The Anisipi project,which was inaugurated in the summer of 2022, is a fine example of a tourism project developed collaboratively between a First Nations community and a municipality. Here is an overview of this wonderful project, which gives visitors the opportunity to have a different experience at each of its sites.

The Anisipi project is an exploratory tourist route featuring four sites whose objective is to raise awareness of the importance of water protection and education on its benefits. Why was the water theme chosen? Quite simply because the territory of the Abitibi RCM is crossed by six eskers which are sources of pure water of rare quality. This is also where the name Anisipi, which means “pure water” in Anicinape, comes from.

Anisipi is a project initiated by the Abitibi RCM, which worked jointly with the municipalities on its territory as well as with the Conseil de la Première Nation Abitibiwinni (band council). The involvement of the Quebec company Moment Factory has helped create immersive experiences on each of the sites. In Pikogan, Anisipi takes the form of a teepee set up on a hill. In the evening, the teepee is illuminated, and two performances are presented there. In addition to its water-related mission, the site also promotes Anicinape values and culture.

Project history

The community of Pikogan was approached about 6 years ago by Tourisme Amos-Harricana, which wanted the Anicinape community to be part of the project. At that time, the promoters had a general idea of the desired concept for the project, but they let the community decide what form it would take in Pikogan. A committee of elders was therefore formed to ensure that the project would reflect Anicinape culture and that members of the community could be involved in its realization.

It is important to mention that the Anisipi teepee set up in Pikogan enhances the offer of the Rodeway Inn Hotel by presenting an activity that visitors can enjoy in the evening.

Collaboration with the City of Amos

The Conseil de la Première Nation Abitibiwinni has maintained good ties with the City of Amos and its municipal council for several years. Since Chief Monik Kistabish was elected, annual meetings have been held to discuss the various projects. These meetings also make it possible to create links between the two councils and get both sides to get to know each other better. The community of Pikogan can also count on the support of Amos for other projects, which are not necessarily economic in nature.

Anisipi is the first joint economic development project.

anisipi.com