Celebration of Indigenous arts, cultures at Winter Market
Posted November 26, 2023 5:16 pm.
Last Updated November 26, 2023 6:31 pm.
Handmade beaded jewelry, woven baskets, natural remedies and other traditional goods were on display at Montreal’s Indigenous Winter Market over the weekend.
More than 50 Indigenous vendors and artists came together Saturday and Sunday for the annual market on Saint-Laurent Boulevard.
The family event attracted thousands of visitors.
“I think it’s really important to be surrounded by my community,” said Drayton Gilbert, executive assistant at Native Friendship Centre of Montreal. “Not only visibility wise, but to be able to see all different types of communities, the Seven Nations of Quebec. Being western Canadian, seeing my culture being celebrated here as well. It’s really important seeing your people and being around in a positive space.”
The winter market supports Indigenous-led businesses, providing them vendor tables at no cost so they can use all their profits to prepare for upcoming Christmas festivities.
“There are artists from all over Canada that are sharing their skills with the general public here in Montreal,” said Kortnaiy Ray, a vendor at the winter market. “Skills you won’t be able to find in Quebec.”
This year’s market was hosted by three Indigenous non-profit organizations: the Southern Quebec Inuit Association (SQIA), the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal (NFCM) and the Montreal Indigenous Community Network.
