A fascinating immersion in the Mushuau-nipi corporation

August ended on a high note for our Scholars, who had the opportunity to take part in an exclusive Séjour Autochtone organized by members of the Corporation Mushuau-nipi. The Scholars, accompanied by Winter Fedyk (Mentor 2023), Jean-Frédéric Morin (Fellow 2022), and Monique Smith (Mentor 2022), and literally had the opportunity to travel to the ends of the globe, heading north of the 56th parallel, and immersing themselves in the history, culture and language of the Innu and Naskapi of Quebec and Labrador. 

For the Foundation, it was a renewed opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to Canada's cultural and linguistic diversity and to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Northern community of Mushuau-nipi. 

The retreat began with a 2-day stay in Shefferville, a mining town of 1,500 people located in the heart of the Labrador Peninsula. Scholars, Fellows and Mentors were able to appreciate the closeness of the people in this remote town, which is essential to the survival of Quebec's northern populations.

They then traveled by seaplane to Rivière Georges, on the island where they would be staying for 5 days. During the retreat, participants were immersed in a unique environment, soaking up the nuances, languages, and practices of the First Nations. They participated in traditional Innu tasks and practices, including berry harvesting, tent pitching and renovations. They were also able to assist Innu elders in setting up fishing nets and meat-smoking structures. 

Solidarity and mutual aid took on a new meaning for the Scholars, Fellows and Mentors, who were not only placed in living conditions different from those to which they are accustomed, but also had to collaborate with people who live in a universe diametrically diverging from their own. Scholars were sometimes disoriented by the absence of a schedule during their stay, which was very different from what they were used to. They had to learn to live in the moment, with no connection to the outside world.

During meals, the Innu shared their stories through testimonials and film screenings.  They also had the opportunity to take an archaeological tour and enjoy the landscapes and panoramas of the territories by canoe, on the Mushuau-nipi.

The Scholars' experience concluded with a Makusham, an Innu feast made up of foods found around the camp, and a celebration of the stay with traditional music. 

The retreat took place in an atmosphere of openness, during which the Scholars, Fellows and Mentors also had the opportunity to share their ideas, fostering a rich exchange. This immersion underlined the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural diversity, while promoting appreciation and dialogue - a cornerstone of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation's ethos.

Watch our community share their thoughts on this experience: