As an Indigenous student at Vanier College, I’ve always been eager to learn more about my heritage and deepen my connection to my culture. When the A’no:wara Indigenous Student Centre at Vanier organized a weekend trip to Wendake, I knew it would be an unforgettable experience.
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Huron-Wendat Museum. The museum is an incredible space that brings Indigenous history to life in a way that is engaging and educational. It has an interactive section where you can smell different traditional medicines. It has some traditional antique regalia and a booth with headphones where you can hear Elders speak.
As we walked through the exhibition, I was struck by how the museum managed to convey both the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples throughout history and the strength and resilience that has allowed us to survive and thrive.
The artifacts, stories and displays offered a powerful glimpse into the rich culture, traditions and history of the Huron-Wendat people. The museum isn’t just a place to look at the past, but also a space that celebrates the vibrant culture that continues to flourish today.
While the museum was a powerful experience, the most magical part of the weekend was the light exposition in the forest. As night fell, we walked into the woods, where hundreds of lights illuminated the trees and paths.
The lights didn’t just provide a beautiful visual, they created an atmosphere that felt both spiritual and grounding. The forest, alive with the glow of lights, invited us into a deeper connection with the natural world around us.
The colours, the ambiance and the quiet peacefulness of the forest made me reflect on my own journey as an Indigenous youth, navigating the modern world while staying connected to the traditions of my ancestors.
Leaving the forest that night, I felt a sense of peace and clarity. Onhwa’ Lumina had shown me that the power of Indigenous culture is alive, vibrant and ever-present, even in the modern world.
It reminded me that, as Indigenous youth, we carry the stories of our ancestors within us, and it’s up to us to keep those stories alive, just as the light show had kept the spirit of the forest glowing through the night.
What struck me most about Onhwa’ Lumina was how it brought together art and culture in such a meaningful way. The lights were a tribute to the spirit of the land and our people.
The entire walk lasted about an hour. I took my time and mainly stayed behind everyone, but you could finish it in about 30-45 minutes. Walking along those illuminated paths felt like a quiet invitation to reconnect with the core of who we are as Indigenous peoples.
This trip reminded me of the importance of staying connected to our roots, our culture and the land, no matter where life takes us. The A’no:wara trip to Wendake gave me a deeper appreciation for the traditions that continue to guide us, and it’s something I’ll carry with me as I continue my journey at Vanier and beyond.