Date of Workshop: July 18 - 19, 2018

Workshop Coordinator: Hugo Asselin

Lac Simon, an Anishnabe community nestled on the shores of Lake Simon and just 32 kilometers from Val-d’Or in northeastern Quebec, is home to approximately 800 residents, with over 40% of its population under the age of 14. This demographic is notably younger than the Quebec provincial average of 16%. The community, set in a rich boreal forest, has some members who live permanently off the land in small camps or tents, relying on it for subsistence. Most residents engage in cultural activities such as hunting, trapping, fishing, and plant harvesting, while employment in forestry, mining, and related fields is present, there is a preference for roles that contribute to nurturing and sustaining the forest rather than logging.

In July 2018, Lac Simon hosted a Youth Visioning Workshop with 16 participants aged 11 to 37, coordinated by Hugo Asselin. This workshop highlighted the community’s commitment to preserving cultural practices amidst modern changes. The Anishinabe First Nation of Lac Simon, alongside Kitcisakik, Pikogan, and Long Point, continues to blend traditional activities like hunting, fishing, and berry picking with economic activities on their land.

The workshop participants underscored the importance of education in their lives, with one noting, "Education is very important for me. To be a model for my children." They also expressed a desire for Indigenous culture to be integrated into the school curriculum, stating, "For us, it's important that Indigenous culture is taught in high school. It has always been there."

Knowledge and culture in Lac Simon are typically passed down through hands-on experiences rather than formal education, reflecting the community’s close-knit nature where extended family and community members are integral to daily life. Despite challenges such as intimidating aspects of community life and substance abuse, the youth display a realistic outlook on job opportunities. As one participant shared, "The forest reminds me of our ancestors. Our way of life in the woods," while another emphasized, "Forests are important for knowledge sharing. For example, (such) place is where grandparents gather and all that. There are teachings, so to speak. I'm listening to my father. Me, these things, I will pass them on to the young people later, to the children who are coming."