The exhibition Indigenous Voices of Today: Knowledge, Trauma, Resilience bears witness to the still unrecognized knowledge of Indigenous peoples in Quebec and Canada as well as the deep wounds they carry and their incredible resilience.
About one hundred carefully selected objects from the Museum’s Indigenous Cultures collection are combined with more than eighty powerful inspiring stories (texts and videos) from members of the 11 Indigenous nations in Quebec, shedding light on their knowledge and philosophies. They speak out about their suffering as well as their dreams and plans for a better future to help restore their health, which has been undermined by the process of assimilation.
As part of an effort to initiate dialogue and foster understanding, the exhibition offers an opportunity for a meaningful connection.
The testimonies were gathered by the Huron-Wendat curator Elisabeth Kaine, who between 2010 and 2018 conducted a major consultation involving 800 people from the 11 Indigenous nations living in Quebec.
The objects on display were selected by the Innu Jean St-Onge, of the Maison de la transmission de la culture innue Shaputuan, in Uashat, using an approach inspired by Indigenous ways of understanding the world through observation and allowing the objects to speak to him.
This permanent exhibition was curated by Elisabeth Kaine (1955-2022), Co-Holder –until her death in 2022– of the UNESCO Chair at Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, titled “The Transmission of First Peoples’ Culture to Foster Well-Being and Empowerment”, and long-time contributor to the Museum.
This exhibition has been produced through a financial contribution from the program Aide aux projets pour le soutien des expositions permanentes of the Québec Cultural Heritage Fund of the ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec.
Microsite in the exhibition
To provide an enjoyable visitor experience for all, multimedia content featured on shared devices in the exhibition hall is also available on our microsite. Have your headphones ready, charge your cell phone battery, and make sure you can read QR codes with your mobile device to access this content.
Discover the exhibition through the eyes of our visitors. Comments given on September 24, 2021. Narration in French and Innu by Joséphine Bacon: excerpts from videos featured in the exhibition.
What people are saying about it
« […] a journey through culture, wounds, and the strength of the First Nations of Quebec. » Le Devoir
Free | Guided tour
Every day
Participatory tour
Our Museum facilitators invite you to discover the exhibition during daily 20-minute guided tours. Please ask our team at the admission desk or the Museum facilitators for more information, at your arrival at the Museum.
Free, limit of 15 participants per capsule.
This offer is subject to changes, depending on staff availability.
Contest | Until March 9
A unique experience valued up to $35,000
Inuit Universe Contest
Enter for a chance to win a cultural immersion trip for 4 to Nunavut’s Qikiqtaaluk region!
Discover the Inuit universe of Manasie Akpaliapik during an exceptional one-week trip to meet Iqaluit and Kinngait communities. A unique experience in the Far North for families and friends, valued up to $35,000, offered by Canadian North and Travel Nunavut.
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Additional content related to the exhibition
Go to the encounter and become an ally
Through the exhibition, the Museum seeks to encourage a genuine encounter. Here are some suggestions and resources to guide exhibition visitors in their journey to becoming allies of Indigenous nations.
Become an Ally
Free | Family
Ongoing
Natu-natshishkueu: The Adventure of Connection
Montreal is Tiohtià:ke, which means “where the currents meet” in Kanien’kehá:ka. During your Museum visit, take your exploration booklet to set off on an adventure with your family by exploring the exhibition, the Museum’s collection, and the many stories it holds.
Activity presented by Hydro-Québec. Recommended for children aged 6 to 11.
Participatory tour
Group reservation
Corporate package
In the spirit of equity, diversity and inclusion, the McCord Stewart Museum invites you to connect with Indigenous cultures along with your colleagues or business partners. Enjoy an inspiring, engaging and educational experience with our package designed to meet the needs of companies wishing to raise their staff’s or clientele’s awareness of the realities of Quebec’s Indigenous nations.
Book today
Virtual space
Indigenous Cultures
Connecting with Indigenous Nations
The virtual space Connecting with Indigenous Nations is designed for you to browse –with a single click– a variety of content to connect with Indigenous nations: exhibitions, activities, blog articles, online collection, education kits.
Connect
Independant in-class workshop | At all times
Two 60-minutes sessions
Objects tell their stories
Open the doors of your classroom to Indigenous voices with the Objects tell their stories digital education kit. The learning resource relies on an interactive and participative approach to support students as they explore different aspects of Indigenous societies and hear how community members view their thriving traditions, values and cultures!
Learn more
Blog | Behind-The-Scenes Access
Exhibition
Virtual Launch: Indigenous Voices of Today
Watch the virtual launch, which mark the opening of the permanent exhibition Indigenous Voices of Today: Knowledge, Trauma, Resilience.
A conversation moderated by Charles Bender with Elisabeth Kaine, Jonathan Lainey, Suzanne Sauvage and Ghislain Picard
Watch
Blog | Behind-The-Scenes Access
People
Between Space and Mass
Ludovic Boney discusses Trade Ornament, his piece featured in the permanent exhibition Indigenous Voices of Today.
Read article
Online collections
Indigenous Cultures Collection
The Indigenous Cultures collection is composed of archaeological and historical objects covering nearly 12,000 years of history.
Learn more
A Word From Our Partner
Telling Our Twisted Histories
Words connect us. Words hurt us. Indigenous histories have been twisted by centuries of colonization. Host Kaniehti:io Horn brings us together to decolonize our minds– one word, one concept, one story at a time.
A podcast produced by Terre Innue in collaboration with CBC Listen.
Listen
A Word From Our Partner
Bringing art and history to life
“As part of Panasonic’s commitment to support art, culture and our communities, we are very honored to have been selected as the technology partner for McCord Museum’s permanent exhibition Indigenous Voices of Today: Knowledge, Trauma, Resilience. This exhibition truly resonates with our philosophy of contributing to society by providing cutting edge technology and help bring art and history to life.”
Stefan Berens, Head of Media Entertainment Business Division Panasonic Canada Inc.
Exhibition presented by CBC/Radio-Canada
Thanks to our partners
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