The Iroquian village celebrates 15 years

While the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Indian Residential Schools unveiled its report last week, the Droulers /Tsiionhiakwatha appears as a cautionary example of the desirable cooperation with indigenous peoples.

While the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Indian Residential Schools unveiled its report last week, the Droulers/Tsiionhiakwatha appears as a cautionary example of the desirable cooperation with indigenous peoples.

The Iroquian longhouses on the Droulers/Tsiiohiakwatha site welcomed various guests last Saturday to mark the 15th anniversary of the archeological site of Saint-Anicet. For the occasion, the Quebec Minsiter of Native Affairs, Geoffrey Kelley, said that the events surrounding the topic of residential school were not well known to the public. We have every interest in increased awareness of the indigenous peoples said the minister and the Droulers site is the best possible example of the possible understanding that can occur between neighbors.

These statements were corroborated by MP Anne Quach who took the opportunity to give the director Pascal Perron a certificate from the House of Commons highlighting the 15 years of the site.

Also present at the ceremony was the chief from the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Karen Loran, who also testified of the driven partnership with the site and the MRC du Haut Saint-Laurent. The students of our schools go to the site each year and it also contributes to the animation of the site from our legends and handicraft. I am in regular contact with Pascal says Ms. Loran.

Near 150 000 visitors

Opened in 2001, the Droulers / Tsiionhiakwatha will host near 150,000 visitors this year, having experienced an average attendeance from 13 000 to 16 000 visitors a year, according to the director, Pascal Perron. "Our goal is to reach 20,000 visitors," he said.

With its reconstruction of an Iroquoian village and its long houses of the late 15th century, the site was awarded the Tourism Awards seven times, in addition to being recognized by the National Geographic Society and the Smithsonian Institute Museum Washington.

In operation six months a year, the Droulers /Tsiiohiakwatha has a budget of $ 200,000, of which $ 30,000 comes from the MRC and $ 170,000 of federal programs. As the company Musée des Deux-Rives (MUSO), the site hopes a museum recognizing the Quebec Ministry of Culture. For now, the Quebec government only contributes to archaeological excavations on the site.

Translated by Katie Martin