Trading Know-How

Pierre Nicolas. Mathilde Dherissard
August 14, 2011
Cacouna

"The river’s the pantry."

Pierre Nicolas, Wolastoq

A nation's culture is inspired by the past, but is expressed in the present. It identifies relationships, integrates influences, updates practices, marks space and the imagination. All the elements of a people's history prove the durability of its presence and can be used to support an argument when making claims. The Maliseet of Viger, whose members are spread over a very large territory, were recognized as a nation by the Government of Quebec in 1989. Following a Supreme Court decision on Indigenous treaty rights, the Canadian government granted them commercial fishing rights in 1999. This will feed the future of the "people of the beautiful river" for a long time to come.