Thursday, June 11th
3 pm to 4:30 pm
Activities with free access (no registration required)
Collective Workshop – Dream Stick
This workshop is rooted in the spirit of Puamun Meshkenu and the Innu Nikantetau expeditions, where walking and dreaming are fundamental pillars.
Dr. Stanley Vollant began using his walking sticks as “dream sticks” during his Innu Meshkenu walks. He continues this practice today, inviting others to touch the stick and close their eyes to share their deepest aspirations. To date, more than 22,000 dreams have been collected.
These workshops aim to convey a message of hope and inspire participants to realize their dreams. They invite both personal and collective commitment in a space of respect and sharing.
Activity outline
The workshop begins with a historical and symbolic introduction to the dream stick (approximately 15 minutes, bilingual). This presentation provides context on the origins of the initiative, the cultural significance of the stick and what being a dream carrier means.
Participants then start working on a collective stick—a symbol of shared commitment. Each person is invited to contribute freely by adding something meaningful.
An outdoor walk lasting about 20 to 35 minutes follows. Walking and dreaming are integral to Puamun Meshkenu. Walking together is a powerful way to gather, connect and share.
Walking is also a traditional activity that fosters reflection, meditation and holistic health. It supports both individual and collective well-being, including healing and recovering from addiction. It serves as a meaningful bridge between individuals, generations and Nations.
Important : please bring walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
After the walk, participants will continue creating and enhancing the collective stick. Materials may remain available so participants can keep contributing after the workshop ends.
This space is meant to be inclusive, welcoming and hopeful, fostering transmission, connection and shared creation.
Stanley Vollant
Dr. Stanley Vollant is an eminent surgeon and a respected healthcare leader in Québec. A pioneer and inspirational role model, Dr. Vollant became Québec’s first Indigenous surgeon in 1994, paving the way for many First Nations people to pursue careers in medicine. With more than 30 years of clinical experience in various hospitals, Dr. Vollant has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing quality care and promoting better cross-cultural understanding in healthcare. Dr. Vollant currently serves as a physician advisor at the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission. He also sits on the board of directors of the new Santé Québec agency, where his expertise and experience play a pivotal role in informing public health policies and initiatives in Québec. In recognition of his significant impact and leadership, L’Actualité magazine named Dr. Vollant one the 100 most influential people in Québec. His various commitments have also earned him a nomination to the Council of the Ordre national du Québec and numerous honorary awards from various medical and community institutions.
Prudence Hannis
Prudence Hannis, Executive Director of Puamun Meshkenu, is a member of the Abenaki First Nation from the community of Odanak. After studying sociology (UQAM) and public management (ÉNAP), she led the Kiuna Institution for 15 years. As someone deeply committed to building healthy communities and advocating for the interests of First Nations, she has played a key role over the past 20 years in shaping government and Indigenous strategies and policies at both the provincial and national levels.
Through her various initiatives, she has worked closely with every First Nation in Québec and with numerous Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners from civil society, community groups, and government agencies.
Chantale Niquay – Porteuse de rêves
Chantale Niquay, Atikamekw and Innu, is a young kukum (grandmother) and cultural educator. A compassionate and deeply committed woman and guardian of knowledge, she has journeyed from residential schools to the present day with courage and hope. Through her life experiences, she has learned how to rise again, heal, and pursue her dreams—both big and small—one step at a time. In her presentations, she shares both the pain and the strength of the heart, inspiring others never to give up and to use resilience as a powerful key to success.
Janie Helen – Porteuse de rêves
Originally from the Côte-Nord region, Janie Helen is an outdoor facilitator and professional photographer. Passionate about adventure, she explores through her expeditions around the world the connections between dreams, encounters, and the land. In her presentations, she invites audiences to slow down, listen, and build bridges between worlds often separated by differences and injustices. She also reflects on themes such as fear, courage, and the boldness to move forward even in the face of uncertainty.
