Odanak, April 16, 2025 – With a beaming smile, Vicky Desfossés-Bégin, Director of the Musée des Abénaki, closes out the 2024–2025 fiscal year. “This year has been exceptional on every level! We welcomed a high number of visitors, the Museum stood out as one of the best in the industry, and nearly 30 partners showed their support during the 10th edition of our fundraising event… What more could we ask for?” she exclaimed.
Indeed, the Museum continues on an impressive trajectory. The unveiling of the new permanent exhibition, the modernization of the temporary exhibition hall, and the variety of educational and cultural activities have all greatly contributed to the past year’s success.
Visitor numbers remained at record levels, with over 15,000 people welcomed. “The content we offer is relevant and our guides are well trained. A warm welcome is an important part of the experience we provide. We are committed to sharing knowledge as well as the values of the W8banaki Nation. The feedback we receive is very positive, and we are proud to play an active role in building bridges between First Nations and all cultures,” emphasized Helen Watso, President of the Museum’s Board of Directors.
Beyond the appreciation of visitors, the Museum has also been recognized by its peers for its strong foundation and undeniable relevance in the cultural and tourism landscape. Winner of three awards out of five nominations¹, the Museum shares these honors with the W8banakiak, who are actively involved in their institution. This sense of pride motivates the entire team to continue their mission with passion and determination.
To crown this exceptional year, the Museum ended on a high note with the 10th edition of its spring fundraising event, which brought together nearly 30 financial partners. Presented by Hydro-Québec, the event also received support from businesses and organizations such as Dionne Schulze, Boralex, Asban, BMO, CARGO Architecture, and Invenergy, to name just a few. This edition—the first in five years—turned out to be the most successful to date, raising $47,000 to support the Museum’s educational and cultural missions. Guests enjoyed a vibrant evening full of discoveries: tastings of culinary creations by Café Masko, an auction of 18 artworks by 15 First Nations artists, and a performance by the internationally renowned musician and composer, Mali O’Bomsawin. A precious opportunity to connect, exchange, and witness just how vibrant and valuable Abenaki culture truly is.
“We’re proud of how far we’ve come—and this is only the beginning! We invite everyone to follow our activities on Facebook and Instagram, and to subscribe to our newsletter through our website, museeabenakis.ca, so they don’t miss a thing,” concludes Vicky Desfossés-Bégin, already looking ahead to upcoming projects.
¹ Awards received by the Abenaki Museum:
- Finalist at the 2024 Prix d’Excellence Gala from the Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec in the Innovation and Offer Development category – September 2024
- Innovation Award at the Tourisme Centre-du-Québec Distinction Gala – November 2024
- Indigenous Employer Award at the Prospère Gala of the Quebec Council of Employers – November 2024
- First Nations Business Award at the Maurice-Richard Gala of the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie du Coeur-du-Québec – December 2024
- Finalist in the Exceptional Cultural Experience category at the annual conference of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada – February 2025
² Additional financial partners for the Museum’s 2025 fundraiser:
Ellipse Assurances, La Bande à Paul, Parc éolien Lotbinière Ndakina, Therrien, Sagamité Watso, W8banaki, APTN, Les entreprises B.C.I., Bio MC, Géocivil, Hôtel de la Rive, Métro Rouillard et Frères, MNP, RBA Financial Group, SOCCA, SÉDAC, Test Eau Sol, Conseil des Abénakis d’Odanak.