A “heart-of-this-world” shelter for the James Bay Cree heritage

The Aanischaaukamikw has been designed to meet international museum standards to facilitate the loan of important museum collections and safeguard Cree artifacts. Its exhibition hall is a 915 square-metre space (3,000 square-feet).

Some places come to represent the heart of a community when they're given a soul by the objects and people they shelter. The Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute is one such place. Its exhibition hall, classrooms, library and archives, and the traditions that will be passed on from generation to generation within its walls, are a vibrant expression of Cree heritage.

Let’s go back a little

For decades, the Cree dreamed of such a gathering place. Built over two years in 2010-2011, this centre is located in Oujé-Bougoumou in Northern Quebec (about 55 km west of Chibougamau). Before taking shape, it had been a dream shared by an entire people, requiring the dedication of a strong working group made up of representatives from each of the Cree entities: the Council of Elders, the Youth Council, and the Cultural Coordinators. Two board members–Dianne Reid and Willy Iserhoff–showed strong leadership and it is largely due to them that the project became a reality.

The construction–at the cost of $15 million–was made possible thanks to the support of many contributors, including Canada Economic Development. “Most of our programs and activities will be dedicated to members of the Cree community, but we also hope to attract tourists who will come to visit the area,” explained Dianne Reid, president and CEO of Aanischaaukamikw. “Our traditions are rich and we hope we can share a little of our passion for our culture with anybody curious to know more about it,” she added.

One roof, a multitude of activities

For years to come, the Aanischaaukamikw will host a series of activities and services to allow the transmission of Cree knowledge and know-how by elders to younger generations. Teachers, professionals, craftsmen, artists, and organizations will join under the same roof. Together, they will work towards the preservation and enrichment of the James Bay Cree language and culture.

Permanent and temporary exhibitions, cultural, linguistic and educational programs, fine crafts, skill workshops, performing arts… nothing will be left aside to convey the richness of Cree culture to the world.

Outside in

The design of the Aanischaaukamikw Cultural Institute was inspired by the shaptuwan, a traditional wood and cloth communal tent used for Cree celebrations. The Aanischaaukamikw is a two-storey building made of wood beams and columns, with a roof that soars upward. A skylight tops the building, allowing natural light to filter in.

The exterior is covered in slats of cedar wood and its base is made of stone and wood, blending with the surrounding buildings in the community in a show of architectural coherence and integrity.

This amazing project is now progressing under the supervision of Aanischaaukamikw’s new executive director, Stephen Inglis, who has extensive experience in museology and a vast knowledge of anthropology, folklore and art history. No doubt his contribution will help make the Aanischaaukamikw a success.

Why not plan a little visit up north and drop in on the way!