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Communities across Quebec are celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21.
Coinciding with the summer solstice, the annual day recognizes and celebrates the traditions, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
Quebec’s Samuel De Champlain Bridge will be lit up in yellow, blue, green, orange and pink from sunset to midnight on Sunday to mark the occasion.
Here’s an overview of some of the festivities taking place in the province.
Val-d’Or
Val-d’Or Native Friendship Centre is hosting its National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations a day early — on Saturday — at Place Agnico Eagle. The free-admission family day is open to everyone and will begin with the Grand Entry, a traditional formal ceremony.
A lineup of accessible activities for all ages are planned. The schedule includes everything from live traditional performances and cultural workshops to an artisans’ circuit, children’s farmhouse and craft demonstrations. Visitors can also sample Indigenous dishes.
Downtown Montreal
The Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal and POP Montreal are hosting their annual National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at Cabot Square.
Kanien’kehá:ka artist MC Snow, in orange, is one of two artists behind the bronze sculptures on Peel Street forming an urban trail connecting the St. Lawrence River to Mount Royal. (Kwabena Oduro/CBC)
The free public gathering is designed for all ages and aims to showcase Indigenous art, traditions and music.
Live musical performances are scheduled from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. This year’s lineup features a diverse group of Indigenous artists and performers, including:
The Hello Crows.Linda Saddleback & Willie Thrasher.Leonard Sumner.Kris Kinokewin.Manitou Singers.Sinquah Family Dance Troupe.Elder Ka’nahsohon Kevin Deer.
Alongside the main stage performances, the afternoon will feature family-friendly activities and a small market highlighting Indigenous artisans.
In the event of rain, the celebration will move indoors to Centre Sanaaq, located directly across the street from the square at 1200 du Sussex Street.
Montreal’s Verdun borough
Native Montreal, the Southern Quebec Inuit Association (SQIA) and the Tasiutigiit Association are hosting a joint community celebration at Parc Arthur-Therrien in Verdun.
The event runs from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and requires no advance registration.
The Pow Wow Rangers singing group will kick things off to open the day, followed by live performances by Angela Amarualik, Saali Kuata, Backwater Township, Micmac Drive and Nina & Sierra Segalowitz
In addition to live music, the event showcases a Kokum Cook-off Contest running from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., a variety of artisan vendor booths as well as catering from the Messy Kitchen kiosk.
For kids and families, the park will be packed with things to do. The Native Montreal team has several activities planned, including a zone loaded with games like Tic Tac Dunk, Volleypong, and Jumbotowa. The SQIA will also be hosting traditional Inuit games, and if you need a little downtime, the Tasiutigiit Association is setting up a reading tent.
Montreal’s Botanical Garden
Montreal’s Botanical Garden is hosting a full day of family-friendly programming.
The event is set to run rain or shine. If the weather doesn’t co-operate, organizers will move the festivities indoors.
The main stage will feature a lineup of Indigenous dancers, singer-songwriters and musicians stretching from early afternoon into the evening.
An Indigenous artisan market will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and if you get there after 2 p.m., you can grab some traditional bannock and annedda herbal tea.
Joliette
Joliette will host its fifth annual Waskapitan event at Louis-Querbes Park on Sunday.
The festivities kick off at 3:30 p.m. at the Musée d’art de Joliette with a concert showcasing Indigenous classical musicians, featuring special performances by Edward Thibeault Echaquan and Tara-Louise Montour.
The public is invited to make its way to Louis-Querbes Park, starting at 5 p.m., for an evening of live music, art and culture.
Hosted by Alex Laviolette-Moar and Marie-Céline Einish, the main event will run from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and feature performances by Big Spirit, John Metza, Laura Niquay and Q052.