Home of the Hurons
Wendake:
Onhoüa Chetek8e
by
Robert Painter
 It is said that the Huron
people settled in Wendake, near Quebec City in 1697. A village representing
those people was re-created on the site in 1989 and given the name Onhoüa
Chetek8e, meaning “from yesterday to today.”
In the beginning, Wendats, later to be named Huron by the arriving
Europeans, believed their land to be surrounded by water and the name
Wendake, meaning “island,” was given to the land.
 A visit to Wendake is an
experience to be treasured and remembered. This trip into the heart of the
Huron people might begin with time spent wandering through the traditional
site where you can visit the Huron Long House, the sweat lodge and the
smokehouse.
 The craftsmanship exhibited
by the Huron people is something to behold. I was particularly impressed
with the snowshoes and the canoes. These are made in the traditional method
and each is a work of art. But, it is functional art as well.
The snowshoes are made for everyday use in all types of snow.
The fact that they make more than 10,000 pairs annually probably
speaks to the quality of workmanship as much as anything else I could say.
If I didn’t live in the middle of New Mexico I wouldn’t be able to resist
owning one of the beautiful canoes.
I do own a pair of traditional ash and rawhide snowshoes which I
truly love, especially in deep powder. But, I should add that they also
produce snowshoes from new synthetic materials if that’s your preference.
Allow yourself to be immersed in the culture of the Huron and you will learn
of their matriarchal society, the Clan Mother chosen for her great knowledge
and designated to distribute food, regulate domestic responsibilities among
clan members and organize marriages. In this monogamous society it was also
the duty of young girls to choose their husbands.
Learn also about Huron food preservation methods, including use of a drying
shed and smokehouse for preserving meat and drying and grinding corn into
flour.
 The spiritual life included
Shamans who were believed to have supernatural powers and were involved with
healing ceremonies. Today there is a lovely little church in Wendake, built
in 1730, that symbolizes the conversion of the Huron-Wendat people to
Christianity.
There are many legends passed from generation to generation and the drum and
the dance goes hand in hand with the telling of many of these stories. As in
most cultures there is a legend for the creation of the world. Other
important and fascinating legends explain the discovery of fire, the deer
dance, the corn dance, the purification ceremony and many others.
 Today, as you will learn
when you visit, the great Clan Mother no longer exists and general elections
are held for the purpose of choosing tribal leaders. But, the culture
remains rich and fascinating. Now you will find many exciting and
interesting events and programs throughout the year in Wendake. Some of the
highlights include an annual dogsled race, a First Nations Cinema Festival
focusing on Native American films that you will not likely see in your
neighborhood theater, National Aboriginal Day filled with presentations of
Wendat culture, traditions and art, a Rendezvous, a Pow-Wow, an Arts &
Crafts show, a Harvest Festival and more.
 To make your day complete in
Wendake you can choose to stay at the Hotel-Musee Premieres Nations. The
unique museum and 4-star hotel on the shores of the Akiawenrahk
(Saint-Charles) River in Wendake provides an opportunity to further engage
the traditional native experience. But, rest assured the amenities are
modern and the rooms are beautifully decorated with First Nations art and
crafts. There is a 125 seat restaurant with First Nations’ inspired cuisine.
And, the museum offers a look at a rare collection of Wendat cultural items.
An added attraction is a gift shop that includes not only Huron art, but
also the skillful sculptural carvings of the Inuit.
 A
walk around the town of Wendake will lead you past a number of historical
buildings. You can obtain a copy of the “Discovery Tour” from Tourisme
Wendake. There is a large mural
alongside the river and near the water falls.
And, don’t miss the topiary along the way. They are situated along
the bike path that you might also enjoy. Represented are the animals
symbolizing the eight clans of the Nation – the turtle, the wolf, the bear,
the deer, the beaver, the hawk, the porcupine and the snake.
Add a day or two to your Quebec adventure and enjoy an experience that can’t
be repeated anywhere else. Wendake is just about 15 minutes from Quebec
City.
Keep on Traveling!
When You Go:
www.huron-wendat.qc.ca:
Traditional Huron Site – Onhoua Chetek8e
www.museehuronwendat.ca: Musee
(Museum) Huron-Wendat
www.tourismewendake.com:
Wendake Tourism – ask for a copy of the Official Tourist Guide
Story and Photos by Robert Painter, Adventure Travel Editor
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