Onhwa’ Lumina: A promising cultural activity for the Wendake economy

A collective adventure rich in emotion

Inspired by Wendat cultural myths and symbols, Onhwa’ Lumina offers an immersive multimedia journey through 1.2 km of wilderness. In this universe created by the Office du tourisme de Wendake (also called Tourisme Wendake) and Moment Factory, visitors encounter the Wendat people on the site of this Nation, considered to be one of the oldest Indigenous territories in North America. They will thus discover a rich culture through stories, ancestral songs, and visual ambiences throughout the seven stations that make up the trail.

From founding myth to a future of promise

Since it officially opened on June 21, 2022, Onhwa’ Lumina has been greatly in vogue, attracting nearly 250,000 visitors over three years. This success is the result of close collaboration among Tourisme Wendake, several members of the Wendat community and multimedia entertainment business Moment Factory. Onhwa’ Lumina is the only Indigenous night walk in Canada fully co developed with a Nation, guaranteeing a profoundly authentic and respectful experience of this culture. It is also the only Lumina in Quebec to offer an accessible experience year-round.

Birth of the cultural walk in Wendake

This project took shape when a member of the Tourisme Wendake team discovered a Lumina walk during a trip. Inspired by the emotional effect and originality of the experience, the team quickly saw the potential for a similar concept in Wendake but rooted entirely in the Wendat culture. The aim was twofold: To create a distinct immersive attraction that would showcase the heritage of this culture, while also stimulating tourism traffic, especially in the winter months.

Decisive support from CED

Onhwa’ Lumina came into being thanks to support from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED). “With CED’s assistance, we have been able to offer an experience that has met tourism industry standards right from when the walk was first launched, which has helped ensure the project will last and maximize its economic and cultural impacts for Wendake,” explains Tina Beaulieu, Interim Executive Director of Tourisme Wendake. Indigenous Services Canada and Canadian Heritage have also contributed to this project.

Jobs and pride for the community’s young people

The economic spin-offs for Wendake are significant. The project has helped create 30 jobs in the peak season, some 70% of which are held by young people from the Wendat Nation, for whom this is often their first significant work experience and a source of pride. It has also raised Wendake’s profile, making it a must-see Indigenous tourism destination in Quebec. The sale of related products and restaurants around the attraction have generated major own-source revenue for the community.

A bridge of light

In the short term, Tourisme Wendake plans to continue promoting Onhwa’ Lumina to enable an even wider audience, from both Quebec and beyond, to discover this immersive experience. The team also wants to anchor the experience further locally by continuing to mobilize Wendat youth and to shine a spotlight their culture.

Within five years, Tina Beaulieu plans to present new interactive technological content along the walk, while also ensuring its future as a flagship attraction in Wendake. “Onhwa’ Lumina is much more than a multimedia experience: It is a bridge of light between our past and the future of our culture,” she concludes.