Montreal marks Great Peace anniversary with renewed reconciliation pledge
Posted August 4, 2026 3:25 pm.
Last Updated August 4, 2026 3:29 pm.
The City of Montreal is marking the 325th anniversary of the Great Peace of Montreal by reaffirming its commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and announcing progress on a new Indigenous housing strategy and reconciliation action plan.
The Martinez Ferrada administration commemorated the 1701 treaty Tuesday with a ceremony at the Pointe-à-Callière Museum, followed by cultural programming at the Beaver Lake Pavilion on Mount Royal. City officials said the treaty remains a lasting symbol of dialogue, mutual respect and collaboration.
“The Great Peace has been neglected in historical accounts for too long. It is time to give it the place it deserves in our collective memory. I have the honour to announce today our administration’s intention to officially identify the Great Peace as a historic event: a first for the City of Montreal. This gesture reiterates our commitment to work with Indigenous nations in a respectful manner and to ensure that Indigenous cultures are properly valued,” said Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Montreal Mayor.
As part of its reconciliation efforts, the City is developing an Indigenous housing strategy in partnership with Indigenous communities. The strategy will build on the City’s 2020–2025 Reconciliation Strategy and inform a new municipal action plan focused on issues including housing, homelessness and community support.
The administration also highlighted its recent commitment of $100,000 to support public events organized by Indigenous organizations in Montreal. Announced in June, the funding is the first municipal program dedicated exclusively to Indigenous-led organizations or groups primarily serving Indigenous communities.
City officials said the new initiatives are intended to strengthen relationships with Indigenous Peoples and ensure municipal programs better reflect their needs and priorities.
