June 21 is the summer solstice—the longest day of the year—and it is alsoNational Indigenous Peoples Day, which celebrates and recognizes the cultures, traditions, and territorial sovereignty of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.
National Indigenous Peoples Day was officially proclaimed in 1996, and it is an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the peoples and cultures of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. In 2026, it will mark the 30th anniversary of this day.
The entire month of June is also National Indigenous History Month.
June 12–14: Kwe Festival—in the city of Quebec
The Kwe Festival is an event that invites Quebecers and tourists to discover Quebec’s 11 Indigenous Nations through three days of demonstrations of traditional skills, concerts, activities, and films.
For more information, click hereSaturday, June 13: Spirit Walk
On Saturday, June 13, theSpirit Walk will take place, a march in solidarity with the Montreal Native Women’s Shelter.
This is a fundraising event that highlights the Canadian government’s inaction regarding the unfulfilled mandates of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (which aims to “facilitate reconciliation among former students of Indian residential schools, their families, their communities, and all Canadians”).
Only 15 of the TRC’s 94 mandates have been fulfilled in the 10 years since it was established.TheSpirit Walk calls on the Commission to fulfill its mandates and highlights reconciliation, healing, and supportfor Indigenous women through the home.
To register and for all the details, click hereSunday, June 21: First Nations Garden (at the Botanical Garden)
Space for Life and the Botanical Garden are hosting an afternoon of celebrations for National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, featuring:
- Small marketfeaturing Indigenous artisans
- Traditional dances
- Musical performance
- Anneda teatasting andbannock bites
Every day, you can also take a guided tour—An Introduction to the First Peoples of Quebec— to learn about and discover the Indigenous peoples of the region, who are the sovereigns of the lands taken from them by colonization. / Between May 1 and October 30, 2026, at 11 a.m.
Sunday, June 21: Celebration and performance at Cabot Square
POP Montreal, Nakuset & The Montreal Indigenous Women’s Shelter / Resilience Montreal present:
- The Hello Crows
- Linda Saddleback & Willie Thrasher
- Leonard Sumner
- Kris Kinokewin
- Manitou Singers
- Sinquah Family Hoop Dancers
- Elder Ka’nahsohon Kevin Deer
The show is free and open to everyone.
