The first Indigenous Economuseum has been created! Last fall, ATIKUSS became a pioneer in the promotion of ancestral cultures in Canada. Discover an innovative concept that combines the transmission of knowledge and the local economy.
Museum, craft business, and workshop: an economuseum is a little bit of all that, and more. A concept that is very much from our region! This type of institution was born in 1992, with the creation of the Société du réseau ÉCONOMUSÉE® (SRÉ), a non-profit organization. Its mandate is to ensure the preservation of intangible heritage. But it’s not just about perpetuating ancestral customs and knowledge. It’s also about offering products based on this traditional know-how.
When discovery meets commemoration
Economuseums are unique places to foster valuable exchanges with the public. For an Indigenousf lavoured experience, the public can now visit ATIKUSS The Maskisin Economuseum, located in Uashat on the North Shore. This new economuseum is a great example of collaboration between Indigenous and nonIndigenous people. Its opening, which is the result of the hard work of ATIKUSS, the SRÉ, and several other partners, paves the way for other partnerships with First Peoples.
When a shop becomes a tourist destination
At ATIKUSS, we present a plethora of traditional items, displayed in their cultural context and accompanied by historical explanations. You can also take part in fascinating workshops on crafting techniques, such as tanning, beading, or creating dreamcatchers. The economuseum also offers guided tours with delicious tastings of local dishes. They also sell beautiful handicrafts! Favourites include Bottes de l’espoir (Boots of Hope), custom-designed shoes for which the company is famous. Each one is embroidered, beaded, and sewn by First Nations and Inuit people.
If you’re looking for an authentic Indigenous experience on the North Shore, this is a must-see destination !