The detour that's worth it
If you're traveling along the Côte-Nord this summer, plan to immerse yourself in Indigenous culture by attending the unmissable Innu Nikamu Festival. Never heard of it? It's actually the 40th edition of the event, taking place from July 30th to August 4th, 2024, in Mani-utenam, the epicenter of Innu music.
When you arrive in Sept-Îles from the west, you'll see, right in the downtown area, the entrance to the Innu community of Uashat. But to reach Mani-utenam, you'll have to drive a few more kilometers eastward on Route 138. Part of the road runs along the cliff leading to the beach, and the view of the Sept-Îles archipelago is quite impressive! Just after the 'Casse-croûte Chez Ballou,' you'll find the entrance to the Innu community of Mani-utenam, this small Innu village with just over 1500 residents.
More than a Festival
For about twenty years, the current site of the Festival was home to the Indigenous residential school Notre-Dame of Mani-utenam. Today, the community gathers there symbolically in a grand celebration where the only thing that surpasses the sound of music is the laughter of children.
Founded in 1984 by Florent Vollant, Philippe Mackenzie, and Sylvain Vollant, the Festival has, among other things, allowed local Innu artists to reclaim their culture by singing in their mother tongue. Since then, several careers have transcended the walls of the site. Kashtin, Kanen, and Scott-Pien Picard are just a few examples.
Build bridges
This summer, headline acts such as Bryan Adams and Samantha Fox are propelling Innu Nikamu towards its largest international edition yet, allowing music enthusiasts to enjoy nearly 60 shows, some of which are free.
The vast majority of artists in the lineup are from First Nations. Because Innu Nikamu is more than just a festival, it's a sharing experience that aims first and foremost to build bridges in pleasure and mutual understanding by showcasing Innu culture and pride.
Nowhere else will you hear Maori folk musicians, taste traditionally prepared ptarmigan, gather around the sacred fire, see Bryan Adams, and walk barefoot on a sandy beach within just a few days. The festivities, always focused on humanity and family, take place without alcohol, in the most inclusive atmosphere. You might even have the chance to camp in the community as several families offer hospitality.
To purchase your passports and for any other information, visit our website: innunikamu.ca.
