Quebec destinations celebrate identity

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The province of Quebec boasts many destinations for the traveler wanting to learn more about the region's 11 Aboriginal nations. One such destination is the Shaputuan Musee, located on the north shore of the St. Lawrence in Sept-Iles.

The museum has been open for about three years, working to increase awareness of Innu culture among visitors, while also providing young Innu with a resource for learning more about their history and cultural identity.

The work being done by the museum to celebrate, preserve and promote Innu culture was recognized this spring, with Shaputuan Musee receiving this year's Mishtapew Award of Excellence in the tourism category.

The museum has a permanent exhibit presenting Innu life as it follows the seasons, along with temporary exhibits showcasing contemporary Aboriginal art.

Visitors can learn more about Innu culture and history by listening to storytellers or singers, or watching dancers or craftsmen practicsing traditional methods of making such things as snowshoes, drums or moccasins. Museum staff are also eager to share their knowledge of Innu culture with visitors.

The museum has a restaurant on site, serving up a menu of seafood and traditional Innu dishes. And for those wanting a souvenir of their visit, the museum gift shop offers a number of items that reflect the Innu culture.

Shaputuan Musee is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from June 21 to Labour Day. During the rest of the year, the museum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Sundays. The museum is located at 290, boul. des Montagnais.

For more information, call the museum at (418) 962-4000, or e-mail inquiries to shaputuan@bbsi.net.

Information about the Shaputuan Musee, and other Aboriginal tourism sites throughout Quebec is also available in an updated Quebec Aboriginal Tourist Guide. The guide includes information about the Aboriginal nations of Quebec, along with listings and information about Aboriginal tourist destinations in each region of the province.

For more information about Aboriginal tourism destinations in Quebec, visit the Quebec Aboriginal Tourism Corporation/Societe touristique des Autochtones du Quebec (STAQ) Web site at http://www.propage.com/staq, or call (877) 698-STAQ (7827). For a copy of the Quebec Aboriginal Tourist Guide, call 1-877-BONJOUR (1-877-266-5687) or visit the Quebec Tourism Web site at www.bonjourquebec.com.