Kuei! Tan esh palin? In Ilnu, that's how you'd say "Hello! How are you?"
Human occupation of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region goes back much further than European colonization. Around 5,000 years ago, the history of this people began on the shores of Mashteuiatsh (meaning "where there's a point"). The inhabitants of this community are the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, meaning the humans of Pekuakami (Lac Saint-Jean).
Mashteuiatsh is still home to the region's largest First Nation community. With its distinctive point jutting out into Lac Saint-Jean, this well-situated location was long an important fur-trading point, as well as a meeting place for many of Quebec's First Nations. The point is brimming with history, and the community is quick to honor the site's history in a variety of ways.
*Although the name "Montagnais" might be used, names in the official language are now preferred and used by Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.
First Nations Gathering | Mamuhitunanu
Discover the First Nations culture at the First Nations Gathering | Mamuhitunanu, the only indigenous community in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region. The festivities are organized in a context of exchange (natives, non-natives) to perpetuate and promote the history and customs of the First Nations.
July 5 to 7: traditional sports activities, shows and fireworks
July 8 to 12: various free activities
July 13 and 14: pow-wow and spiritual activities
Want to learn more about the history of the Mashteuiatsh community? There are many ways to immerse yourself in the lives of local people. Whether it's through exhibitions, creative workshops or even singing and dancing, there are many ways to discover the history of this great people. The community of Mashteuiatsh will present you with a delightful blend of tradition and modernity!
