The 2014 campaign of the Grand Rassemblement des Premières Nations and the Fondation de l’héritage culturel autochtone, whose last activity took place yesterday (September 11), raised more than $125,000. The funds will be used to support organizations in the Innu community of Mashteuiatsh in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.
The mission of the Fondation de l’héritage culturel autochtone is to provide financial support to the Société d’histoire et d’archéologie de Mashteuiatsh, whose activities include managing the Musée amérindien de Mashteuiatsh. The historical society aims to preserve, disseminate and promote the rich history of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh.
As for the Grand rassemblement des Premières Nations, its eighth edition took place this summer under the honorary chairmanship of Richard Garneau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Resolute Forest Products, and Pierre Gill, owner of GillCom Communications and publisher of Le Magazine Premières Nations.
The Grand rassemblement continues the thousand-year tradition of a summer festival in the Pekuakami area, which has always been recognized as an important crossroads during the period before people head north. This major event showcases the history and customs of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, mainly with traditional activities involving arts and crafts, stage shows, singing, dancing and music, as well as athletic competitions. The festivities also give members of First Nations and visitors opportunities for discussion and cultural sharing.
Picture taken at the Musée amérindien de Mashteuiatsh
From left to right: Patrick Courtois – Councillor of the Montagnais First Nation, Pierre Gill – Owner of GillCom Communications and publisher of Le Magazine Premières Nations, Richard Garneau – Resolute’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Colette Robertson – President of the Fondation de l’Héritage culturel autochtone de Mashteuiatsh.
