Jan-2016
The best kept adventure secret in North America is 90 minutes north of Montreal
The best kept adventure secret in North America is 90 minutes north of Montreal:
January 15, 2016
Eeyou Istchee Baie-James
[Ouje-Bougoumou, QC, Canada] The boreal landscape of ancient rocks, immense rivers and pristine lakes stretches 380 miles, south to north, along the eastern seacoast of James Bay, then inland another 380 miles. About the same size in area as Germany, this easily accessible Canadian wilderness is home to three distinct cultures: 1) Ndooheenou – the Cree of Eastern James Bay; 2) Inuit and 3) Jamesians – predominantly French-speaking non-aboriginal residents. Known as Eeyou Istchee Baie-James, the region is just a 90 minute direct-flight from Montreal. The close proximity of the region enables adventure travellers from DC to escape like never before to the real North for a weekend getaway.
Ouje-Bougoumou weekend getaway: A cultural adventure
In the traditional homeland of the Eastern James Bay Cree, Eeyou Istchee – the land of the people – is the modern, planned-community of Ouje-Bougoumou. The community was built in 1992. It is located on the northeast shore of Lake Opemiska, about 30 minutes from the airport in Chibougamau. Douglas Cardinal, the aboriginal architect that designed the American Indian Museum in Washington, designed Ouje-Bougoumou. The community has been recognized for its contemporary design, economic sustainability and environmental conservation, a hallmark of Cree culture.
Adventure travellers can book a two-night weekend getaway to Ouje-Bougoumou, with one night of hotel lodging on the shores of Opemiska, plus a community tour and a premium visit to the Cree Cultural Institute – Aanischaaukamikw. The second night is spent in traditional Cree dwellings at a forested, lakeside camp called Nuuhchimi Wiinuu, owned and operated by a family of Cree entrepreneurs. While at the camp, guests will be immersed in Cree culture, learning about traditional health and wellness, snowshoe-making, canoeing and the flora and fauna native to the region.
Affordable adventure
The per person package price of $589 Canadian dollars (approximately $405 USD), includes:
- 1 night at hotel, based on double occupancy
- 1 night at traditional Cree camp, based on double occupancy
- 7 meals (2 breakfasts; 3 lunches; 2 dinners + 1 traditional food tasting)
- 1 guided walking town tour
- Visit and activity at the Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute
- Guides and traditional activities at Nuuhchimi Wiinuu
- Transfer from and to the Chibougamau airport (free parking if by car)
- Taxes and FICAV (Quebec compensation fund for travelers)
The price is valid for travel Friday to Sunday from June 1 to September 2016. For more information call toll free 1.888.2682 x 4225 or email dmccoordinator@creetourism.ca
Win a pair of traditional snowshoes made by a Cree artisan
Adventure travellers that live in the Washington, DC metropolitan region can enter to win a pair of traditional snowshoes crafted by a Cree artisan from Eeyou Istchee Baie-James. To enter the sweepstakes, visit Booth 822 at the Travel and Adventure Show, February 20 and 21, 2016 in the Washington Convention Center.
Meet Victoria Crowe
Victoria Crowe, whose ancestry is Eastern James Bay Cree, Inuit and Six Nations Turtle Clan, will represent the people of Eeyou Istchee Baie-James at the Travel and Adventure Show. She will deliver a 30-minute, illustrated presentation about the adventure playground during the show, as well as hosting Booth 822. Victoria is looking forward to introducing show visitors to the best kept adventure travel secret in North America.
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Photos to illustrate articles are available for download: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/06rtll1mcuyvf6v/AAD_ujkVGZeMVU9kJx1FIBlba?dl=0
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Victoria Crowe
Telephone: 1.418.745.2220 x 4227
vcrowe@creetourism.ca
Victoria Crowe is available for in-person interviews February 18 and 19th, 2016 in Washington. To book an interview call 1.418.745.2220 x 4227 or mobile 1.514.346.3107.
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