Parks Canada and Huron-Wendat Museum Launch a New Exhibition!

News release

July 3, 2018                                   Québec, Quebec                             Parks Canada Agency


The Government of Canada is committed to a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples, based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.

On June 26, 2018, Parks Canada and the Huron-Wendat Museum partnered to launch the new temporary exhibition “From the Fortifications to Wendake”. As part of this collaboration, a total of 11 Indigenous objects related to the way of life of the Huron-Wendat Nation will be on display at the Artillery Park Heritage Site in Québec City, and artifacts from the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site will be featured at the Huron-Wendat Museum. Artifacts from the Fortifications of Québec include 18th and 19th centuries children’s games.

Yesterday, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, along with the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Member of Parliament for Québec, visited the exhibition.

The Huron-Wendat Museum is a national institution created to protect and promote the heritage of the Wendat people. Through its exhibitions, activities and thematic workshops, the Museum fulfills its mandate of teaching and popularizing the history, culture and arts of the Wendat people and other First Nations.

Parks Canada and Indigenous peoples work together to develop interpretive materials and activities at all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. Canadians are invited to visit Parks Canada places to learn about Indigenous cultures, traditions, and customs. In doing so, we can create new opportunities for Canadians to better understand the cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Quotes

“I am proud that Parks Canada works with more than 300 Indigenous communities to conserve Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, and share the stories of these special places. I had the opportunity to visit this great exhibition at a national historic site that celebrates Indigenous culture. This year, the Government of Canada is offering free admission to all Parks Canada’s places for youth 17 and under. There is no better way for families to discover the Indigenous heritage of our rich and diverse history.”

The Honourable Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

“This partnership is a great example of how the Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. This exhibition is an opportunity to foster understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures in Canada. I am proud to see this partnership with the Huron-Wendat Museum take form here, in Quebec City, and I hope this relationship will continue over time.”

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, 
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

Quick facts

  • The Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site encircle Quebec City, the only walled city north of Mexico, on a 4.6 km distance. The fortifications are the cornerstone of the designation of the Historic District of Old Québec as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • It will be possible to visit the temporary exhibition From the Fortifications to Wendake until October 8 at Artillery Park (open daily from 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.) and at the Huron-Wendat Museum (open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.). Access to Artillery Park is free for all this year.

  • Starting in fall 2018, Parks Canada and the Huron-Wendat Museum will also offer a new school activity aimed at elementary school students. The day-long activity will allow them to visit the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site in the morning and the Huron-Wendat Museum in the afternoon. In both locations, students will experience activities created as part of the collaboration between Parks Canada and the Huron-Wendat Museum.

  • Budget 2018 provides $23.9 million over five years, to support Indigenous history and heritage in national parks, marine conservation areas and historic sites administered by Parks Canada.

Associated links

Contacts

Caroline Gagné
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Québec Field Unit
Parks Canada
418-648-4444
caroline.gagne@pc.gc.ca

Alexandra Leconte
Museum and Business Development Manager
Huron-Wendat Museum
418-847-0624 ext. 2030
aleconte@museehuronwendat.ca

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