... Mag8libo Goat ...... sing...... Kots alive is animate and, as a general rule, things that are not alive are Caribou ...... plur. ....Mag8liboak Goats ...... plur...... Kotsak inanimate. There are exceptions however. Some inanimate objects Hare ...... sing...... Matgwas Pig ...... sing...... Piks are considered animate. Hare ...... plur. ....Matgwasak Pigs ...... plur...... Piksak Deer ...... sing...... Nolka Chicken ...... sing...... Ahamo All the conjugation, for example the verb accompanying the word Deer ...... plur...... Nolkak Chickens ...... plur...... Ahamoak or adjective that qualifies the word, will follow logic considering if Squirrel ...... sing...... Mikwa Rooster ...... sing...... N8balha the noun is animate or inanimate. In the plural, animate nouns end Squirrels ...... plur...... Mikwak Roosters ...... plur...... N8balhak in "k" and "l". Beaver ...... sing...... Tmakwa Cow ...... sing...... Kaoz Beavers ...... plur...... Tmakwak Cows ...... plur...... Kaozak 4

Word from Management August-early September. Thus, the have to cut off the water in all of which would meet the housing Odanak Environment and Land Odanak's homes during future needs for the homeownership Office will be able to occupy the repairs carried out on the network. program for the next twenty or premises of the old Odanak At the beginning of July, part of thirty years. The related costs are wastewater treatment plant in Managuan Street was paved at the estimated at just over $ 1.5 million. order to store their equipment. It cost of $55,000, from Skamonal The Grand Conseil de la Nation should be noted that they were Street to Tolba Street. Waban-Aki Technical Services are very cramped in the garage which The demolition work on the old busy completing plans and had formerly been built for them presbytery will take place in specifications. The funding behind the building of the former September. Given the site's application will then be sent to post office at 62 Waban-Aki Street. archaeological potential, ISC. DANIEL G. NOLETT Due to watermain breaks in May archaeological excavations will be Following Lisanne Côté's Executive Director and November 2017, the Council conducted in August to ensure that departure last May, the Odanak Abenakis of Odanak Council decided to carry out cathodic no potential artefacts are damaged and W8linak councils agreed to protection work on the old cast- during the demolition. The cost of share a full-time resource in iron water mains on Waban-Aki demolition will be just over $ economic development through Street, Awassos Street and Tolba 16,000. Speaking of demolition, the Grand Conseil de la Nation Kwaï mziwi! Street. After receiving bids from the building that housed the Waban-Aki. At the time of writing contractors, the costs were restaurant Le Calumet was this, the Economic Development Work on the Sibosis Street storm deemed too expensive to justify demolished in mid-July. It required Officer position was posted and outlet, which extends to the Saint- the work. Bid amounts were too many repairs to hope to rent it yet to be filled. François River, was carried out last double what had originally been out. Repayment on this type of For our part, we posted a part- June. All that remained was for the estimated. It was decided to only investment would have time commercial real estate agent, contractor, Excavation LJL Inc., to repair the defective valves on the unfortunately not been profitable. which led to the hiring of Mr. complete the final paving work on water supply system. Two valves Finally, following the Claude Panadis. Mr. Panadis Waban-Aki Street and the final were replaced on Awassos Street. announcements made during the started his new duties on July hydraulic-seeding landscaping The repair of at least two other unveiling of the last federal budget, 16th. His duties include the renting work. Once these landscaping was valves should be done on Waban- we learned that Indigenous and maintenance of social and complete, the paving work of the Aki Street once we have obtained Services Canada (ISC) will obtain commercial housing belonging to community centre's parking lot the necessary authorizations from budgets for the servicing of lots for the Council. could be done by Pavage 132 in the Ministère des Transports du the construction of houses. The Following the departure of Ms. early July. Québec. Since we were on the Council intends to take advantage Christelle Pelbois last May, we Construction work on the new vergeof the construction holidays of this windfall by applying for the recruited a new director for the Public Works garage along Route at the time of writing this, the servicing of more than 40 lots on Odanak Health Centre. Mr. Jean Marie-Victorin in the industrial work is likely to take place in the lands formerly occupied by the Vollant, a member of the park area has now been August or September. The purpose CN. We will be able to complete community of Pessamite, was completed. At the beginning of of this work is to contain the the loop of Mgezo Street and named Executive Director last July. July, the paving work was also drinking water closures in the Pakesso Street (a new street However, Mr. Vollant began in carried out by Pavage 132. Public houses of the community in the developed on the former CN early September. Works will be able to move into event of a break in the water grounds in 2016-17) with Waban- their new facilities after the network, thus minimizing impacts Aki Street. Therefore, we would Wli Tagw8gw ! Hope you had a summer vacation period in late on users. We no longer want to end up with more than 50 lots, great fall !

Technical Services of the Grand Conseil de la Nation Waban-Aki Kwaï N'nid8ba, prolific years in terms of ahead, it is with great pleasure that achievements and investments. the GCNWA Technical Services Just like the vegetables that Like an athlete who steps back team continues to support and matured over the summer, many to gain better momentum, the participate in the RRAP programs wonderful projects came to an end demolition of the restaurant Le as well as many other construction for the community of Odanak. Calumet and the Presbytery will or renovation projects initiated by They will benefit all members of make way for new projects which the Band Council. the community and make their will undoubtedly enhance the 2019 should be even better! daily lives easier. quality of life of everyone. Although not yet over, 2018 will In addition to what has already be remembered as one of the most been accomplished and what lies Adio! Wlinanawalmezi! MARIO DIAMOND Technical Services Director 5

Ndakinna Office When Geomatics Contributes To Archaeology As a geomatics specialist with the Ndakinna Office of the Grand Conseil de la Nation Waban-Aki (GCNWA), I use Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The term GIS refers to any software or collection of geomatics tools (geography + information technology) that can be used to assemble, manage, analyze and visualize any information or data that contains a geographic or spatial component. In other words, GIS provides spatial analysis and map generation. GIS have a wide range of application domains, including archaeology. In order to locate new archaeological sites, there are specific steps to be followed. The first is to generate a map of what are called areas of archaeological interest.

Areas of archaeological interest David Bernard, a research officer with the Ndakinna Office, and Jean-Nicolas Plourde, a trainee, conduct research for historical precise geographic coordinate and identifiable by different colour selection is based on historical archives and oral knowledge in where the colour of each pixel is borders than green, indicating research data, oral sources and order to create a first computer determined by the elevation of the percentage slope values greater archaeological knowledge. map gathering all the places where location it represents. than 0%. Subsequently, archaeologists like one could find artefacts or ancient On the elevation map, a terrace It is important to avoid selecting Geneviève Treyvaud from the villages, encampments, sacred with constant elevation is flat valley floors that are probably Ndakinna Office as well as trainee sites or burial sites. identifiable by a solid colour poorly drained and wet, which on Jean-Nicolas Plourde can visit the With this research work, in order surface. Around a terrace we find a slope map, could be easily areas of archaeological interest in to create areas of interest, we must a hilly terrain with changing confused with terraces. Choosing order to choose those that can be refine the research by integrating elevation, which is identifiable by a only flat land above the river converted into areas of settlement patterns. These border with a change of colour. reduces the risk of selecting archaeological potential. patterns represent all the However, between southern peatlands and at the same time This inspection serves not only archaeological knowledge that, as Quebec, where the Ndakinna excludes flood-risk areas where to verify archaeological potential, in the Ndakinna case, helps rivers originate, and the St. the W8banakiak people avoided but also to exclude areas or parts determine what criteria were Lawrence River where they flow settlement. of areas that have undergone generally chosen in the past by the into, the difference in elevation is Thanks to GIS, we can isolate all natural upheavals such as erosion W8banakiak people to settle an too great for the eye to distinguish the pixels on the map with a very and subsidence. In addition, the area or to draw resources from the small elevation differences which is low slope (less than 2% for inspection confirms the geography land. necessary for analyzing the example) and thus create a new of the sites described by historical Settlement patterns represent terrain. For example, Lake flat terrain map. By overlaying the and oral sources. Finally, this field geographical criteria such as: Memphremagog, Grand Lac Saint- flat terrain map to the elevation trip makes it possible to verify that proximity of a major river, François and Lac Mégantic are map, the GIS easily determines the the areas of interest have not been presence of a terrace (flat and respectively 208m, 288m and elevation corresponding to these excavated and that the elevated ground), well-drained soil 396m above sea level, while the St. areas. With a powerful geomatics cartographic information used in (sandy for example), view of the Lawrence River is only 8m above tool, the section of river closest to the GIS is correct. river, spawning ground, wild herd sea level. The elevation value each one of these areas can be To be converted into recognized (for example caribou migration associated with each colour must located automatically, and the archaeological sites, it is necessary route) and an old quarry. be continually increased as the elevation difference between the to conduct exploratory surveys in Many of these criteria are rivers' course is ascended. flat terrain area and the river can the potential areas. As long as an already mapped and geo- be calculated. artefact or evidence of past human referenced data can be obtained Slope images to locate terraces Finally, with this result, we are occupation, such as a home, is from municipalities, watershed To detect terraces more easily, able determine which areas found there, a classification organizations or different the elevation map is then represent terraces outside the request can be made and an ministries. transformed into a slope map, flood-risk areas by establishing a individual code (called the Borden using a matrix tool that analyzes maximum altitude value (for code) will be assigned. Once the Digital elevation model the surroundings of each pixel to example, we choose the plains Borden code is issued, the site is The search for terraces along calculate an escarpment value, along the river which are at least finally considered an rivers requires analysis, where GIS represented in degrees or 10m higher than the water level). archaeological site. become necessary. Using a digital percentages (such as on road This provides us with a terrace elevation model (DEM) and the signs). map. geomatics tools that are available Thus, on the slope map, a terrace in GIS, detecting terraces with zero slope is identifiable by its From areas of archaeological Hadrien Bois-Von Kursk automatically becomes possible. green colour (the green potential to archaeological sites Geomatics Specialist The DEM is an elevation matrix representing a slope of 0%). From the terrace map, we select Ndakinna Office map. In other words, it is an image Around a terrace is a steeper slope, those we consider as areas of Grand Conseil de la in which each pixel represents a with higher slope values, archaeological interest. The Nation Waban-Aki 6

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KABAS A : PROJECT COMPLETE D! Over the last seven years, about fifty people have contributed to the project’s smooth operations and the majority of them are members of Odanak. Since 2012, the Odanak • Reproductive success varies by Environment and Land Office has around 1%, which is comparable been monitoring the reproduction to other Quebec spawning of Lake Sturgeon (KABASA) in the grounds. Saint-François River. The project Various management measures began with the search for have since been discussed with key spawning adults and egg deposit stakeholders to limit the negative sites in the downstream portion of impact on fish spawning the river (between Odanak and downstream from hydroelectric ). This allowed us structures. The most notable are to determine that, in this river, lake the maintenance of an ecological sturgeon spawning occurs mainly flow rate of 20 m 3/s in the in the downstream reach of the Drummondville spillway in order Drummondville hydroelectric to avoid massive mortalities of fish complex. Since 2014, the project’s trapped in the basins (mainly objective has been to better redhorse), and the maintenance of document its breeding ecology at a total flow rate of at least 75 m 3/s this specific location by meeting between April 1 and June 15 to the following specific objectives: maintain an adequate level at all 1) monitor egg deposit sites, known spawning sites. 2) estimate the number of Over the last seven years, about spawners, 3) estimate the number The main findings stemming • The overall management of water fifty people have contributed to of drifting larvae, and ultimately from this study: flows at hydroelectric plants the project’s smooth operations 4) assess reproductive success • There appear to be around 50 seems to influence the and the majority of them are (number of eggs/number of spawning females coming to reproductive ecology of members of Odanak. This project larvae). Based on these spawn in Drummondville sturgeon. The elements likely to has had the effect of training a observations, it is possible to annually; disturb the spawning are the good number of individuals to subsequently recommend • The final choice of spawning site water discharge and the filling at perform tasks in aquatic sciences modifications to hydrological seems closely linked to the the Hemmings dam in order to while providing advanced management measures if they pattern of water flow at the carry out maintenance knowledge on the ecology of were to compromise reproductive Drummondville complex (turbine operations and the ensuing flow Odanak's iconic animal. success. water vs. discharge water); fluctuations; THANK YOU TO AL L!

COMMUNITY GARDEN of OELO employees, community members can now enjoy 8 bins on the ground, 8 raised bins and 2 flower boxes for gardening, as well as benches for resting. The first fence needed replacement, so a new one was built to pro - The Odanak Environment and tect the garden from greedy Land Office team 2017-2018: animals! This addition was also Michel Durand, Luc Gauthier, made to upgrade the facilities Samuel Dufour-Pelletier, Christopher with new items, such as a bee Coughlin and Steve Williams hive, a composter and rainwater containers to water the plants. In addition, Mr. Jardin, a specia - Please do not hesitate to list in the field, offered those contact us if you have any who wished, training in garden questions or if you have any maintenance and success. information that may be of In the spring of 2019, seed - interest to us; including the lings will be prepared and stored presence of chimney swifts in the greenhouse to commence and bats near your property. growing and then be planted Following the work done last without the financial support of later in the season. Odanak fall for the construction of a the TD Foundation, in collabora - members wishing to use the greenhouse, the Odanak Envi - tion with the Abenakis of community garden may contact Odanak Environment and Land ronment and Land Office Odanak Council, the Odanak the OELO or the other commu - Office (OELO) has undertaken a Health Centre, the Grand nity service centres to register 62 Waban Aki Street, Odanak, second phase of development to Conseil de la Nation Waban-Aki on the list of participants. Since Quebec, Canada, J0G 1H0 bring the community garden up and the First Nations Child and space is limited, it is important Tel: 450-568-6363 to date. This project would Family Services (FNCFS). to notify managers as soon as [email protected] hardly have been possible Thanks to the carpentry skills possible. First come, first serve! Website: https://caodanak.com/ Facebook 7

Odanak Environment and Land Office

OBSTACLES TO THE FREE MOVEMENT OF FIS H: The Case of the Saint-François River In order to prevent fish from remaining captive in the wells during the restoration of water flows, the OELO made numerous observations in the spring of 2018 to determine approximately the number of fish present in these wells, and which of these wells seemed the most problematic. Two methods were tested simultaneously to answer these questions: 1) on-site observation with polarizing glasses to better see in the water and 2) observation using a drone. The excellent collaboration with Hydro-Québec's personnel thus makes it possible to modulate the water flows in order to ensure better transition to a spillway with no outflow. Thus, during the transition, the operators adjust the turbine capacity of the plant as necessary in order to create a succession of water removal from the spillway (in the manner of many small bursts), which leads to Although hydroelectricity is them can also get caught in the problem. At this location, the flow a progressive withdrawal of the considered green energy, it does turbines. Depending on the species of the Saint-François River is fish present in the wells. With each not necessarily mean that it has no and the type of infrastructure, this divided into two parts: the power “wave”, a number of fish exit the negative impact on the sometimes contributes to a station with turbines to produce spillway and return to the river’s surrounding environment and significant mortality factor. energy, and the spillway which main channel until there are none wildlife habitats. In the Saint-François River, there discharges the surplus water. The left. These interventions can take During the dam operation phase, are nearly 350 water control topography of the river bed several days! several negative impacts, such as structures, of which 19 are ensures that when there is By making real-time hindering migration, can be hydroelectric structures. For insufficient water, several small observations, this ensures that no observed on the dynamics of fish example, the Drummondville dam wells become isolated from each fish are caught, and if so, it also populations. is the first impassable obstacle for other and fish may be trapped allows us to take the necessary In fact, a hydroelectric dam can fish coming downstream. inside. In the summer, after the fish steps to remove them. This shows be a major obstacle to overcome It has also been documented spawning season, Hydro-Québec's that despite the negative effects during the fish ascending period, that several species of fish gather managers adjust the flow pattern that hydroelectric structures can which can even contribute to the in its tailbay, mainly in the spring of the Saint-François River to have on aquatic wildlife, there are decline of some species. During during the upstream migration, turbine more water, which results still solutions to mitigate the the descending period, many of which can sometimes be a in virtually no flow in the spillway. negative effects.

Large Waste Disposal Site Odanak is well recognized in In 2017, 4 8 tons of material an attendant is present at all containers will be added for the the Centre-du-Québec for its passed through the disposal site times to guide members during safety and convenience of the waste management initiatives. In and then to a recycling centre. It their visit. This is to ensure that users. New sites and containers fact, what used to be called “the is estimated that less than 4% of only people from the community will also be added to encourage dump” has been revamped in these materials were sent to access the site and that materials better on-site sorting and thus recent years. In 2017, the land landfills. are sent to the correct section for reduce certain costs related to was completely redeveloped to In order to better meet the recycling. the site's operation. become the large waste disposal needs of community members, Following the disposal site's This wind of change will site. It is home to several types of the opening hours of the disposal success, and the proper use by its enhance Odanak's solid recyclable materials such as site have been changed. Since members, the OELO (Odanak reputation for waste green waste, hazardous June 2018, the site is open from Environment and Land Office) management and make it one of household waste, construction, 3pm to 8pm (to give access to the has initiated a second phase of the most advanced communities renovation and demolition site in the evening), from 9am to the site's improvement. If all goes in this sector. We encourage you materials, all types of metals and 4pm on Friday and Saturday (to well, starting in the spring of to come and take advantage of large non-recoverable waste offer day access during the week 2019, new infrastructure such as this free service in large numbers (refrigerator, mattress, sofa, etc.). and on weekends). In addition, an elevated access ramp to the and to be prou d! 8

AN ACTIVE PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIG N! The summer tourist season was excellent for the Musée des Abénaki s ! We welcomed nearly 950 visitors in June, just over 2,200 in July and more than 1,150 in August. We can therefore number our summer traffic at 5,300. This exceptional attendance is the result of numerous advertising exhibits program (Appel de projets An archaeological project was stereotypical iconography of “the campaigns by the Museum over pour le soutien des expositions also carried out in front of the Indian” was conveye d : noble the summer. Have you seen our TV permanentes et itinérantes). The Museum to complete the Indian, traitor Indian, Indian commercials on Radio-Canada, Museum's current permanent excavation of the longhouse princess. The second area TVA, LCN and RD I? We cannot exhibit was inaugurated more than discovered in 2017, during the illustrates how these stereotypical ignore the excellent media 12 years ago, during the reopening repair work on our foundations. images, disseminated by coverage received for the exhibit of the Museum, after the During this work, a waste pit and Hollywood films, among others, L'Indien au-delà d'Hollywood expansion work: a renewal is several post holes were located. are found everywhere around us, (Indians Beyond Hollywood), as essential! The excavation team consisted from childhood onwards. many radio interviews and The primary objective of this of youth from the Odanak and Consumer products display images newspaper articles have shown. project is to make the Musée des Wôlinak communities, three of feathered Indians and toys Abénakis a real place of exchange, archaeology students, members of inspired by cinema and popular TV SUMMER CULTURAL transmission and promotion of the Ndakinna Office and shows. It brings together a PROGRAM Abenaki culture. This project is archaeologist Geneviève Treyvaud. profusion of familiar caricatures, In June, the Museum launched therefore an opportunity to create Among the archaeology students, to highlight their recurring its summer cultural program. a movement to mobilize the two of them work in zoo- presence. The visitor will find an Among the activities that were Abenaki communities of Odanak archaeology, i.e. they specialize in abundance of objects showing a held in recent weeks, there was the and Wôlinak as well as Abenaki the identification of animal bones “kitsch” iconography of Indians in rabaska excursion on the residents living outside the that were consumed between the every pretext. Finally, the third Alsig8ntekw which pleased the province and in the United States. 16th and 19th centuries. The area addresses the subject from a participants. There was also the From the early stages of this bones of animals found in the current point of view. Following archaeological activity where project, an open innovation longhouse pits were analyzed and what was presented in the first two participants were invited to process will be introduced. the food diet of the Abenaki areas, the visitor can discover, become apprentice excavators for Abenaki members will be invited people was documented. The third from an Aboriginal a day, which was a success across to actively participate in the design student works in environmental perspective, how this long history the line! and realization of the exhibit. The archaeology; she outlines in the now brings First Nations people to I would like to mention that it is Museum hopes that this space will pits and soil traces of ancient speak, to reclaim their own still time to register for the become the gathering and cultivated plants, the position of cultural image and to denounce the Outdoor Film and Documentary reference place for all people ancient gardens and the insects misuse of their image and thereby evenings, which will take place on belonging to the Abenaki culture. present before and after the arrival end the generalization and the September 13, 20 and 27. On Scheduled for June 2020, the new of European settlers. stereotypes still conveyed today. September 13, watch Kim exhibit will be accompanied by a This whole project was led by O'Bomsawin's “Ce silence qui tue” program of activities and events to the Niona team. NEW AT THE on September 20, Sonia Bonspille- discover and experience the KIZ8BAK GIFT SHOP Boileau's “Le Dep” and, on Abenaki culture. L'INDIEN AU-DELÀ During the summer, we received September 27, Steve Patry's D'HOLLYWOOD new items in the gist shop, “Waseskun”. You are invited to ARCHAEOLOGICAL (INDIANS BEYOND HOLLYWOOD) including a magnificent range of exchange with the respective EXCAVATIONS We launched the exhibit Indians products from the Navajo, Zuñi directors of these films following Archaeological excavations Beyond Hollywood (L'Indien au- and Hopi nations of Arizona in the the screenings. These continued from August 6 to 24 in delà d'Hollywood) on June 28 and United States. Jewellery such as documentary evenings are Odanak's historic quadrangle. nearly 80 people attended. If you bracelets, rings and necklaces for completely free and will take place Several trenches were dug around could not be with us or you have men, women and children are on the Museum grounds. If the the rectory to complete the work not had the opportunity to come available for you. There is weather fails to cooperate for an carried out in 2013 and 2014, discover this exhibit, it is not too something for everyone and for all outdoor projection, the activity where remains of the first church late since the Indians beyond budgets! Remember the Musée will be moved inside. Do not miss of Odanak had been unearthed in Hollywood exhibit will be des Abénakis Kiz8bak gift shop for this chance to be moved and front of the building. The research presented at the Musée des your various purchase s ! touched by these documentaries! was completed near the rectory's Abénakis over an 18-month Reminder: by becoming a Contact us today to reserve a foundations to ensure that the period, until December 2019. The member of the Museum, you place! former occupations were well exhibition will then be touring benefit from a 15% discount on documented before the throughout America. gift shop purchase s! RENEWAL OF OUR destruction of the building. A team Indians Beyond Hollywood is an PERMANENT EXHIBIT of archaeology students amazing exhibit on the image of The Ministère de la Culture et conducted a complete Aboriginal Peoples in popular Looking forward to seeing you des Communications has donated architectural survey of the building culture in three areas. First, we soon, $350,000 to the Musée des with different techniques that discover the images of Aboriginal Abénakis for the renewal of its involve 3D recordings and virtual people invented and conveyed by Vicky Desfossés-Bégin permanent exhibit as part of reality. The results will be kept in 20th century cinema, particularly Communications and Mediation Quebec's call for projects to the Museum to present a visual in the western movies of the first Officer support permanent and traveling reconstruction of the rectory. half of the century, when a Musée des Abénakis