Cécile Canapé & Déssange St-Onge

Cécile Canapé and Élisabeth Dessange St-Onge, also known as Lishapet, are two prominent figures in the Innu community of Pessamit, on the North Shore, united by song, tradition, and commitment.

Marked from childhood by religious hymns sung in Innu and French, Cécile found a profound path in this tradition, which she has been carrying on since 2010 by sharing her voice in church and with those who wish to learn. She expresses deep gratitude to Élisabeth, who passed on many hymns to her and nurtured her desire to share them in turn.

For her part, Lishapet was born in Chute-aux-Outardes, a magnificent *nte nutshimit* (ancestral territory), where she learned the traditional knowledge related to life in the forest. As a teenager, she contributed to the promotion of Innu culture with the Ashini troupe, culminating in Expo 67, and sang with the Kanikanitet choir at the 1976 Olympic Games.

Even today, they both lend their voices to celebrations and community events, embodying a living bridge between generations. Through song, teaching, and generosity, they keep the Innu language and culture alive with humility and pride.