Sun blazed down on the Place des Festivals in the center of Montreal after a day of rainstorms as the 27th annual First Peoples Festival kicked into high gear on Saturday August 5.
The day began with music, food and kiosks made to educate passersby and festival attendees about First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in Canada—from books to Parks Canada to tourism organizations, and the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal.
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At 3 p.m., the Défilé de l’amitié Nuestroamericana (Parade of Friendship of the Americas) slowly made its way down Rue Sainte-Catherine and rounded the corner to flank the Place des Festivals and arrive at the main stage to the sounds of the Buffalo Hat Singers. In total more than 1,000 people danced their way through the streets, waving flags and sporting regalia from all over the world.
The previous evening, crowds had been undeterred by rain as they grooved outdoors in the plaza to the sounds of numerous artists, including Dramtik, Esther Pennel, La Bronze Matiu, Natasha Kanapé Fonatain, Laura Niquay, Random Recipe and Sunny.
The festival also showcases indigenous film, art exhibits and more. Stay tuned for more coverage from Indian Country Media Network. If you’re anywhere near Montreal this weekend, come for fun at the Place des Festivals on Sunday August 6, and stay for the movies, which run through Wednesday August 9, culminating in a screening of Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World at Cinema du Parc.
