Land of East Wind: Construction of a collective Micmac memory

This essay follows from an historical study of Heron Island (Baie des Chale urs), and in particular, the relationship between the island and the member s, past and present, of the Eel River Bar Band, from the reserve of the sam e name. It aims to explore elements brought to light through my observation of members of the band, and notably the processes by which the latter stri ve to fashion a renewed connection with Heron Island; that is, to Self and to the world. Purposefully multidisciplinary, this study focusses on the re presentation/construction of space-and on the manner in which it acts upon its derivatives in the form of collective memory and identity. Situated at the intersection of the symbolic and material realms, this essay endeavours to shed light on the formation of the narratives that, in this instance, c onstitute the production (mise en scene) of a perspective space of symboliz ation and social objectification-a process articulated on the enunciation o f goals related to socio-economic development and autonomy. At the same tim e, it is an attempt to account for a number of correlates to discourse, par ticularly practices related to social reconfiguration and the exercise of p ower, in a context marked by a quest for self-determination and revitalism. In short, it is an examination of a case of resistance and accommodation b y a small indigenous group seeking a new world-vision.