2012 - 2013
GATHERING AT WENDAKE (18TH AUGUST 2012)
Legends, Roots and Traditions: Rich Flavours of the 2012 Perron Gathering
English adaptation: Cécile Perron (129)
This year, the Perron Gathering was held at Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, a place of exotic features, a place that feels captivating, nearly bewitching. Constructed entirely of wood, in a style that brings to mind that of the long house, the hotel is built beside the St. Charles River which all the rooms overlook.
As soon as we arrived, we were immersed in that flavourful Amerindian ambiance which was talked about in our last two issues. The furnishings and decoration of the main lobby are distinctly and strictly Amerindian as is the mezzanine where a number of mounted wild animals are exhibited all along the gallery. The corridors leading to the rooms are S-shaped suggesting the body of a snake in motion. Perron participants who lodged at the hotel said how charmed they were by the decoration of their room: there, pelts of wild animals were placed on the coverlet of the bed or draped over the back of an arm-chair. And from the open French window they could hear the song of the river and the Kabir Kuba falls.
Early the morning of 18 August, Céline, Fernand and Cécile welcomed those first participants who were staying at the hotel. Others, most of them members of AFPA and their spouses, would soon join them. Everyone had picked up their folder - colour of the gourd, one of the three sisters – when came the time to welcome them officially. After Cécile’s introduction, Mme Nathalie Vincent gave a brief description of the hotel and of its young history, proudly referring to the numerous prizes it has been awarded since opening in 2008.
In the Wendake room and before the general meeting, participants became acquainted with the values and spirituality of the Amerindian people when Mme Diane Andicha Picard of Maison Andicha performed a sacred Ceremony of Purification.
This ceremony is traditional to all Amerindian tribes. It consists of burning in a shell some cedar, sweet grass, juniper, or sage to purify a room, a person or an object. It is done before a special ceremony or meditation, or to cast away negative energies left in a home by illness or any other unfavourable event. The smoke from the burning herbs is presented to the four cardinal points - from the East to the North – then directed with the help of a bird feather or with the hand toward the GROUND and to the SKY. The smoke is the channel which brings to the spiritual world prayers that are recited during the ceremony of Purification. We thank the Spirit for the gift of LIFE and we pray that he grants us purity of spirit and heart. Standing in a circle, everyone observed with respect the rite of purification before taking a seat for the general meeting.
Close to 70 people were in attendance and out of 48 registered members of AFPA, 41 were present to fulfil their obligation, for the general meeting is THE occasion when the board of directors informs members of activities that took place during their term and of decisions that were taken. Assembled members must also elect the new board.
At election time there was another surprise; after all, we were in Wendat territory and as with other autochthons, their community is based on a matriarchal society. So this year, to honour this tradition two women, Mme Marlène (255) and Mme Jeannine (293) Perron were respectively president and secretary of elections. All went smoothly and a board of eight directors was selected. The president of elections gave the directors the chore of finding a member to fill the vacant position.
The 2012-2013 board of administration is as follows:
President: Gabrielle Perron-Newman (313)
Vice-president: Robert Perron (901)
Vice-president: Rhéal Perron (492)
Secretary: Cécile Perron (129)
Treasurer: Michel Perron (152)
And Directors: George Perron (491), Normand Perron (838) and Richard M. Lyness (755).
After the general meeting, another surprise awaited the participants: there in the flesh was Louise Gargotin, wife of Daniel Perron dit Suire. A member of Société d’histoire des Filles du Roy had offered to come and talk about the arrival of the first contingent of the Filles du Roy (Kings’daughters) in New France, and about the celebrations in 2013 marking the 350th anniversary of that event. The board had accepted this offer with pleasure, and our Louise was personified by Mme Monique Picard - no relation to the Picards of Wendake - dressed in period costume.
At lunch time, nearly 40 Perrons, spouses and friends went downstairs to La Traite restaurant where again the Amerindian theme was present. One of the objects that especially caught everyone’s attention was a wolf pelt spread over a stack of firewood. Chef Martin Gagné had prepared two main dishes for that day: a delicious plate of salmon and a just as delicious duck confit. The Perron group ate with great relish while fraternizing and exchanging news.
Some had chosen to visit ONHOUA CHETEK8E and eat at the Huron site restaurant, or visit the impressive boutique of traditional objects and products while others took a stroll in the narrow streets of Old Wendake looking at ancestral homes and nearby boutiques where they could purchase souvenirs. Yet others went to see Kabir Kouba falls and admire the beautiful Wendake Mural Fresco or the decorative plantings representing the animals of the Nation’s clans.
Guided Tour of the Huron-Wendat Museum
At 13:00 the Perron group gathered at the museum where a young Amerindian guide, Vincent Jeannotte, was waiting. Vincent told us that he himself is not of the Wendat nation, but for the occasion called himself a Wendat. In a clear and strong voice, he welcomed us all and gave a brief account of the eventful history of the Hurons from their beginnings to nowadays. Referring to the objects exhibited in the museum, he proudly described the culture and customs of that people. And of course, the legend of Aataentsik of mythical times was included in M. Jeannotte’s presentation. Afterwards the Perron participants at their ease moved around the room and viewed all those objects which are a testimony to the ability of the Wendat and to the way their trade evolved in the course of time. The Perron had just lived a veritable cultural journey into Huron territory. (Fernand)
Notre-Dame-de-Lorette Church
In late afternoon the Perron group headed for the church for a mass of thanks to the ancestors. From the moment we stepped in we were amazed by the interior decoration of the chapel: first by a sculpture of Noël Levasseur portraying a house being transported by two angels, reminiscent of the Santa Casa where the Virgin Mary was born. According to the legend, angels carried the holy house from Nazareth to Loreto, in Italy. Levasseur’s sculpture placed above the main altar, which is also one of his masterpieces, is not exactly like that of Loreto since the artist wanted to give it more of a Canadian look. However that small Wendake church remains the cradle in Canada of the devotion that the Huron people bear to the Virgin of Loreto.
The chancel is decorated with beautiful statues and several objects of Amerindian craft, all of which have long been the property of the Wendat. The communion rail dated from the 17th century is made of worked brass and shows some Amerindian symbols. It is said to have belonged to the first church built by the Jesuits in Quebec.
Among other objects of religious art are a silver sanctuary lamp made by François Ranvoyzé (1739-1819), candelabra, fine examples of French silverwork at the time of the colonies, and the splendid way to the cross sculpted in wood by M. Bourgault.
Not far from the main altar, a small chapel is dedicated to Kateri Tekakwitha who will be canonized on 21 October 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI.
Up in the rood-loft at the back of the church stands a pipe organ, making us wander how such a big instrument happened to be in this little church. Here briefly is the history of this local treasure. Bearing the brand name Providence, former name of the Guilbault-Thérien firm, that organ was built strictly as a practice instrument for Claude Lavoie, master of organ concerts and Quebec professor. Later on, it was installed in Marie-Médiatrice Church of Loretteville where it stayed until that church closed its doors in 2012. Then it was acquired by Notre-Dame-de-Lorette Chapel for the sum of one dollar, and the parishioners of Wendake paid the Ateliers Guilbault Bellavance Carignan to dismantle and reinstall it their church. What a strenuous task it must have been to take all those pieces up the narrow spiral staircase that leads to the loft.
Mass of the Perron Families
At the sound of Chantons le Seigneur, the curate of the mission, Jean-Guy Paradis and concelebrants Évariste Perron and Raymond Perron, proceeded toward the altar. This song as all others of the ceremony was sung by the Perron group in such perfect synchronization that one could think they had practised for weeks. Mme Claire Blake Perron was at the organ while her husband Rhéal directed the crowd. Following M. Paradis’ homily, Mme Claudette Côté, accompanying herself on drum, sang On oue ho ton dio, a song to the Virgin, especially in honour of Évariste’s 50th anniversary in the priesthood.
M. Fernand Perron and Mme Céline Jacques, respectively treasurer and secretary of the organizing committee, read the beautiful universal prayers that Céline had composed. In fact, all members of the organizing committee were actively involved with Cécile who introduced Mme Côté, and Jean-Claude and Jean-Yves who took up the collection. At the end of mass, the crowd sang ‘En avant vers l’avenir’, the Perron’s theme song, and each person received from Jean-Yves and his sister Carole, an image of the « pure et tender Lily » Kateri Tekakwitha.
We’ll keep a fond memory of that church that may become a place of pilgrimage to Saint Kateri, but we’ll also remember the Wendat community whose maxim is « Paix, Amour et Partage » (Peace, Love and Sharing). (Rhéal)
Gratifying Moments of Exchange and Sharing
Time allotted to the mass had stretched a little later than expected so as soon as they were back at the hotel the Perrons took their places at the tables set for the banquet of friendship. And according to AFPA tradition, they would also pay tribute to members celebrating 50 years of marriage or priesthood.
The tables covered in white were decorated with a pretty Amerindian centerpiece. Cécile greeted the crowd and AFPA president Manon addressed words of welcome. Then Cécile introduced the members of her team: Fernand who was treasurer, Céline, secretary, Jean-Yves, in charge of the religious celebration, and Jean-Claude who acted as consultant. Cécile and Fernand took turns acting as master of ceremony. After photo-taking, Fernand invited both priests Évariste and Raymond to bless the meal.
Table service was rigorous and very professional as would be expected of any 4-star establishment. We noticed however something quite uncommon: instead of serving guests one after the other, at each table waiters first served all the women and then the men. In the Wendat community the woman is given special consideration.
After the first two courses came time for special tributes and Fernand asked the president to take the floor. Manon called on M. Évariste Perron to join her, as well as his brother M. Simon Perron and Mme Suzanne Perron. To pay homage to Évariste who celebrated 50 years of priesthood in June, Simon read a short text about him, and his cousin Suzanne presented a bouquet of white flowers. Manon presented the traditional certificate along with the wishes of all members of the Perron Association. The loud applause and the many photos that were taken showed how well known Évariste is to the regulars of our gatherings and how pleased they were to celebrate with him.
Next, the president informed us that M. Roger Perron and Mme Yolande Lamontagne, married 30 June 1962, also marked their Golden Anniversary this year. Cécile read a text recalling the time that Roger served on the board of administration from 1996 to 1998. Manon then gave Roger the certificate, and Pierre, who had served on the same board, presented a magnificent bouquet of colourful flowers to Yolande. Again an enthusiastic crowd applauded Rogers’s commitment to the Association and spontaneously sang: ‘Mes chers amis, c’est votre tour de vous laisser parler d’amour.’
Then to sustained applause Manon read the names of attending couples who marked more than 50 years of religious or married life, the longest being René and Dorothy (69 years). As the waiters started to serve the main dish, Fernand told us that another tribute, as well as drawings for door prizes were to come later, but in the meantime a fund-raising session would take place during the rest of the meal. Tickets were sold for a drawing for the sculpture of the Perron coat of arms and the special prize offered by Hôtel Premières Nations. It has become a tradition now that the funds raised for the sculpted coat of arms go to help the organizing committees, a generous contribution by M. Jean-Claude Perron.
The meal went on accompanied by soft music, while George, Céline, Jean-Yves and Fernand went from table to table selling the tickets. Just as the last tables had been cleared, to everyone’s delight Chef Martin Gagné, wearing his white cap, came to pay a visit. He was quite surprised when Cécile invited the crowd to sing to him: ‘Y en n’a pas comme vous….’ a kind of version of ‘For he’s a jolly good fellow’. After saying a few words to the guests he left under a thunder of applause.
The organizing committee had another surprise in store for the participants. Well before coffee and dessert, Diane Andicha Picard, Gardienne du Tambour Chef Sacré (Keeper of the Sacred Drum), and two young artists, Awinonkie and Nicolas, arrived for a performance of traditional Amerindian songs and dances.
But before the show, Andicha called ‘Mme Perron’ to join her. “Which one?” said Cécile as she approached, as there were many Perron women in the room. Then Andicha called ‘Monsieur Fernand’ and gave us both a ceremonial feather. Then, I recalled her words when we had met five months earlier: ‘You give me something and I give you something in return. I’ll have a feather for you’. Tiawenhk! said Cécile gratefully while Fernand gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Named Andicha Sondakwa in the Wendat language which means «La Lune de l'Aigle» (the Moon of the Eagle), Diane is Director of the group Andicha n'de Wendat. The group comprises women and men whose mission is to make their culture known around the globe. The Tambour Chef represents the heart of Mother Earth and when the drum vibrates, what we hear are the beatings of the heart of our Mother the Earth.
Andicha’s dress was made of pure-white skin decorated here and there with coloured beads; on her forehead was a matching headband in the shape of a diadem. The dancers wore buckskin costumes. Awinonkie’s headband was also diadem-shaped but of the natural colour of buckskin. As for Nicolas, his headband was topped by feathers reminiscent of the amazing head-dresses that great chiefs used to wear. A grey pelt enveloped his shoulders and in his right hand he held a bow decorated with feathers, leather and bone. All three wore traditional pieces of jewellery and moccasins.
At first, we were treated with some songs then Awinonkie and Nicolas started to dance as Andicha beat the drum. One dance followed another and judging by Nicolas’ cries and the ever increasing tempo of the drum at one point we would have thought we were witnessing a young brave invoking the spirits before combat. It was fascinating, causing several Perrons to stand up beside their seats in order not to miss anything. All good things have to end as the saying goes, but not before Awinonkie had decided to teach us the Indian step. Then everyone in Indian file followed her and Nicolas in a dance around the room. It’s certainly easier to do the Indian step when we are barefoot or wearing moccasins rather than high-heel shoes. Nevertheless the Perrons had lots of fun and all as one gave a powerful YO when the artists left.
Dessert, a sumptuous maple cake was enjoyed by all, then Fernand reminded us that a particular tribute was about to be given to a member who has long deserved it. Manon invited Cécile and Gaby to read two texts praising Jean-Claude’s unflagging efforts, kind heart, and the many sculptures of our coat of arms he has so generously given to the Association all these past years. Then Manon read the text of the certificate making a very surprised Jean-Claude an Honorary Member of AFPA. All in one voice and with cause started to sing ‘Y en n’a pas comme lui…’.
Then Jean-Claude drew the ticket for the lucky winner of the last sculpture that he had made this past year. The winner? M. Richard Lyness, the newly elected director to the board. More drawings took place as the evening progressed. Mme Ginette Perron of Baie Saint-Paul won the prize offered by the organizing committee: a beautiful Dream catcher. AFPA prizes, a collection of promotional articles and a membership or membership renewal, were won by Mme Yolande Lamontagne and M. Gérard Pleau whose wife, Lise Perron is a member. The prize offered by the hotel, a Sunday brunch for two, was won by Cécile… quite a surprise for someone who never has any luck.
But hang on! The two special prizes were to change hands before the end of the evening. Knowing that from one annual gathering to the next George had kept hoping to win one of Jean-Claude’s sculptures, and knowing above all George’s loyalty to the Perron Association, Richard presented him with the sculpture he had just won. And Cécile, very grateful that her cousin Fernand and Céline had accepted to be on her team, two people who gave liberally of their time and talents to the success of the gathering, presented them with the hotel prize in appreciation for their work. After all, that Indian custom ‘You give me something and I give you something in return’ has been passed on from mothers to daughters in our French-Canadian society.
Some Statistics
Ninety-two people registered for the 2012 Perron Gathering. Two cancelled and three others were unable to attend because of an unfortunate incident. The guided tour of the museum attracted a significant group: 39 had chosen that activity at registration time plus those who had free entry because they were lodging at the hotel. Among those registered there were 48 members of AFPA although four could not make it. Thirty-six of the Perron group ate lunch at La Traite restaurant, and 87 were in attendance for the banquet. Registration showed that 51 persons were connected to the Suire branch, 30 to the Dugrenier, and 6 to the Desnoyers; 7 came from the United States, 11 from Ontario, and 69 from Quebec.
All in all, the 2012 Gathering went pretty well. True, time goes by too fast for many and we are left with the feeling that we did not have enough time to truly ‘fraternize’. Will it be different come the next gathering? Stay tuned. (Cécile)
Sources: See French page
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