From September 29 to October 1, 2026 (3 days / 2 nights)
Experience a group pilgrimage led by Father Ghislain Paris and Father André Daoust in Quebec in the fall of 2026, to participate in the journey of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
* GUIDED IN FRENCH
Price range: 1,322.03$ through 1,543.81$
CULTURAL TRIPS
CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGES
Spiritours, in collaboration with Mission chez Nous, is delighted to invite you to its third pilgrimage to Indigenous lands. This year, the journey will lead you to meet the Atikamekw community of Manawan to discover their way of life, culture, and ancestral traditions.
The focus of this stay is to foster meaningful dialogue, experience deep human connections, and participate in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a pivotal moment to better understand the history and realities of Indigenous peoples. Through guided tours, cultural workshops, spiritual celebrations, and moments of sharing, this pilgrimage offers a unique immersion into the heart of Atikamekw cultural richness and the building of precious bonds with the community.
Highlights
The plus
Father Ghislain Paris, O.P., has been the director of La Montagne de l’Horeb—a house of rest and spiritual renewal for priests and religious brothers—since January 2011. He possesses extensive experience in parish ministry and adult education. Ordained as a priest in 1971, he first served as a curate at the Dominican parish of St. John the Baptist in Ottawa (1972–1977), where he “invented” a method for sharing the Gospel (MéDéAc) with parishioners. During this same period, he lived in an underprivileged neighborhood as part of the Thomas More Dominican community.As an educator, he has taught adult courses across various dioceses. He was also a member of the team at the Institut de Pastorale in Montreal (1985–1998) and an occasional theology professor at the Dominican University College. In recent years, he has focused on restorative justice, working with priests facing sanctions. He has maintained a lifelong interest in pastoral ministry with Indigenous peoples.
Born on February 11, 1947, Father André Daoust was ordained as a priest in 1973 for the Diocese of Saint-Jérôme. His ministry includes eight years as a school pastoral agent, six of which were at the high school level. He served as a parish priest for 41 years, from 1982 to 2023. In his spare time, he has been an organizer and leader of tours and pilgrimages, completing 34 journeys between 1987 and 2019.
08:00 – Departure from Montreal by private minibus.12:00 (approx.) – Arrival in Manawan and check-in at the lodge.12:30 – 12:45 – Lunch on site.14:15 – 17:15 – Guided tour of the Atikamekw community.Walking tour led by a certified local guide. Visit to the church and cemetery: the church is a central gathering place where religious traditions and local cultural presence intersect, reflecting the history of the Atikamekw community and its relationship with spirituality. The visit also includes access to the traditional cemetery, where ancestors and important figures of Manawan are honored.Time for reflection at the grave of Joyce Echaquan.Discovery of key community sites: Band Council offices, schools, police station, grocery store, community radio station, and artisans’ workshops.Presentation of local services, contemporary ways of life, and the role each site plays within the community. Opportunities for direct exchanges with residents and artisans to gain a deeper understanding of Atikamekw culture.17:30 – 18:00 – Mass at the community’s Catholic parish.19:00 – Dinner at the lodge.In the evening, a sharing circle facilitated by Mathieu Lavigne, Director of Mission at Mission chez Nous, to prepare participants for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and for the encounters planned for the following day.Overnight at Auberge Manawan (CITQ: 273641).
Program organized by the community – pending confirmation.08:30 – 09:00 – Mass.09:30 – 12:00 – Walk with the local Catholic community.Testimony from one or two residential school survivors, if available.12:00 – 12:45 – Lunch.13:00 – 16:00 – Cultural workshops (selection based on availability and timing).* Legends and storytelling workshop * Traditional crafts workshop * Traditional music workshop * Medicinal plants workshop * Or any other activity organized for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation16:00 – 17:30 – Free time for further exchanges with community members or additional activities.18:30 – Dinner.Overnight at Auberge Manawan (CITQ: 273641).
07:00 – Early morning departure by boat to the traditional site of Matakan.08:30 – 11:00 – Guided tour of the traditional site.The traditional site of Matakan reflects traditional Atikamekw ways of life, including land-based practices, knowledge transmission, hunting, fishing, and seasonal gatherings. The site offers a deeper understanding of the close relationship between the community and the natural environment, as well as the importance of the land in Atikamekw cultural identity.Outdoor Mass, if possible (or under a tipi/shelter in case of rain).11:30 – 12:30 – Traditional Atikamekw lunch on site.12:30 – 14:00 – Return by boat to the lodge.14:00 – Departure by private minibus for Montreal.18:00 (approx.) – Arrival in Montreal.
PRICES
Early Bird Special:
$1,420 / pers. (double/twin occupancy)
$1,675 / pers. (single occupancy)
*Save $100 if you register before May 29, 2026.*
Regular Price:
$1,520 / pers. (double/twin occupancy)
$1,775 / pers. (single occupancy**)
Subject to availability; limited quantities.*
*Roommate Matching: Spiritours offers a roommate matching service. However, please note that for this specific trip, Spiritours cannot assume the additional costs for single occupancy if a roommate match is not found.
PACKAGE INCLUDES
Accommodation: 2 nights in the hotels suggested in the program or similar.
Meals: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
Staff: Services of a Spiritours driver-guide/tour leader.
Transportation: Private minibus as per the itinerary.
Activities: Tours and admission fees as per the itinerary.
Spiritual Services: Mass reservations and offerings (donations).
Taxes: All applicable taxes (GST and QST).
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Travel insurance.
Meals not mentioned in the program.
Beverages during lunch and dinner.
Personal expenses.
Gratuities (for the driver, guides, and housekeeping staff).
Contribution to the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents (currently free).
REGISTRATION
Registration Deadline: July 29, 2026 (60 days before departure or when maximum capacity is reached). Late registrations may be possible, though a surcharge may apply.
How to Register: You may register on our website (see the top right of the trip’s webpage) or download and complete the PDF form and return it to us with a deposit of 25% of the total amount. Early registration is recommended as space is limited (maximum 16 participants).
Travel Insurance: For travel insurance, please contact us for a personalized quote.
Group Size: Minimum: 15 – Maximum: 16 participants.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Annie Camden
(514) 374-7965, ext. 207
annie.camden@spiritours.com
Manoir D’Youville Hotel (CITQ: 162256)
Travel insurance is undoubtedly a PEACE OF MIND that allows you to live and fully enjoy your trip. It allows you to deal with the unexpected without finding yourself with a financial burden. Travel insurance allows you to travel in complete SAFETY. Check with your agent for more information, or click below to shop for an individual insurance premium with Blue Cross.
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