Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Sept-Îles/Schefferville (Monday, August 17, 2009). Departure from Sept-Îles by the Schefferville bound train. Observation journey of the Moisie River (world-famous Salmon River), and of the Borealis forest. For those who chose to travel by plane with Air-Inuit: Possible departure from Quebec City or from Sept-Îles: Charter flight available. Departure from Montreal and/or Quebec towards Schefferville. Montreal flight leaves at 7:00 am and arrives in Schefferville at 10:45 am. Participants are greeted by Jean Paquet’s crew.
Day 2: Schefferville/George River (Tuesday, August 18th, 2009). Float plane departure from Schefferville to the George River at the beginning of the day. Familiarization and discovery of the premises. The beginning of the day is used to present to our guests who are the Innu and what are their territories. The host and an archaeologist will do this as well as answer any questions you may have. We will also make this first day a day to discover the north by taking a walk in the tundra and following caribou paths.
Day 3: George River (Wednesday, August 19th). We start our first day by visiting a site with high geological and historical significance. We will become more familiar with the north as we walk across the tundra and along traditional caribou pathways. We will later visit a second important site of archaeological significance along the George River. After which we will navigate on a course across from the area where our camp is located, on the lake of the Hutte Sauvage.
Day 4: Mount Tshiuetin Excursion (Thursday, August 20). Morning is spent climbing Tshiuetin Mountain. From this point-of-view, we can grasp the sheer size of the tundra, and its fragility. We can also catch sight of our main camp and activity site. We will prepare traditional meals and take part in traditional activities.
Days 5-6: Familiarization with the Innu lifestyle and day of rest and relaxation (Friday and Saturday, August 21-22). Our guides can organize activities according to the group’s wishes or individual activities. Who knows, a caribou could come across, a porcupine could visit us or a curious grandfather (black bear) could be wondering what we are doing in his paradise. This day will give you the opportunity of living a new experience by participating in the preparation of a Metesham (sweat tent) and stories and legends in the evening.
Possible activities: archaeological visit to the second important site of the George. Preparation of dishes (caribou, salmon), and traditional tools (snowshoes, toboggan) demonstrations. Exploration of the surrounding environment, and of the Tundra. Those who wish to remain at the campground with hostess Élisabeth and the cooks can also do it. The final preparation of the Makusham is under way. Makusham in the evening: Great Traditional Feast (scheduled for Tuesday August 22). Let us all take advantage of this site!
Day 7: Last Day. Departure for Schefferville (Sunday August 23th, 2009). We will be getting ready to leave for Schefferville. This day is free. Supper with an Innu family. Overnight stay by the float plane base.
Day 8: Schefferville (Monday, August 24th, 2009). Visit of Schefferville, Matimekush Lac-John and the old mines area. For those who chose to travel by plane with Air-Inuit. Departure from Schefferville towards Montreal and/or Quebec. Schefferville flight leaves at 14:55 p.m. and arrives in Quebec at 17:20 and Montreal at 18:50 p.m.
Day 9: Schefferville/Sept-Îles (Tuesday, August 25th, 2009). Departure from Schefferville to Sept-Îles by train for a journey of more than 10 hours.
Season: It is during the months of August and September that you can experience your greatest adventures in the Innu territory. Due to the remoteness of the site as well as the great beauty of the George River, whose magnificent waters flow through the area, this time of the year is the most favorable for observations, discoveries, and activities of all kinds. In addition, access to this area is made easier during this period through the use of bush planes.
Migration of the caribou: August and September give the opportunity to live the migration. Herds of several dozens to several hundreds can appear at any moment.
Other Optional Activities:
- Kayak
- Salmon fishing
- Flying over caribou and Torngat Mountains
- Labrador Fjord
- Going down rapids
- Sport hunting
- Fraser Canyon.
Freedom and Safety: The pleasure and satisfaction of our clients are paramount. Because the desire of our team to transmit images, words, and experiences is extremely strong and since the success of such a visit depends on its taking place in a spirit of harmony, nothing is left to chance concerning the safety and the supervision of our activities. The combination of years of experience of both Native life and modern ways allows us to maintain the authentic character of the visit while still providing all the necessary comfort and safety. We adhere to quality and safety standards developed by the STAQ (Société touristique des autochtones du Québec) and by Aventures Écotoursime Québec (AEQ), of which our hosts are part.
Meteorological Conditions: The Innu rely on their intuition to feed themselves while traveling around their territory. However, as far as meteorological conditions are concerned, it is better to be careful.
Our experienced guides wish to inform you that they will not take any risks when it comes to your safety. Also some excursions, notably on the river, could be delayed or canceled due to the whims of Mother Nature. Delays can also occur in the schedule of activities during the course of your visit. Ashini Adventure declines any responsibility regarding such delays or any other related inconveniences.
Preconditions:
- To be older than 13 years old. Possible exception under certain conditions
- To have filled the risk-acceptation form
- Normal fitness required
- Other clientèles possible with appropriate supervision (physician, special needs assistant, etc.), upon approval from the guide.
Support and leadership team:
- 1 to 4 leader(s)-guide(s) depending on group size
- 1 cook, 1 elder, 1 camp assistant
- All are culture experts and have the skills required to communicate their knowledge to you.
Accommodation (from 4 to 22 persons):
- Under a branch and canvas tipi, double or multiple occupation
- On a fir branch rug
- Wood stove with chimney.
Food:
- Traditional food: caribou, fish, partridge, bannock, fat and marrow, berries, Labrador tea, smoked meat and catches of the day
- Contemporary food: breakfast with eggs, oatmeal, berry purée, cheese, cereals, etc.
Equipment provided:
- Ground mattresses as well as camping pillows are available.
Hygiene:
- A hot shower inside a tepee. Shared shower
- Access to the lake or to the Meteshan
- Portable chemical toilet inside each dwelling for nocturnal needs
- Shared toilet near the campsite.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- From 2 to 3 nights in Schefferville
- All meals (except those mentioned in the next section)
- Activities and excursions mentioned in the program
- All transfers to the sites
- Services of specialized Aboriginal guides
- Mattresses
- Montréal or/and Québec transportation to Schefferville
- Float plane transportation Schefferville-George River.
Price Excludes:
- Sleeping bags
- Personal effects
- Goods and services
- Provincial and federal taxes.
Note: Transportation surcharge (due to fuel cost rise) could be charged. Moreover, considering the general transportation conditions in the North, we now ask our customers to plan a 500$ amount for possible exits by plane if the guests miss the train or if they’re not able to take the regular flights.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Quebec
Arctic
Newfoundland
Local Culture
Native Americans
Cultural Journey
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