From One Encounter to Another │Growing Together Through Indigenous Experiences

One Encounter to Another

Driven by the Mamowinitotan – Together project, the content series From One Encounter to Another invites visitors to connect with others by meeting Indigenous experts. Through an immersive journey where each guest passes the torch to the next, the series addresses gastronomy, languages, celebrations, and our relationship with nature to foster listening and human connection. It demystifies the Indigenous tourism offer and provides authentic landmarks to inspire transformative journeys.

E01 — Tasting the Territory Together

The real gastronomy of Quebec starts here. To understand a people's culture, you must first taste its cuisine. With Anora Lia Collier, rediscover the territory from an authentic perspective, where every flavor tells the story of our precious bond with the nurturing earth.

You are probably wondering what Indigenous cuisine is and where its flavors come from?
Indigenous cuisine is a gastronomy of the land that comes directly from nature. It relies on eco-responsible foraging, hunting, fishing, and respect for the seasons, highlighting local ingredients such as wild plants, boreal spices, and game. More than just a meal, it embodies a spiritual and sustainable connection with Mother Earth, where every product tells the story of ancestral knowledge.

E02 - Discover Indigenous languages together

Listening closely, showing respect and opening ourselves up to others: that’s the key to building connections. With Sigwanis Lachappelle, learn how to break the ice through the beauty of the Abenaki language. An invitation to take the first step, where every word becomes a bridge between our cultures.

Here are a few words and phrases you can use when meeting a member of the W8banaki Nation:

• K'wlipaï8 means “you are welcome”
• Kwaï, t8ni kd'al8wzin? means “Hello, how are you?”
• Kchi wliwni, wli nanawalmezi means “Thank you very much, and take care”

These first words are a meaningful way to connect with respect and help create a beautiful first encounter.

E03 - Discover Indigenous celebrations together

With her heart full of joy and her arms wide open, Sylvie Langevin welcomes us to the Grand Rassemblement Mamuhitunanu, a festive gathering where everyone is welcome to come together, build connections and share. By bringing Ilnuatsh traditions to life, Sylvie gives us the opportunity to create new memories together.

Attending an Indigenous event is a first step toward connecting with one another. Simply open the door to discovery: connection begins with curiosity and respect, naturally, just as Sylvie Langevin so beautifully shows us.

Here are a few types of Indigenous events where you can connect with others:

• Pow Wows
• Music festivals
• Cultural festivals
• Community gatherings

Let’s celebrate together!

E04 - Discover Indigenous craftsmanship together

For Karl Chevrier, a birchbark canoe craftsman, passing down these ancestral practices is a true path toward healing. Indigenous Peoples have so much to teach younger generations, as well as visitors who take the time to open themselves up to learning. By creating with our hands, we put nature back at the heart of our experience and nourish both our physical and mental well-being.

Did you know about these three principles rooted in Indigenous knowledge that can transform the way we travel and nurture our well-being?

1. Place nature at the centre
2. Shape raw materials with your hands to sooth the mind
3. Slow down to rebalance

Karl Chevrier reminds us that by putting nature back at the centre and creating with our hands, we can rediscover a deeper balance between body and mind.

E05 - Discover the River together

Visit and discover the St. Lawrence River alongside those who hold the river at the very core of their identity. For the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation, the water and the land are literally part of the Nation’s name.
Let’s connect with the St. Lawrence, guided by those who have always known, loved, and protected it. There is so much to do and experience!