National Indigenous Peoples Day in Montreal: list of events
Posted June 20, 2023 3:13 pm.
Last Updated June 21, 2023 7:50 pm.
Montrealers are invited to take part in several events honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day on Wednesday.
On the longest day of the year, Canadians have a chance to celebrate the contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples.
The summer solstice is a time of spiritual significance for many Indigenous People and the day offers the opportunity to learn about their culture.
Old Port – 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The day begins with bonfires, songs and dances at the clocktower in Old Montreal. The ceremony will be led by Mohawk elders and include a performance by Innu singer Shauit.
Botanical Garden – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
There are two different events taking place at Montreal’s Botanical Garden for National Indigenous Peoples Day.
There will be a tea-drinking event – annedda – at the First Nations Garden. Annedda, known as “tree of life,” is supposedly a remedy that saved Jacques Cartier’s crew from scurvy during a voyage.
There will also be a screening of short Wapikoni films selected by Indigenous curators, followed by a discussion led by an Indigenous ambassador.
Verdun – 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Organized by Native Montreal, people are invited to gather at Parc Arthur-Therrien in Verdun to celebrate Indigenous culture.
There are scheduled musical performances by Moe Clark and Band, Backwater Township, and Nina and Sierra Segalowitz.
The event is described as family friendly, with a scavenger hunt, crafts showcase and life-sized versions of board games. There will also be traditional dancing.
Cabot Square – 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cabot Square is hosting festivities in the afternoon.
Nunavik-born singer-songwriter Beatrice Deer Band, now based in Montreal, will headline the musical performances.
Other performances include Chris Derksen, the Buffalo Hat Singers and Mattmac.
The event will feature a soapstone carving workshop.
It’s in collaboration with Resilience Montreal and the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal.
