A word from one of our Indigenous member - Our name and our business

Kuei!Jean-Christophe Chamberland speaking (also known as Kolinichu on Bluesky and other medias). I am one of the main balance dev, bestiary designer and tester, among other things for Wendigo Workshop from way back in 2016. I feel like this update is necessary (again), because of my heritage, but also because of how I feel.

I am part Innue Montagnais and lived on the Innue Essipit First Nation Reserve in Québec for many of my younger years, this is a culture I am proud of carrying as a heritage even when no longer living there. Even though there were major conflicts between the immigrant Europeans and native people of America in the past, we share stories, tales and other events that forged who are our people now. As a child, these stories were discussed and shared as this is our way of keeping our history alive. The Wendigo is one tale I have heard  many times, the first time being in Innu Bersimis First Nation Reserve (now Pessamit as of 2009) when I was 9 years old.  

Our goal when showcasing creatures or concepts of our folklore weren’t to oppress other cultures or nations, but to celebrate our own. Accusations of appropriation and/or slander is simply misguided and ignorant, as many of these mythologies can be found all across the native nations of America, I really don’t think one culture can call ownership upon these stories.  As a member of the first nations, it saddens me to see that we can’t share those tales without risking repercussions from the folks who think they are doing us a service. I see the team I work with as friends and family, and I believe in them to showcase the best of my culture.

For us here (and for me), it is a tale to remind us that we are stronger together, that loneliness is not an option. A reminder to stay humble and to help each other. I am proud of what my team accomplishes, as we give more than what we gain, and make sure no one is left behind.

The Wendigo has different meanings, appearances and story in all nations, although it is always an evil spirit. The choice to represent it as an animalistic creature comes from the mixed stories we heard in my native land of Québec, stories that both depicts the creature as a pale gaunt humanoid and as a type of Loup-Garou (animal shapeshifter), as well as an allegory to the evil of colonialism. It is known that in some Indigenous cultures, it is a taboo creature, but so is God in others. The shadow of greed and consumption is always there, but to me, reclaiming that monster makes it feel like it has less power, and that we can always protect each other from the worst by sticking together, encourage others, and not fall to the evils of the world.

Stay strong, keep creating and leave no one behind!

Tshinashkumitin, Jean-Christophe Chamberland