The Quality Inn & Suites of Val-d’Or unveil a work of art created for the hotel’s 10th anniversary
Val-d’Or, March 24, 2021 – The Cree Board of Compensation (BoC) and the Cree Regional Economic Development Corporation (CREECO) along with the Quality Inn & Suites of Val-d’Or are proud to present the artistic creation of Tim Whiskeychan to celebrate the 10 years of the hotel.
The BoC and Creeco, the new owner of the Quality Inn & Suites in Val-d’Or, have commissioned Cree artist Tim Whiskeychan to create a painting to celebrate the establishment’s 10th anniversary. “This painting is a symbol of the strong bond between our communities and nature. In many ways, geese are central to the Cree way of life and their arrival marks the passage of seasons. I am very proud that the clients of the Quality Inn will now get to enjoy this painting by Tim Whiskeychan” says Derrick Neeposh, Chairman of the Board of Compensation & President of CREECO.
The geese are featured in this work which brings the Cree artist back to childhood memories. “This painting brings back many memories of my days with my father, with the stories we shared about the importance of geese and their sacredness. An elder once told me that the arrival of the geese in the spring was the reason we lived well. When food was scarce, the geese provided medicine and health for our people. This bird was used to warm us and to celebrate in our many ceremonies, from birth to death. “The artist, originally from Waskaganish, emphasizes.
About CREECO
Continuously making a meaningful contribution to Cree development, CREECO represents the Cree communities in Quebec. It was incorporated in 1982 and is a subsidiary wholly owned by the Cree Nation Government which acts through the Board of Compensation. CREECO is involved in many economic sectors, and its subsidiaries are committed to the following goals: profitability, longevity, stability, services for Cree communities, autonomy and self-sufficiency, leadership, transparency, employment for Cree people, and finally, Cree participation in the areas of administration and development.
About the Quality Inn & Suites Val-d’Or
Founded in 2011, the Quality Inn & Suites Val-d’Or is the result of the partnership between businessman Fernand Trahan and the Cree company CREECO. With 82 luxurious rooms and suites, it is positioned as a leader in the hotel industry in the region and within the Choice Hotels chain. Each year since its opening, the hotel has received the annual Platinum Hospitality Award, which is given to the top three percent of all Choice Hotels in Canada. It has also twice won the Canadian Hotel of the Year and International Hotel of the Year awards.
About Tim Whiskeychan
Tim Whiskeychan is a multidisciplinary artist from Waskaganish, a small community located south of James Bay. Considered one of the living masters of Cree art, his work not only graces the institutions and homes of Eeyou-Istchee, but can also be found around the world, as his life’s work is found in international galleries and among private collectors. His work reflects the traditions and culture of Cree life, but is also rooted in contemporary art practices and techniques. He considers the legacy and encouragement of his own family art line to be his greatest influence.
For further information:
Valerie Pomerleau
Spokeperson for CREECO
(819) 856-5678
valerie@ryanap.com