All memorable moments start with an encounter with Sam Angers
Recently, Samuel Angers had the opportunity to explore the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James region: a place where traditions and harmony with nature lie at the heart of a deeply inspiring way of life. This trip, which he experienced alongside a friend, became much more than just a geographical journey; it transformed into a full immersion into a world that too few know, but one that is filled with wisdom and teaching
Upon arriving with the Eeyouch, one of the 11 Indigenous Nations of Quebec, Samuel was filled with deep curiosity. This adventure immersed him in a very specific context—the world of Indigenous communities, an experience he had little knowledge of. His goal was not only to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the region but also to grasp the essence of the Indigenous peoples living there—their daily lives, traditions, and especially, their relationship with the land.
What struck him immediately was the generosity of their welcome. Despite concerns about the distance that colonial history might have created between Indigenous peoples, Samuel was surprised by the openness and warmth of the Eeyouch. One of the first impactful experiences of his journey was meeting Hugo, an elder from the Waskaganish community. He guided them through his community, shared his knowledge of symbolic places, and pointed out aspects of the land that are often missed by those who haven’t learned to read them. Throughout these encounters, Samuel felt the strength of a Nation that, far from being stuck in the past, fully lives in the present while honoring its traditions.
What became immediately clear to him was how every aspect of the Indigenous daily life intertwines with a profound respect for nature. The preparation of bannock, a traditional bread cooked over the fire, or moments spent around cooking fish, were more than just culinary acts: they were laden with meaning, from survival stories to respecting the land. These simple actions convey a wisdom we’ve often forgotten: to consume in moderation, to take only what is needed without disrupting the natural balance.
As he traveled through different communities in the region, Samuel witnessed another reality: the Mamoweedow in Chisasibi, an annual gathering that celebrates culture, language, and history. There, the Eeyouch gather to enjoy, share, and teach. The two visitors were welcomed by elders in tipis to exchange knowledge about ancestral wisdom. It was a celebration of community life and oral transmission—a concept Samuel had briefly encountered through a few lessons in his high school studies. He recounts that the teachings he heard during these meetings were powerful: they call for active listening, respect for nature and traditions, and a wisdom passed down through time and experience. “You must have the ability and the interest to listen, to learn, and to put it into practice. It’s beautiful to see,” he shares.
The encounter with these people deeply marked him, and perhaps even changed his perception of the world. According to Samuel, we live in two completely different worlds, while sharing a territory we exploit in entirely distinct ways. Where we, in our daily lives, tend to rush against time, accumulate, and constantly consume, Indigenous peoples live in harmony with the land. Their relationship with time is not one of urgency, but of wonder. Every tree, every plant, every river has meaning. Every element of their environment is a precious resource, used with awareness of the whole.
This journey was thus an opportunity for Samuel to question our relationship with time, the importance we place on others, and the simple things in life. He explains that the consumer society in which we live, and the speed at which we move through our daily lives, are all the more alarming after meeting people with such immense wisdom. Upon returning from this experience, he became aware of the importance of slowing down, stopping to observe, appreciating what we have, and listening to the stories of those who have always known how to live in balance with their environment. Indigenous peoples are not just another culture to discover, but a source of inspiration to reinvent our daily lives. A true call to meet, exchange, and recognize what these peoples can teach us—not only about nature, but about the art of living.
Samuel’s experience is an invitation to open our eyes and meet those who, through their history and knowledge, help us rediscover a part of ourselves we had forgotten. But above all, it’s about connecting with unique people, deserving of infinite respect. It’s an essential quest—not only to understand the roots of a rich culture but also to rediscover the meaning of things that sometimes escape us. A call to return to the essentials, to live differently.
We can say that Samuel’s encounter allowed him to experience great moments that will follow him forever. Meeting others, taking the time to connect, and opening up to a culture as well as remarkable individuals helps us grow.
Discover for yourself the many experiences to be had in Eeyou Istchee Baie-James: https://indigenousquebec.com/regions/eeyou-istchee-baie-james
