Cultural Partnerships and Workshops

Cultural workshops and partnerships

A workshop is, above all, an opportunity to connect. It offers time to create, listen and discover the stories, materials and skills that give craftsmanship its meaning.

Drawing on his personal journey and Ilnu identity, Dave Verreault-Thisselmagan shares his experience with the groups he works with. With the support of Vicky Villeneuve, projects are planned around the setting, the participants and the goals of the encounter.

Dave is also listed with the Réseau Culture Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean for his work in Indigenous craftsmanship.

Our areas of expertise

Intercultural relations

Our approach encourages dialogue and awareness of Indigenous realities. It helps organizations reflect on the place of Indigenous perspectives in their activities, spaces and projects, with attention to context and respect for the people involved.

Authentic Indigenous craftsmanship

Working with materials becomes a starting point for learning and sharing. Depending on the chosen format, activities may focus on dreamcatchers, talking sticks, drums or other symbolic creations.

Explanations distinguish the origins and uses associated with different traditions. Dave shares knowledge drawn from his own experience and practice, while respecting the boundaries of what can be shared publicly.

Goals of our workshops and partnerships

Celebrate and share Indigenous cultures

Create welcoming spaces where skills, stories and practices can be shared respectfully, using accessible language suited to the group.

Encourage intercultural exchange

Bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together. Activities make room for questions, listening and discovery to help develop greater mutual understanding.

Support reconciliation efforts

Contribute to initiatives led by schools, organizations, businesses and residential care settings that wish to recognize Indigenous peoples and better understand their contemporary realities. Workshops can form part of a broader commitment to learning and collaboration.

Who are these activities for?

Workshops and partnerships can be developed with a variety of settings:

• Elementary and secondary schools;
• CEGEPs, universities and training centres;
• Seniors’ homes and residences;
• Community and cultural organizations;
• Businesses and public or private institutions.

The content, pace and activities are adapted to the context, participants’ ages and the organization’s goals. Any specific needs within the group can be discussed during planning.

Examples of available workshops

Talking stick workshop

An introduction to the meaning of the talking stick and the importance of listening in conversation. The activity includes making a personalized talking stick, explanations of the elements used and a sharing session adapted to the group.

Dreamcatcher workshop

A presentation of the origins and meanings of the dreamcatcher, followed by a hands-on activity. Choosing the materials and assembling the piece introduce participants to crafting techniques, while distinguishing the original traditions from contemporary personal interpretations.

Discovering the drum

An opportunity to explore the place of the drum in different Indigenous cultures, with explanations of its symbolism, a demonstration and group discussion. The content is agreed upon with the host organization during planning.

Themed conversations and discussions

Conversations about Indigenous realities, stereotypes, reconciliation and possible connections between peoples. These sessions invite participants to ask questions and deepen their understanding in a respectful setting.

Depending on the group’s needs and the time available, several activities can be brought together within one project.

Bringing Indigenous culture into shared spaces

Art can also become part of everyday surroundings. These projects aim to create a presence for Indigenous cultures within a space, considering the meaning of the works and their relationship with the people who use it.

Projects may include:

• Introducing artworks into common areas;
• Creating symbolic pieces for entrances, meeting rooms or spaces for quiet reflection;
• Exploring designs that encourage dialogue, calm and respect.

Projects are developed in collaboration with on-site teams and, whenever possible, the people who use the space. Choosing cultural references and symbols is part of this shared reflection.

Our collaborative approach

Each project begins with a conversation to understand your expectations and determine a suitable format.

1. Understand your setting: discuss your context, the group and your goals;
2. Suggest a format: choose the activities, content and proposed duration;
3. Clarify the arrangements: discuss materials, location, logistics and budget;
4. Define the project’s purpose: prepare an encounter that reflects the organization’s intentions and participants’ needs.

Contact us about a project

Have an idea for a workshop or partnership? Tell us about your project, even if some details are still being worked out.

Collaborations and recognition

Several organizations and institutions across Québec have placed their trust in Dave Verreault-Thisselmagan’s craftsmanship and cultural commitment. His work offers a glimpse into the encounters and projects that have shaped his journey.

Explore Dave’s achievements and collaborations