Passeurs Culturels

Mathieu O’Bomsawin
July 14, 2017
Odanak

"It’s a place for transmission and diffusion."

Mathieu O’Bomsawin, Waban-Aki

Museums have a long-standing tradition of offering much more than just exhibitions of objects. They’re living spaces that stimulate and promote their community. The Musée des Abénakis, in Odanak, opened in 1962 and was the first Indigenous museum in Quebec. It highlights the history and culture of the Wabanaki nation and establishes links with the present. By providing museum guide jobs to young people, it plays an important role in the development of their identity and sense of belonging. Mathieu O'Bomsawin worked at the museum at the age of 15. Ten years later, he was managing it.