Siblings Line Lefebvre-Girard and Tommy Lefebvre are working on expanding housing options while keeping the culture and environment thriving
The building exhibits baskets, furs, wood carvings, other art mediums, and stories from the Abenakis’ oral teachings and living community members. Drawing studies of the wildlife from 17th century line the angled walls.
Line says she hopes to renovate and repair the building to extend the space and add a communal kitchen. She says she wants to host cooking classes, sessions for young women/mothers, and a broader range of social activities to foster camaraderie and community engagement.
W8linak has much to proudly celebrate this year—new housing developments are finishing, allowing more Abenakis members to live within the community.
Twelve two-story townhouses will house that many families before the end of next year. Since space is so limited in W8linak, homes are wisely built upwards to increase livable floor space, while staying affordable for community members with families.
W8linak spans less than 200 acres, southeast of Trois Rivières, resting beside the Bécancour River. With small creeks and ponds diverting from the river, W8linak’s conservation initiatives include safe grounds for turtle hatching and community awareness of their habitats.
Line and Tommy have accomplished many projects since becoming Land Managers in 2020 and 2019, but the work never stops.
Tommy says his upcoming projects are continuing to expand affordable housing through new builds; Another six buildings are set to be completed by the land department this year. The expansion of Koak Street will begin in April and be completed by the end of October. We will be able to grant additional 17 lots to members of the community.
With the new buildings and families living in the community, she says she hopes to make changes to reflect a growing population; increasing signage and visible land artwork installations, beautifying the community, and encouraging projects related to cultural awareness. Line says her goals are to continue changing street names to Abenkis terms along with promoting the use of the W8linak alphabet.
W8linak’s community is growing. Line and Tommy are working hard to keep traditions, teachings, and culture alive.
Wliwni to Line Lefebvre-Girard. Photos by Line Lefebvre-Girard & Mackenzie Casalino.
Credits:
FNLMAQL 2024