"Atanukan" translates as "Legends" — referring to the foundational oral-tradition stories of the Innu people, passed from generation to generation. The text was written by storyteller Omer St-Onge from the Innu community of Maliotenam and directed by Xavier Huard.
The performance is brought to life by Omer St-Onge and traditional craftswoman Saulnia Jean-Pierre, combining storytelling and performance to honour and transmit Innu heritage.
ATANUKAN is part of the EKOTE touring series, which spotlights Indigenous performing arts across Canada and beyond. This showing takes place on the main stage at Place des Festivals as part of the International First Peoples Festival 2026.
Programme
Omer St-Onge
Omer St-Onge is a storyteller from the Innu community of Maliotenam who wrote and performs in ATANUKAN, a theatrical work drawing on Innu oral-tradition legends. The piece is part of the EKOTE touring series dedicated to Indigenous performing arts.
Saulnia Jean-Pierre
Saulnia Jean-Pierre is a traditional Innu craftswoman who co-performs in ATANUKAN alongside Omer St-Onge, bringing traditional knowledge and craft into the theatrical storytelling experience.
Lieu