Aux confluents de l’Akiawenhrahk
Workshop on Wendat alliances
With Jean-Philippe Thivierge, at the VU gallery, Quebec City, Onyionhwentsïio
December 7, 2023
To kick off the series of public discussions as part of our Alliance project, we were looking for a starting point. Where should we begin these discussions? After some discussion and careful consideration, we decided that in order to build relationships, we first need to get to know each other. We know that the Wendat are familiar with Quebec's “official” history. But is the same true of the people of Quebec City when it comes to Indigenous history, Wendat history? That's why we decided to invite Jean-Philippe Thivierge. He is a Wendat researcher and historian who works at the Bureau du Onyionhwentsïo of the Council of the Wendat Nation.This first workshop was offered to cultural workers in Quebec City. By sending out a more targeted invitation, we wanted them to gain a better understanding of how the Wendat people relate to others. Those in attendance were able to learn more about Indigenous issues and the concept of alliance among the Wendat. This form of reciprocity, based on seeking balance in exchange and expressing mutual respect, is a valuable lesson that led us to reflect on how to include it in a contemporary artistic and cultural context.
When we considered the public discussions organized as part of our Alliance project, our goal was to share our thoughts and questions and to help other organizations and members of the arts community in their reflections on these issues. That is also why we recorded each of the discussions to turn them into podcasts. The podcast of this workshop is available here.
Animateur
Jean-Philippe Thivierge is a Wendat researcher and historian who has been working for eight years with the Wendat Nation for the Office of the Onyionhwentsïio'. Mr. Thivierge specializes in the study of the historical and contemporary use of their ancestral land by the Wendat, the cultural and historical representation of the Wendat, and the political and military history of the Wendat Nation.