Innu artist Mike Paul Kuekuatsheu brings the spirit and history of his people to Gatineau

Tashi Farmilo

On the evening of November 5, the quiet shelves of the Donalda-Charron Library in Gatineau’s Aylmer sector will transform into a portal for an immersive cultural experience. Mike Paul Kuekuatsheu, an Innu singer-songwriter, cultural guide, and traditional hunter-gatherer from the Mashteuiatsh community, will lead an audience through a vivid journey of his people’s history, traditions, and spiritual connections. The conference, Mike Paul Kuekuatsheu: History of the Innu People, is a free event organized by the Ville de Gatineau, but those interested must register ahead of time to secure their places.

Kuekuatsheu’s life is deeply intertwined with the collective memory of the Innu people. His music—an evocative blend of folk, rock, and traditional rhythms—is more than just melody; it reflects his heritage. “Our music is the heartbeat of our people,” he explains, emphasizing that his work is inspired by the natural world and the spiritual significance it holds in Innu culture. “In our tradition, the drum is the beating heart that connects us with the caribou spirit, the land, and the animals. It’s how we communicate with the spirit world.”

This conference is not merely a presentation but an immersive experience. Kuekuatsheu will guide attendees through the myths and realities of the Innu people, using stories, music, and objects like ceremonial drums and moccasins crafted by his family. “I want people to feel the rhythm of our land, to understand that the caribou is not just an animal for us—it’s a lifeline, a spirit. The drums we play before the hunt connect us to the caribou, asking for a good hunt and honouring its spirit,” he says, highlighting the sacred relationship his people have with nature.

A key focus of the event will be the Innu language, Innu-aimun, which is endangered. “Language is more than words; it’s the soul of our culture,” Kuekuatsheu reflects. Having grown up in the forest learning from his parents and grandparents, he experienced firsthand the oral traditions that form the backbone of Innu knowledge and spirituality. “When we lose our language, we lose our way of understanding the world,” he continues, stressing the urgency of preserving this linguistic heritage.

In an era where Indigenous languages and traditions face ongoing threats, Kuekuatsheu’s work is a testament to cultural resilience. His mission is not just about keeping traditions alive for their own sake but about transmitting the “heartbeat of the Innu” to younger generations and wider audiences alike. “I bring the drums, the caribou skins, and our stories so that people can touch and feel what it means to be Innu,” he says. “It’s not about reading history from a book; it’s about living it.”

The event promises more than a passive education; it is an invitation to experience the rhythm and spirit of a people whose existence has been intricately tied to the land and its animals for generations. For one evening, attendees will be transported into the heart of Nutshimit, the Innu’s inland territory, where Kuekuatsheu will share not just the past, but the ongoing realities faced by his community. The caribou, central to the Innu’s traditional way of life, is not only a source of sustenance but a profound spiritual connection that shapes their identity. However, these animals are now on the brink of extinction due to industrial activities, logging practices, and the impacts of climate change.

Mike Paul Kuekuatsheu’s presence in Gatineau goes beyond a simple visit; it is a vibrant act of cultural preservation and sharing. By bringing the stories of his ancestors, he builds bridges of understanding, reminding us that the heartbeat of the land still resonates for those who choose to listen. Attendees can expect more than just knowledge; they will experience an intimate connection with the enduring spirit of the Innu people. For more details about the event, visit: https://calendrier.gatineau.cloud/calendrier/evenement.aspx?langue=en-ca&id_evenement=44725