Discover the Montréal First Peoples' Festival
Summer Culture, arts and heritage Festivals and events
Montréal's International First Peoples’ Festival (IFPF) is a vibrant celebration of Indigenous creativity, culture, and resilience held annually in the heart of the city.
This multidisciplinary event invites audiences to explore and experience the richness of Indigenous art through cinema, music, dance, storytelling, and thought-provoking exhibitions.
Founded over three decades ago, the festival has become a staple of Montréal's summer arts scene, consistently offering an eclectic lineup of films, live performances, and engaging activities.
With its commitment to showcasing Indigenous voices from around the world, the IFPF fosters dialogue and cultural exchange while highlighting Indigenous struggles, histories, and contemporary stories.
Cinema
The festival's film program is a major draw, with feature films from Indigenous filmmakers competing for top honours. Audiences can look forward to an exciting variety of cinematic works, often focusing on pressing social and environmental issues, including themes of sovereignty, the defence of ancestral lands, and the exploration of Indigenous childhood. The IFPF also provides a platform for groundbreaking international documentaries that showcase the resilience and beauty of Indigenous communities.
IFPF is a vibrant celebration of Indigenous creativity, culture, and resilience held annually in the heart of the city.
Concerts
Music takes center stage at the festival with performances by Indigenous artists from across the globe. From the electrifying beats from Indigenous DJs to soulful Inuit throat-singing, the concert lineup is an unforgettable celebration of Indigenous musical traditions, blending old and new sounds. Dance and rhythm also come alive with group performances that honour both contemporary and traditional styles.
Exhibits and activities
The festival hosts a range of interactive exhibits and activities designed to immerse attendees in Indigenous culture. Visitors can explore stunning visual art exhibitions, including works by prominent Indigenous artists, as well as participate in hands-on workshops and traditional activities such as dance, drumming, and storytelling. The event also showcases innovative projects like video games developed by Indigenous creators, offering a fresh perspective on storytelling in the digital age. Stay tuned for upcoming details on this year's festival, and prepare to experience the power of Indigenous arts in the heart of Montréal.
Marisela Amador
Marisela Amador is a reporter who works in the Kanien’kehá:ka community of Kahnawà:ke. When she’s not reporting the news, she is out and about in her favourite city in the world, Montréal. Of Latin-American descent, she enjoys good food and drinks, art and culture and spending time with friends.