Celebrating in Verdun

Native Montreal hosted a vibrant National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at Parc Arthur-Therrien in Verdun - a gathering filled with families, artists, performers, and vendors.

The event highlighted First Nations, Inuit, and Metis cultures from across Turtle Island through drumming, dancing, food, and shared stories.

For many, it’s more than just a holiday.

“It’s recognition from Canada that we exist, that we should have capacity to celebrate our existence within this colonial space - to decolonize the space,” said Philippe Meilleur, executive director of Native Montreal. “It’s also a day of celebration where we are finally celebrated for who we are. That’s why we have traditional cooking, vendors, and Inuit drumming to showcase our traditional ways.”

Performances included throat singer Nina Segalowitz, Backwater Township, the Pow Wow Rangers, Saali Kuata, Jacob Tukalak, and Zachary Esperon-Mamianskum.

The program also featured Inuit games and artistic showcases - a celebration that embodied Indigenous solidarity and presence in the city. “We are a family-focused community organization, and we believe our families should have access to fun events, and this event really helps mix art and culture and some of our traditions, but also, it’s like having a big barbecue in a park,” Meilleur said.

Food was central to the festivities, and Messy Kitchen had long lines of people ready for their traditional meals. The female-led catering business was founded by Kahnawake entrepreneur Anna Lazare, who started the company in 2016. Today, Messy Kitchen caters events across Montreal, Kahnawake, and other Indigenous territories.

“I would say today we made more traditional food. The Indian taco is very popular, especially as outsiders want to try our traditional powwow food,” said Lazare. “Then we made corn cake into a strawberry shortcake version and strawberry juice.

“I’m really proud to be a part of this event uplifting our Indigenous community of Kahnawake and showcase our hard work,” she continued. “It’s important to us to bring people together with food and make connections with people from one community to another. It gives people who are outside the community the opportunity to ask questions, and for us to share our stories, traditional ways, and educate people about our culture.”

The event was hosted in collaboration with the Southern Quebec Inuit Association (SQIA), the Tasiutigiit Association, and the Saturviit Inuit Women’s Association of Nunavik. Their partnership with Native Montreal helped expand the scope of the event and foster unity among diverse Indigenous communities in Tiohtià:ke.

Native Montreal, a non-profit organization founded in 2014, provides culturally-rooted services and programming to Indigenous families living in Montreal. From language revitalization and mental health services to youth programs and advocacy, their mission is rooted in strengthening Indigenous identity and building community within the city.

“We have our partners SQIA, Saturviit, and Tasiutigiit, that help us mesh Inuit and First Nations culture together,” said Meilleur. “We are not specialists in Inuit games, for example, so being able to have a well-thought-out program and connecting with other craft makers is essential for us. We’re one Indigenous community here, and that solidarity is key.”

Tina Pisuktie, Executive Director of SQIA, said it was meaningful to return for another year.

“It’s our second year participating in this event. It’s so nice to be able to see Indigenous artists taking up space, selling their own things, having discussions, and getting to know the crafter and really care about the pieces that we are purchasing. Everything is created individually and unique to their style. It’s a safe space to recognize togetherness,” said Pisuktie, who ended with an Inuit value: “Together for a common cause.”

Among the 24 vendors present was Tiffany McGregor, a beader from Kahnawake and creator of Ohontsakéka Designs.

“I feel good to be here with other nations and represent our community and to stand proud with everybody else after everything we’ve been through within our history with colonization,” said McGregor. “I’m proud when I bead because my mother beaded, my great-grandmother beaded, and as a little girl I would sit and watch her bead - so I was always surrounded by that medicine that beading brings us.”

Kuata, an Inuk artist, drummer, and photographer, shared his talents and cultural knowledge on stage.

“It’s an honour to perform today - I was a drummer last year, too - and I enjoy drawing in a crowd and being immersed in the present moment with music. I find joy in sharing music with the community,” said Kuata.

“This day means more than just festivities,” said Meilleur. “It’s about visibility, connection, and celebration,” said Meilleur.

On this sunny day in Verdun, that presence was felt - loud, proud, and joyful.

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