Press Release
For immediate release

Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal awarded to the President/CEO of Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute

The Canadian Museums Association awards Dianne Ottereyes Reid, President/CEO of Aanischaaukamikw (ACCI) Cree Cultural Institute, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Governor General of Canada in recognition of her exceptional contributions to Canadian Culture and Heritage.

Her relentless work for the preservation of Cree Cultural Heritage with the guidance of her Elders of the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee has not only created a visionary place for historical objects, safeguarding of the language and history, but also, a showcase of Cree Culture for the world to see.

Dianne stresses the importance of being guided by the visionary eye of experience from those who understand traditional structures and how to interpret them into reality. The awesome architecture of Aanischaaukamikw has stirred many people from their visit to the first exhibition of Cree artifacts.

Grand Chief Dr. Matthew Coon Come sent his congratulations. “As Grand Chief, and one who has worked with you, I can say, there is no other Cree more deserving of this prestigious award. Indeed, your hard work, determination and willingness to work closely with our Elders and past Leaders have paid off.”

The medal will be awarded at the Canadian Museum Association’s Annual Conference Awards Banquet in Gatineau, Wednesday April 25 2012.

Contact:

Nian Matoush, Communications Officer:
Phone: (418) 770-7659 & E-mail: nian.matoush@creeculture.ca

Dianne Reid: hemera_musique@yahoo.fr

Photos by Carl Chaboyer

In a seemingly non-stop flurry of activity since our opening, the Cree Regional Authority’s Remember This…And You Will Live a Good Life travelling exhibition presents another exciting new element to what’s going on this month at Aanischaaukamikw. The result of work done by archaeologists, Elders, and Cree youth to document how generations of Cree lived in the region surrounding the Eastmain River, the exhibition captures this knowledge in two areas: the “Shaaptuuaan” highlights important seasonal activities through the voice of these Elders, while the “Archaeology Showcases” area holds artefacts from several archaeological digs conducted prior to the river’s flooding in 2005.

Photos by Carl Chaboyer

The exhibition is a great complement to Aanischaaukamikw’s inaugural exhibit because it demonstrates the Cree traditional way of life that is evidence of our cultural continuity.  Nearing the end of my guided tour with Interpreter Johnny Neeposh, he pointed out a 200-year old brass pot hanging from the top of one of the showcase structures.   Though perhaps a common, everyday object, it brought to mind the custom of hanging animal skulls on tree branches as a sign of respect and thanks, and made me appreciate in turn how even common objects have a story to tell.

Come to Aanischaaukamikw and visit the travelling exhibition for your chance to be inspired!

From February 17, 2012 and February 20-22, 2012

Nian Matoush

Officially dedicated by Elders on Tuesday, November 15th, Aanischaaukamikw, the Cree Cultural Institute, is now officially OPEN!  To get your first glimpse, explore the collection, and learn how to visit Aanischaaukamikw in person and virtually, click here.

We suggest that you put this new link in your Favourites or Bookmarks bar – and we invite you to visit the Aanischaaukamikw site often!