A unique Cree exhibition is on display at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., across the river from Ottawa.
Visitors to the exhibit Footprints – A Walk Through Generations, are given a first hand look at the cultural importance of walking.
“The reason why it’s called footprints is because it talks about how important walking is not only a physical thing, but its also a spiritual thing,” said Jean-Marc Blais, director general of the Canadian Museum of History.
“And so this is a great discovery for most people coming to the museum here.”
It’s the first travelling exhibition developed by the Cree Cultural Institute located in Ojebougoumou, Quebec, a Cree community about 750 kilometres north of Ottawa.
The exhibit was done in collaboration with Elders from all ten Cree communities in northern Quebec.
There are over 150 artifacts ranging from hunting and trapping tools, to mocassins, parkas and gloves.
It’s an exhibition developed by the Indigenous community, totally and this is something that we feel as a national museum that is so important for Canada now,” said Blais.
“You cannot understand Canada without having exhibitions like this one, that tells the story from the people that actually live it.”
The exhibition runs until November.
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