Permanent Exhibitions
Wôbanaki
People of the rising sun
Wôbanaki, people of the rising sun, invites you to discover the cultural and spiritual universe of the Abenaki First Nation. The visit begins with a multimedia projection that tells the Creation story according to the tradition of this ancient people. Then, we invite you to discover the history, the knowledge and the know-how of the Abenakis by following the rhythm of the seasons and lunations.
A journey that tells the story of the Abenakis and their ancestral way of life in an authentic way by presenting the tangible and intangible heritage of this First Nation.
Pemighassi 8jmow8gan
Digging into history
The Musée des Abénakis is set in the historic heart of Odanak. Along with its neighbours – the modern-day Catholic church (1901) and the chapel dedicated to Notre-Dame-de-Fatima (1947) – it is part of a remarkable heritage group of buildings. In fact, the site has an even longer history. Recent archaeological digs turned up the remains of a fortified Abenaki village built in the early 1700s. The archaeologists found part of the palisade, the remains of a longhouse, the foundations of the first chapel and such domestic amenities as sleeping and storage platforms and cooking stands. They also found artifacts proving that the site had been occupied as far back as 1571.
Now it’s your turn to delve into this history as you admire all the items they found, along with some ethnological objects from recent times!
Kwigw8mna
Our house
Thanks to the archaeological discoveries carried out on the site of the historic quadrilateral of Odanak, discover Kwigw8mna, the adaptation of an outdoor space which reproduces the place of origin where an Abenakis dwelling was found in the 19th century as well as a vegetable garden where varieties of indigenous vegetables were cultivated by the Abenakis.
This project has been made possible by the Government of Canada.
Temporary Exhibitions
Tolakonutome
Until April 6th, 2021
Through more than 25 works that include paintings and works on paper, the Maliseet artist, Ginette Kakakos Aubin, guides us through her own story. This exhibition is based on the exploration of the artist’s indigenous origins – a real search of her cultural roots. Her works are inspired by primitive arts, objects, clothing and embroidery from her ancestors who also serve as catalysts for creation.
With numerous participations in solo and group exhibitions in Canada, the United States and Europe, Ginette Kakakos Aubin has stood out thanks to the quality and authenticity of her works and her active presence in the Quebec artistic world.
Worlds of the Night
Exhibition temporarily closed
Begin your adventure in the bedroom, where you will have scientific explanations about your biologic clock, vision in the dark and sleep phases. Continue your visit and enter the night maze. Here, it’s bustling with life! Being nocturnal has its benefits: less competition for resources and a decreased risk of being preyed on by other diurnal animals. Nonetheless, animals must have developed special skills to live in the dark. Night is also the fear of the unknown (or unseen!) and scary stories passed on by collective memory.
WORLDS OF THE NIGHT uses both dimmed and glowing light atmospheres to provide a mysterious and exciting experience while learning about astonishing night facts. Children will finally have the opportunity to stay up all night! They will also camp under the stars, play hide-and-seek in a maze and play with desert (plush) animals.
Virtual Exhibitions
Fort Odanak, 1704-1759
The search for traces of a fortified Abenaki village
In 1704, on the order of the King of France, Odanak Fort was erected to serve as a bulwark against the raids carried out by the Iroquois and the British. Today, thanks to archaeological excavations, this ancient fortified village of Abenaki reveals its secrets. Relive the history of this unique fort, discover the current site and meet the Abenakis in this online exhibition by the Musée des Abenakis.
An achievement made possible by Canadian Heritage’s Virtual Museum of Canada program.
Suivez le guide!
Abenaki guides in the private hunting and fishing clubs of Mauricie
Discover the profession of hunting and fishing guide in the private clubs of the Mauricie from 1880 to 1960. Follow the guide! pays homage to Abenakis from Odanak and recounts their work and their anecdotes.
An achievement made possible through the Canadian Heritage Stories program.
In french only.
La vannerie abénakise
From yesterday to today
A virtual exhibition that traces the history of basketry in Odanak, an art still unknown. It pays tribute to the know-how of talented craftsmen who have contributed to the economic growth of their community.
An achievement made possible through the Canadian Heritage Stories program.
In french only.
