Trois-Rivières, September 25, 2024 – First Nations Park is now adorned with a work by Atikamekw artist Jacques Newashish. Entitled Kwei Mantew! meaning “Hello visitors”, this work recalls the union between living beings and different peoples. This project is the product of a collaboration between COOP Nitaskinan and the Port of Trois-Rivières.
During the process of creating this majestic structure, Atikamekw artist Jacques Newashish was supported by Julien Granger, artist-sculptor and owner of Granger Fab. Co. Together, they chose to work with forged metal and aluminum.
Kwei Mantew! is rich in meaning. Firstly, the feather represents the righteous path and truth. It is also a sign of peace and reconciliation. The roots, for their part, are a sign of the Atikamekw’s roots in this territory going back thousands of years, as well as a reference to the other First Nations and newcomers now established here. The feather and the roots are linked by fire, which unites the people around it.
In September 2023, at a ceremony unveiling the new name of the First Nations Park, the Port of Trois-Rivières announced that artistic projects would be deployed in the park to promote the First Nations and leave a permanent presence of their culture. The work Kwei Mantew! is the second in this process of recognition.
About the Port of Trois-Rivières
As part of the 17 Canadian Port Authorities and active since 1882, the Port of Trois-Rivières offers a wide range of facilities and services to the maritime industry throughout the year. The Port is an important player in regional, national and international economic development for major industrial sectors such as the aluminum industry, forestry and agri-food. The Port of Trois-Rivières accommodates 60,000 trucks, 11,000 railcars and more than 270 merchant and cruise ships annually originating from over 100 different ports in more than 40 countries around the world. It handles 4.2 million metric tonnes of traffic, is responsible for nearly 220 million dollars in economic spin-offs and generates more than 2,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs.
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Source:
Sara Dubé, Vice President, Public Affairs, Partnerships and Human Resources
Trois-Rivières Port Authority
819-378-2887, ext. 207