This summer, Houston becomes the gateway to a powerful new cultural experience as Weci | Koninut opens to the public at Avenida Houston beginning June 26.
Blending Indigenous tradition with cutting-edge interactive technology, this free interactive installation by First Nations artists Julie-Christina Picher and Dave Jenniss transforms the bustling urban plaza into a dreamscape inspired by ancestral memories and the natural rhythms of the Atikamekw people.
Designed to be experienced outdoors and at one’s own pace, the piece invites visitors to wander through six illuminated dreamcatchers, each representing a season from the Atikamekw’s six-part calendar: Sikon (pre-spring), Miroskamin (spring), Nipin (summer), Takwakin (fall), Pitcipipon (pre-winter), and Pipon (winter).
Each is activated by motion as people approach, with original music, Indigenous symbols, and environmental soundscapes wrapping participants in a contemplative atmosphere that evokes the forest and ancestral territories.
The installation is the result of a cross-cultural collaboration between Quebec-based creative firms Creos and Init, and Houston First Corporation, which is responsible for operating many of the city’s premier arts and culture venues. It’s a partnership that emphasizes the global relevance of Native stories and their power to engage people from all walks of life.
“Bringing Weci | Koninut to Houston underscores our efforts to make the city a global destination for culture and innovation,” says Michael Heckman, president and CEO of Houston First Corporation. “This unique installation offers our community an exciting immersion into the richness of Native traditions and celebrates the importance of art in building bridges between peoples.”
The title Weci | Koninut roughly translates from Atikamekw to "come and dream," and that invitation is at the core of the experience.
“This immersive installation embodies an alchemy of visual arts, original music, and spatial design, creating an enveloping universe that transports visitors,” says Virginie Simon, production director at Init. “It’s a celebration of Indigenous identity, storytelling, and collective memory.”
Artists Dave Jenniss and Julie-Christina Picher with Init's Virginie Simon during the making of "Weci | Koninut."Photo courtesy of Init
Beyond its ethereal beauty, Weci | Koninut is also a deeply meaningful statement about cultural survival and environmental awareness. It asks visitors to consider how we relate to the world around us, and how those relationships are shaped by history, tradition, and shared experience.
For the artists and their collaborators, it’s not just about showcasing Native art but also about reclaiming space, voice, and presence in public life.
“Making Weci | Koninut accessible and visible beyond our borders is a great source of pride for Creos,” says Alexandre Lemieux, director of business development and co-founder of Creos. “This unifying work epitomizes our commitment to creating meaningful public art that fosters contemplation, dialogue, and intercultural connection.”
On display in Houston through September 1, Weci | Koninut will then return to Quebec for a tour through Canadian cities. But for now, Houston audiences will be the first to encounter this convergence of ancient wisdom and contemporary creativity, made tangible under the open sky.
