Discover the Mashteuiatsh Amerindian Museum
Discover the Mashteuiatsh Amerindian Museum
The Native Museum of Mashteuiatsh is a place of conservation and transmission of the culture of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh (Ilnus of Lac Saint-Jean) and other First Nations of North America. It is certainly one of the most interesting museums in Quebec. Come and discover the most fascinating activities and exhibitions, in addition to meeting dedicated people who are committed to showcasing and sharing this culture.
Permanent exhibitions inside and out
Discover the “p’tite dernière” (little last) permanent exhibition, Tshilanu Ilnuatsh (We the Ilnuatsh), which tells the story of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh way of life over the seasons. This exhibition was also awarded the Canadian Museums Association (CMA) Award of Excellence for its inclusiveness, innovation, and relevance.
This world-class exhibition was designed with the community in mind to offer authentic content that responds to the current concerns of people in the community and opens up dialogue with visitors. In particular, it showcases objects, videos, old photos, texts, and works by local artists. With its interactive modules, the exhibition offers a unique visiting experience adapted for children.
For nearly 15 years, the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh has also had a permanent outdoor exhibition. The site was developed to accommodate a variety of indigenous plants that today form the magnificent boreal forest. A path, made of stone dust, offers a loop of about 250 meters to walk around with ease and burn off excess energy!
Along the trail, you can learn about the different properties and cultural uses of plants and trees from the interpretive panels.
Take part in the family rally! With the help of a small guide, you will discover the different exhibitions through fun activities accessible for the whole family. Ask for it when you arrive at the museum, it's free!
Temporary exhibitions of Aboriginal art
This summer, temporary exhibitions will feature local artists to discover:
- Élizabeth Raphaël, author and multidisciplinary artist, presents an exhibition of watercolours rooted in the mourning of her daughter.
- Pierre Gill, photographer and journalist recognized by the community, is exhibiting some of his best photographs of the community of Mashteuiatsh and Nitassinan (the territory).
Creative crafts activities
Accompanied by a facilitator, you can put your crafting skills to the test. Several workshops are available: painting a mini-oar, making a leather bag, a mini-drum, a medicine wheel, a dream catcher, or a beaded bracelet. All you have to do is let your creativity flow!
An introduction to archaeology
Following archaeological digs that recently took place in Mashteuiatsh, a space has been set up on the site of the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh to allow you to learn some basic archaeological techniques. Squares filled with sand from the excavation site hide typical objects from the territory and from different eras to the delight of your budding archaeologists!
*Additional fees apply. The activities will be offered according to the rules of hygiene and distancing which will be dictated by Public Health.
What to do after a visit to the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh?
While we're at it, why not learn more about the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, the Ilnu of Lac-Saint-Jean? Immerse yourself in the wonderful experience of Aventure Plume Blanche (White Feather Adventure) by discovering more about their way of life, by tasting traditional food, and staying in nature on a site of incredible beauty (13.3 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh).
Culture meets history
Looking for cultural activities for the whole family around the Mashteuiatsh Amerindian Museum? Let your family be charmed by the Val-Jalbert Historical Village. This village, which became a ghost town, is now renowned for its spectacular tourist site. Explore this heritage site which offers a host of activities for the whole family, in an atmosphere of the 1920s (18.7 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh).
Taste slices of happiness and visit the Boulangerie Perron Economuseum, in Roberval. From the choice of ingredients to the final product, discover the secrets of the baker's trade and admire each step in making bread the old-fashioned way (8.1 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh).
For an enriching and fun experience, go to La vieille fromagerie Perron in Saint-Prime and become a cheesemaker for the day by making your own cheese (10.9 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh).
Let’s play outside!
Get your fill of fresh air and challenge the Ouiatchouan Trail! For 30 km from the Val-Jalbert Historical Village, dive into the woods and follow the Ouiatchouan River to the Saint-Antoine Hermitage, in Lac-Bouchette (departure 18.7 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh).
Feel like swinging a few golf balls on one of the most beautiful sites in Lac-Saint-Jean? Take your old polo shirts out of the closet and practice your swing at the Club de golf des Cèdres, in Chambord, for a course with breathtaking scenery (26.7 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh). To prolong the family fun, play a game of mini-golf at Camping Mont-Plaisant (9.2 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh).
For a 360-degree stay in nature, the Domaine des Trois Îles offers you a unique experience in an atypical and modern accommodation. This marvellous site on the banks of the Ashuapmushuan River and very close to downtown Saint-Félicien also allows you to walk on a pedestrian path and rent watercraft on site (paddle board, kayak) (17.9 km from the Native Museum of Mashteuiatsh).
Rain day
Bad weather is announced and you are looking for an indoor activity for the whole family? Learn more about astronomy, space, and the aurora borealis at the Saint-Félicien Planetarium. You will be amazed by the colourful multimedia show presented in the inflatable dome (26.6 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh). Also enjoy a good movie with popcorn at the Chaplin Cinema in Roberval (7.9 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh).
Where to eat near the Mashteuiatsh Amerindian Museum?
A little or a big hunger after your visit to the museum? L’Emporte-moi in Roberval allows you to satisfy your appetite with tasty dishes to take away or to eat on site in a relaxed atmosphere (7.7 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh). Moreover, La Faim de loup offers you a fresh and fast meal at its food counter (6.7 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh).
To enjoy an excellent meal in good company, make a reservation at the Cookerie Le Draveur to savour dishes reinvented with Canadian flavours in a festive atmosphere (8.1 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh).
Near Saint-Félicien, the restaurant Le Baumier, at the Hôtel du Jardin, welcomes you in a friendly atmosphere to try a host of tasty dishes, inspired by boreal flavors. A children's menu is also available (25 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh).
Where to sleep near the Mashteuiatsh Amerindian Museum?
For all camping enthusiasts, settle down at Camping Plage Robertson in Mashteuiatsh to enjoy an enchanting site near a large beach where the sunsets are dazzling (2.2 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh).
In Roberval, Camping Mont-Plaisant is a beautiful and friendly place close to the attractions, which will please you with its beauty and heated swimming pool (9.2 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh).
For the most comfortable accommodation, the Hotel Château Roberval will make your stay charming with its luxurious rooms and indoor swimming pool in the heart of the hotel (7.2 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh). For an economical option, the Motel Roberval offers you an incredible view of Lac Saint-Jean and an outdoor swimming pool for the enjoyment of young and old alike (9.7 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh).
If you would rather head to Saint-Félicien, choose the Hôtel de la Boréalie. Located on the banks of the Ashuapmushuan River, the Hôtel de la Boréalie offers quality accommodation at a good price (20 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh).
A few minutes from the Saint-Félicien Wild Zoo, the Hôtel du Jardin combines warmth and comfort to offer you everything you need for an unforgettable family stay in Lac-Saint-Jean. There is even an indoor pool with spa, a workout room, and massage therapy service (25 km from the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh).
