Itinerary

The itinerary of this experience is governed very much by the changing environment which you will be fully immersed in; the landscape, the elements and the wildlife.

Day 1

Arrive at  Chibougamau, Quebec and free airport transfer to the Cree community at Ouje-Bougoumou, which means “the Place where People Gather” – a community which in 1995 won a U.N. award for excellence.  (Please see ‘more information’ for more information on the community of Ouje-Bougoumou).

Day 2-8

The next day we will be heading out with our snow shoes to the wilderness on the edge of Lake Opemiska staying in our Cree hosts, David and Anna, winter canvas accommodation, with its homely log burner and thick spruce bough floor.

There is no set itinerary as we will adapt to the environment. This could mean that you will find yourself learning how to catch fish through thick ice, before preparing them to cook over an open fire, or working on a moose hide which can then be turned into the soft leather used for making traditional mukluks and warm footwear. You might be learning to carve or explore traditional craft.

Each day we will see the tracks of the wildlife and David and Anna will show us how to interpret and identify the tracks. They will hunt and if they are successful, you may wish to partake and help to then process the animal so that no part of it is wasted and learn how to utilise every bone, sinew, flesh and hide.

If you wish you can be shielded from any actual hunt itself, as make no mistake, it is real and to the Cree it is their means of survival.

Day 9

Return to Ouje-Bougoumou community. Shower and share your stories with the community.

Day 10

Transfer to Chibougamau and depart for home

Accommodation

The accommodation during this expedition is in shared gender canvas tents with thick spruce bough flooring and log burners to keep us toasty warm.

There are no shower facilities during the wilderness immersion section of the expedition, although hot water and privacy will be provided for a strip wash. Toilets are the great outdoors….just choose your spot. Toilet paper is provided.

You will have an opportunity for a hot shower at Ouje-Bougoumou when you arrive and before you leave the community.

This is an alcohol free expedition.

Other information

Please be aware that this trip gives you a very real experience of how the Cree live today. They will not all be sleeping in tepees. They will not be wearing feathers in their hair, or war paint on their faces. They are, however, a proud people who have worked hard to maintain their heritage and connection with the earth.

Your visit will start with a tour of Oujé-Bougoumou, which means “the Place where People Gather” – a community which in 1995 won a U.N. award for excellence. You will see a unique heating plant which reflects their tradition of conservation; fed by waste sawdust, it sends out heat via underground pipes to every building in the village. You will see buildings that combine a traditional astchiiugamikw (tepee) style with a modern style and the reconstructed “cultural village” where you`ll learn how they make handicrafts such as tufting, moccasins, or snowshoes. Take time to sit with elders and hear their stories about the old days, their faces gently illuminated by the flicker of bear grease lamps.

Physical Requirements

This trip is available to those aged 15+ years. If you are a family or looking to bring a youth group, then please get in touch as we can arrange a bespoke trip for you.

A good level of fitness would make this trip more enjoyable to you and you must be capable of walking in snow shoes (we will teach you the technique) through deep undulating snow.

This trip is currently not available to those with physical disabilities but if it appeals to you, then please get in touch and help us to accommodate you in the future.

Getting Ready for your Trip

Once we have received your booking we will send you further information for example on; visas, vaccinations and suggested kit list.

In the mean time, to get you excited and ready for your adventure, you may be interested in;

Music to listen to

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Meals to cook

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Films to watch

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Books to read