The Musée des Abénakis is the very first Indigenous museum in Quebec. Located on the ancestral territory of Odanak, it has been working since 1965 to preserve, share, and celebrate the living culture of the W8banakiak.
Through its exhibitions, collections, educational programs, and community engagement, the Musée offers an authentic encounter with a proud, rooted, and vibrant Nation.
More than a place of memory, it is a space for dialogue, learning, and recognition—where past, present, and future are woven together.
The Musée welcomes you with pride and invites you to discover a millennia-old history deeply connected to the land.
As the first Indigenous museum institution in Québec, the Musée des Abénakis offers both a historical and contemporary perspective on w8banaki culture. A committed leader within its community, the Musée provides all generations with meaningful experiences, traditional knowledge, and cultural practices that reflect the richness of the W8banaki people and First Nations.
Its actions are guided by three core values, expressed in the W8banaki language:
P8GWI – Authenticity : To offer an accurate and respectful representation of W8banaki culture.
AGAKID8GAN – Transmission : To share knowledge with care and integrity, from one generation to the next.
MAMEDAWIGEN – Excellence : To strive for quality in all endeavours, with passion and dedication.
The Musée is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors made up of members with diverse backgrounds who share a common vision: to promote and celebrate W8banaki culture with all audiences.
The board members ensure sound governance of the institution and actively support its cultural, educational, and community initiatives.
Helen Watso, Chair
Louis-Martin McArdle, Vice-Chair
Board Members
Hélène Gill
Isaak Lachapelle-Gill
Marilou Lemay
Martin Gill
Each year, the Museum publishes an activity report highlighting its actions, achievements, and governance.
These documents reflect the Museum’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the sustainability of its cultural mission.
Access the reports from the past five years:
The Musée des Abénakis is a proud member of several professional networks and associations that support the visibility, recognition, and growth of Indigenous museum and cultural institutions.
These affiliations strengthen its role within the cultural landscape of Québec and Canada, while fostering collaboration and the sharing of best practices.
The Museum is a member of:
– Chambre de commerce et d’industrie du Cœur-du-Québec
– Faventure Community
– Culture Centre-du-Québec
– Tourisme Centre-du-Québec
– Tourisme Montérégie
– Tourisme Région Sorel-Tracy
– Route des Navigateurs
– Société des musées du Québec
– Tourisme Autochtone Québec
Over the years, the Musée des Abénakis has received numerous awards and distinctions recognizing the quality of its exhibitions, the impact of its educational initiatives, and its vital role in showcasing W8banaki culture.
These honours highlight the excellence of its team, its strong roots in the community, and its lasting cultural commitment.
• Winner of th 2025 Heritage and museology Award – Culture Centre-du-Québec
• Winner of the 2024 Innovation Award – Tourisme Centre-du-Québec
• Winner of the 2024 Indigenous Employer Award – Conseil du patronat du Québec
• Winner of the 2024 First Nations Business Award – Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Coeur-du-Québec