Eshikatiut Tshukuminu Innu-Natukuna Pavilion

At the heart of the Innu community of Ekuanitshit, the Eshikatiut Tshukuminu Innu-Natukuna Pavilion was designed to permanently house two community organizations offering programs dedicated to the women of Ekuanitshit. Through a process of co-creation, through public consultations and meetings both local and virtual, the program, plan and design of the building were developed with the community and the members of the two groups who occupy it.

The Eshikatiut Tshukuminu program, meaning “Knowledge of our grandmothers”, makes it possible to pass on artisanal knowledge between generations, such as tanning hides, beading, weaving snowshoes, making clothes, making moccasins, traditional toys and jewelry. The Innu-Natukuna program, meaning “Traditional Pharmacy”, allows the transmission between the Ekuanitshinnuat of knowledge on the gathering, drying and processing of plants from the territory for the manufacture of remedies, ointments, infusions, syrups, ointments and soaps.

The building, respectful of the environment and promoting the use of wood in its construction, promotes the values of sustainable development dear to the community. Works of art created by Innu artists are integrated into the architecture of the building and celebrate, in a unique and original way, the talent and know-how of Ekuanitshit.