Directory of education projects

Cultural correspondence between the Atikamekw and Mapuche peoples

A pen-pal project was launched between Atikamekw Nehirowisiwok students at the Nikanik High school and Mapuche students at Enzo Ferrari school in 2023. 

The students have been writing letters and exchanging traditional objects as part of the correspondence project. It’s an opportunity for them to share their culture, their experiences and outlook on life. 

The main goal of the exchange is to encourage the development of intercultural links between young people from different indigenous nations. By sending messages to one another, they learn about each other’s traditions and realities. This gives students the opportunity to broaden their understanding of the world, to promote mutual respect, and strengthen their cultural identity. 

The pen-pal project was made possible with the support from the Indigenous Knowledge and Education Partnership (IKEP) which organized a meeting in Mapuche territory in Chile, in order to facilitate links among Mapuche and Atikamekw Nehirowisiwok youth. For the Atikamekw Nehirowisiwok students, this initiative is part of the traditional Atisokana history course requirement. 

This intercultural exchange between young Atikamekw Nehirowisiwok and Mapuche students facilitates the development of ties between indigenous nations that fosters a mutual understanding and  that enhances the education of our younger generations.