Discover Wendat Culture and History at the Musée Huron-Wendat
Located in Wendake, just minutes from Québec City, the Musée Huron-Wendat invites visitors to explore the history, culture and traditions of the Wendat Nation. Through exhibitions, heritage objects, stories and historically significant sites, discover a living Indigenous heritage passed down through generations and still deeply rooted in the Wendake community today.
Wendat Endi’, We the Wendat: A Story That Continues
The permanent exhibition “Wendat Endi’, We the Wendat” highlights important figures in the Wendat Nation and their role in passing on culture, knowledge and traditions. Explore Wendat perspectives on themes that are fundamental to the Nation and learn how the community has maintained its identity through changing times and significant historical upheavals. Through engaging displays and objects rich in meaning, this exhibition offers an enriching look at Wendat history, resilience and a culture that continues to evolve.
A Heritage Collection Spanning More Than 400 Years
The museum preserves and showcases a national collection of more than 2,000 objects and documents that bear witness to over 400 years of history. Traditional crafts, ceremonial clothing, objects connected to cultural practices and beliefs, works of art and archaeological collections reveal different aspects of the Wendat Nation’s journey. Each object helps visitors gain a deeper understanding of the knowledge, traditions and experiences that shape Wendat identity.
Explore Wendake’s Historic Sites
Continue your discovery at the Ekionkiestha’ National Longhouse, located just steps from the museum. Built with respect for traditional architectural practices, the longhouse adds an immersive dimension to the visitor experience. It hosts visits, themed workshops and Myths and Legends evenings, during which Indigenous stories are shared around the fire. Reservations are required for these evenings.
The museum also offers an opportunity to learn about Tsawenhohi House, the former home of Nicolas Vincent Tsawenhohi, a Wendat diplomat and Grand Chief, as well as Notre-Dame-de-Lorette Church, a heritage site reflecting encounters between Wendat and Catholic traditions.
Activities to Enrich Your Visit
Whether you choose a self-guided visit, an audio guide, a guided tour or the Discovery Tour, several options allow you to explore the museum according to your interests. Activities such as the talking stick workshop and themed workshops also offer opportunities to engage with Wendat culture in a participatory way. To discover temporary exhibitions and activities available during your visit, consult the museum’s current exhibitions and programming.
Outside, the themed gardens and interpretive trail invite visitors to continue exploring at their own pace. Learn about traditional ways of life, the relationship with the land and the Three Sisters agricultural method, which brings together crops such as corn, beans and squash.
Make the Most of Your Visit
Before wrapping up your visit, stop by the Awen’ museum shop, where you’ll find handcrafted creations, jewellery, pottery, books and products inspired by Indigenous cultures. To round out your cultural outing, Restaurant La Traite, located in the same complex as Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, offers a culinary experience highlighting Indigenous regional cuisine.
Whether you’re visiting with family, as a couple, with friends or as part of a group, the Musée Huron-Wendat offers a meaningful opportunity to learn about the history, knowledge and culture of the Wendat Nation.
