First Peoples’ International Festival celebrates 35 years of culture

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publication
August 5th, 2025
update
August 5th, 2025
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2 minutes

From August 5 to 14, the First Peoples’ International Festival celebrates its 35th anniversary, lighting up the Quartier des spectacles with the voices of Indigenous peoples. Experience ten days of music, dance, film, and performances that shine a light on the strength, creativity, and diversity of Indigenous cultures.

To discover
1/7
Song to the Whales

August 6, 8:30 p.m.
Place des Festivals

“Song to the Whales” is an international creation by Oktoecho and the collective Corrina Bonshek & Collaborators. Inspired by Inuit, Māori, and Indigenous songs, this sensory performance pays tribute to the ocean and the symbolic power of the whale.
 

2/7
Martin Loft

August 8 to 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Espace ONF

With the “Martin Loft” exhibition, immerse yourself in the rich and committed world of this Mohawk artist from Kahnawake. Discover three decades of photography, engravings, and crafts that reflect his dedication to the Mohawk language and history through an artistic practice recognized internationally.
 

3/7
Beatrice Deer Band

August 8, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Jardins Gamelin

With her unique style blending indie pop rock and Inuit throat singing, Beatrice Deer, from Quaqtaq, shines a light on Inuit culture. Let yourself be inspired by her original creations that reflect a vibrant dialogue between heritage and contemporary artistry.
 

4/7
1876 Band

August 8, 9 p.m.
Place des Festivals

Formed in 2020, 1876 blends the raw energy of punk with pow-wow sounds. Proudly representing the Northern Cheyenne and Blackfeet nations, the band sings in both languages and champions cultural and linguistic resurgence.
 

5/7
Shauit

August 9, 8:30 p.m.
Place des Festivals

Originally from Maliotenam, Shauit is an Innu singer-songwriter who blends reggae, dancehall, and soul with Innu-aimun, his native language. A Teweikan Gala award winner, he spreads his culture worldwide.
 

6/7
I Lend You My Moccasins: Journeys of Indigenous Women in Roberval

June 21 to August 25
Maison du développement durable

Through drawings and stories, the exhibition “I Lend You My Moccasins: Journeys of Indigenous Women in Roberval” highlights the paths of women from Mashteuiatsh. Their experiences, rooted in the city of Roberval, invite us to see and understand their daily lives differently.
 

7/7
Présences autochtones : graphisme et cultures en miroir

August 1 to September 22
Hall of the Grande Bibliothèque at BAnQ

This unique exhibition invites you to explore a selection of posters and artworks from the collections of BAnQ and Terres en vues, offering a visual journey that celebrates the diversity of local Indigenous voices.
 

Culturally vibrant

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