FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Oujé-Bougoumou, QC) July 19, 2012: The Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute has had many successes since its Official Opening in November.  The latest attraction was the Grand Opening and Cree Nation Cultural Celebration attended by close to 1,000 visitors.  Welcome to an extraordinary new

For all those who have not yet had a chance to explore this showcase of the history of the James Bay Crees, we urge to come view our exhibit and artefact collections in person during any two of the following exclusive opportunities during the month of July.  These are:

JULY WEEKEND OPERATING HOURS

July 21-22, 2012 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last tour at 3:15 p.m.)
July 28-29, 2012 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last tour at 3:15 p.m.)

GUIDED TOURS

Guided tours with an Interpreter are available during this period.  Visitors are invited to submit a reservation request by email at tours@creeculture.ca or by telephoning us directly to prearrange both individual and group tours.  All tours available in Cree, English and French.  Please state your language preference.  Visitors may also visit the exhibit area independent of an Interpreter.

ADMISSION FEE

Aanischaaukamikw has begun applying a nominal admission fee for all visitors wishing to view the exhibition and artifact collection.  Our rates are:

Elders (65 years and older) FREE
Children (5 years and younger) FREE
General Admission $5.00 (with or without an Interpreter) 

Virtual visitors are invited to experience the exhibition online at www.creeculturalinstitute.ca/oldsite/.

The humble t-shirt, with its origins in underwear and workers’ clothing, had become part of everyday dress and advertising by the 1950’s. At the Grand Opening of the Aanischaaukamikw, the humble red t-shirt stamped with the institute’s logo became much more significant. At first, it identified staff and then became part of the visitor experience as well. Near the front door of the new building a table was set up where guests were invited to leave their names and addresses for use in our future mailing list, and then received a t-shirt. Staff hurried to meet the demand as they distributed several boxes worth of t-shirts after only a few hours of opening.

By day three of the event, it was almost impossible to take a group shot anywhere in Oujé-Bougoumou without seeing at least one person wearing the t-shirt. Elders, kids and even performers on stage wore the t-shirt.

We were all touched by the warm and active participation of local people, visitors, and guests in the Grand Opening events, and the t-shirt came to symbolize the extent to which everyone not only seemed involved but were truly celebrating in the accomplishment that is Aanischaaukamikw.

Stephen Inglis

Photos by Gaston Cooper and ACCI