keen knowledge of forestland
north of the Saint-Lawrence
River make them perfect
guides for hunting and
fishing sportsmen of the new
clubs. These rich Canadian
and American clients prefer
hiring Abenakis guides since
they are well acquainted with
the rivers, portages, and

locations to find different
species of fish and game.
This work enabled many
Abenakis to ensure the
livelihood of their families
and to live in close
accordance with their
ancestral ways of life. They
plied this profession in
Haute-Mauricie and the

Laurentian Park from 1880
until 1960, contributing to
the fame of private clubs
such as the Laurentian Club,
which catered to many
celebrities.
   This exhibition is an
homage to the guides of this
era. It recounts their work,
anecdotes and life in Odanak,

their native village.
   We hope that you will
enjoy this exhibit, that it
will make you discover the
world of the odowinno, an
Abenakis term meaning guide
and person of quality. All
the former guides interviewed
confirmed that their work was
harsh and poorly paid, but