The opening ceremony will officially launch the festival with speeches from dignitaries, throat singing by Sandy Emudluk and Janice Parsons, a drum performance by Northern Voice, and powwow dances.

Our panelists will share their unique journeys through the programs of First Nations Executive Education (FNEE). Through their stories, discover how training in governance, women’s leadership, management, and economic reconciliation has shaped their personal and professional development. These First Nations leaders will speak to how their education influenced their practices and had a transformative impact on their communities.

Dave Sergerie explores the importance of authenticity in Indigenous products, both culturally and economically, addressing the issues of self-identification and the impact of the ID1N brand as a tool for recognizing and valuing Indigenous know-how.

Guided by knowledge keepers, participants will discover traditional craft techniques while giving free rein to their imagination. A face-painting station will also be available for children.

Sabryna Godbout and Béatrice Noël, co-founders of Endi’, share their journey of cultural reclamation, offering an authentic perspective on Wendat identity. Their talk challenges stereotypes and raises awareness of Indigenous realities.

‍

What are the impacts of mining exploration on Indigenous communities? Find out with Karl Masson and Marjolaine McKenzie as they present the impact and benefits agreements and share the realities experienced on the ground.

‍

Presented by Dr. Stanley Vollant, this talk offers an inspiring story of healing, hope, and commitment through his journey with Puamun Meshkenu, the Path of a Thousand Dreams. An invitation to follow the path of the heart and of resilience

‍

‍

In 2021, the Québec Ombudsperson was tasked with monitoring the Calls to Action from the Viens Commission. In October 2023, the first follow-up report was released. This workshop will present the follow-up actions as well as the Ombudsperson’s efforts to better consider the realities and rights of First Nations and Inuit across all of its mandates.

‍

Marie-Josée Coupal and Jean-Louis Tedone will present Québec City’s new 2025–2040 biodiversity strategy, featuring conservation projects, innovative municipal practices, and the city’s application to become a UNESCO Biosphere Region.

Passionate about Wendat traditions, Mélanie Savard shares her knowledge of plant-based dyeing—an ancestral art practiced long before industrial products arrived. She introduces plants gathered on the Nionwentsïo territory and demonstrates how they can be used to create a rich palette of natural colours.

‍

‍

Since 2008, the PFMPNIQ has been working hand in hand with the four faculties of medicine in Quebec to open more doors to medical studies for First Nations and Inuit students. Louise Tanguay (CSSSPNQL) and Dr. Henri Cyr (Université Laval) will speak about the concrete measures that have been put in place, their importance, and their real impact on students’ academic journeys.

‍

Puamun Meshkenu presents a creative workshop inspired by the journey of Dr. Stanley Vollant. Young participants will create their own dream stick, a symbol of the walking stick he carried over 6,000 km through Indigenous communities. Accompanied by the “dream carriers,” they will explore craft techniques and express their creativity.

Éric Gauthier-Nolett discusses the environmental and cultural impacts of the decline of black ash on Waban-Aki territory, highlighting the importance of preserving this tree, which is essential to the culture and identity of his Nation.

Chief Réal McKenzie, from the community of Matimekush, is a strong and committed voice for the rights of Indigenous Peoples. In this talk, joined by Stéphanie Godin, he will share his vision of reconciliation, shaped by his lived experience on the ground.

‍

Innutin is a band from Ekuanitshit blending blues, country, folk, rock, and traditional music. Through lyrics filled with dreams, hope, and cultural transmission, they sing about the Indigenous experience—past and present. Nominated at the Indigenous Music Awards and winners at the Gala Teweikan, they’ve performed on stages across Québec, Newfoundland, and the Far North.

‍

Wapikoni Mobile presents a selection of short films that explore the transmission of the Anishnabe language and the relationship to the land. This program is part of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages and showcases works in both French and Anishnabe.

Our panelists will share their unique journeys through the programs of First Nations Executive Education (FNEE). Through their stories, discover how training in governance, women’s leadership, management, and economic reconciliation has shaped their personal and professional development. These First Nations leaders will speak to how their education influenced their practices and had a transformative impact on their communities.

‍

Adélard Benjamin presents Mishta-Mishkutshipalu Tshishik, an innovative project that gives voice to the observations and traditional knowledge of the Innu in response to climate upheavals in Nitassinan. This atlas illustrates how territories, ecosystems, and ways of life are being affected, while also highlighting the resilience and ancestral knowledge of the communities.

‍

‍

Guided by knowledge keepers, participants will discover traditional craft techniques while giving free rein to their imagination. A face-painting station will also be available for children.

‍

‍

What are the impacts of mining exploration on Indigenous communities? Find out with Karl Masson and Marjolaine McKenzie as they present the impact and benefits agreements and share the realities experienced on the ground.

‍

‍

Dave Sergerie explores the importance of authenticity in Indigenous products, both culturally and economically, addressing the issues of self-identification and the impact of the ID1N brand as a tool for recognizing and valuing Indigenous know-how.

‍

Éric Gauthier-Nolett discusses the environmental and cultural impacts of the decline of black ash on Waban-Aki territory, highlighting the importance of preserving this tree, which is essential to the culture and identity of his Nation.

‍The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Youth Network presents its unique governance model and its initiatives to strengthen civic engagement among Indigenous youth. An inspiring discussion on emerging leadership and the voices shaping the future of First Peoples.

Catherine Boivin, from the Atikamekw Nation, explores the boundaries between cultural appropriation and appreciation, shedding light on the real impacts on Indigenous communities and encouraging a respectful and mindful relationship with their cultures.

Wapikoni Mobile presents a short film program specially designed for families and young audiences.

‍

Sabryna Godbout and Béatrice Noël, co-founders of Endi’, share their journey of cultural reclamation, offering an authentic perspective on Wendat identity. Their talk challenges stereotypes and raises awareness of Indigenous realities.

‍

For 10,000 years, generations of knowledge keepers have passed down and preserved ancestral knowledge and practices. Mélanie Savard shares the stories of those who not only protect these teachings but also the history and context surrounding them. Through her voice as a knowledge keeper, discover the contemporary challenges tied to this essential transmission.

‍

In 2021, the Québec Ombudsperson was tasked with monitoring the Calls to Action from the Viens Commission. In October 2023, the first follow-up report was released. This workshop will present the follow-up actions as well as the Ombudsperson’s efforts to better consider the realities and rights of First Nations and Inuit across all of its mandates.

‍

Don’t miss the recording of the radio show Kuei! Kwe!, hosted by Melissa Mollen Dupuis, airing that same evening on ICI Radio-Canada Première and available on the Ohdio app. This special episode will spotlight the artists and artisans of the KWE! festival.

Adélard Benjamin presents Mishta-Mishkutshipalu Tshishik, an innovative project that gives voice to the observations and traditional knowledge of the Innu in response to climate upheavals in Nitassinan. This atlas illustrates how territories, ecosystems, and ways of life are being affected, while also highlighting the resilience and ancestral knowledge of the communities.

‍

In a context where youth face many challenges and an overload of media content, Radio-Canada invites you to a conversation moderated by Véronik Picard and Charles-Alexandre Tisseyre, focused on better understanding the realities of Indigenous youth in Québec. An inclusive, positive sharing circle, resolutely looking toward the future.

‍

‍

Puamun Meshkenu presents a creative workshop inspired by the journey of Dr. Stanley Vollant. Young participants will create their own dream stick, a symbol of the walking stick he carried over 6,000 km through Indigenous communities. Accompanied by the “dream carriers,” they will explore craft techniques and express their creativity.

Éric Gauthier-Nolett discusses the environmental and cultural impacts of the decline of black ash on Waban-Aki territory, highlighting the importance of preserving this tree, which is essential to the culture and identity of his Nation.

Innutin is a band from Ekuanitshit blending blues, country, folk, rock, and traditional music. Through lyrics filled with dreams, hope, and cultural transmission, they sing about the Indigenous experience—past and present. Nominated at the Indigenous Music Awards and winners at the Gala Teweikan, they’ve performed on stages across Québec, Newfoundland, and the Far North.

The documentary "The Cree Way" explores how the Cree Nation of Waswanipi balances economic development with the preservation of its traditional way of life. The film highlights the impact of the Paix des Braves agreement, as well as the challenges and opportunities related to forestry operations on Cree territory, emphasizing the importance of economic autonomy and sustainable natural resource management.

‍

‍

By following these young people through the crucial stages leading to adulthood, we witness their daily lives, aspirations, and the challenges they face. The result is a powerful journey that becomes a call to action—at a time when youth voices are rising, demanding recognition and the right to thrive.

‍

Our panelists will share their unique journeys through the programs of First Nations Executive Education (FNEE). Through their stories, discover how training in governance, women’s leadership, management, and economic reconciliation has shaped their personal and professional development. These First Nations leaders will speak to how their education influenced their practices and had a transformative impact on their communities.

‍

Adélard Benjamin presents Mishta-Mishkutshipalu Tshishik, an innovative project that gives voice to the observations and traditional knowledge of the Innu in response to climate upheavals in Nitassinan. This atlas illustrates how territories, ecosystems, and ways of life are being affected, while also highlighting the resilience and ancestral knowledge of the communities.

Josée Mensales and Romy Verge-Boudreau present Les Survivantes–EILP, a unique initiative offering support and guidance to Indigenous women and men who have experienced sexual violence. Centered on listening, healing, and justice, the presentation will include the testimony of a survivor and the introduction of two publications produced in collaboration with Éditions Hannenorak: Monnaié.e par mon marchand de rêves and Mon ami mon agresseur.

‍

A powerful conversation with Dave Sergerie, Catherine Boivin, and Karine Awashish on the importance of affirming authentic Indigenous voices and denouncing cultural appropriation and self-proclaimed identities.

‍

Éric Gauthier-Nolett discusses the environmental and cultural impacts of the decline of black ash on Waban-Aki territory, highlighting the importance of preserving this tree, which is essential to the culture and identity of his Nation.

‍

Guided by knowledge keepers, participants will discover traditional craft techniques while giving free rein to their imagination. A face-painting station will also be available for children.

‍

‍

Mélanie Savard speaks about Indigenous craftsmanship as a means of transmission, identity, and engagement. Far more than a hobby, it helps preserve traditional techniques, reconnect with the land, and raise awareness of Indigenous realities.

‍

Wapikoni Mobile presents a short film program specially designed for families and young audiences.

‍

Since 2008, the PFMPNIQ has been working hand in hand with the four faculties of medicine in Quebec to open more doors to medical studies for First Nations and Inuit students. Louise Tanguay (CSSSPNQL) and Dr. Henri Cyr (Université Laval) will speak about the concrete measures that have been put in place, their importance, and their real impact on students’ academic journeys.

‍

‍

Sabryna Godbout and Béatrice Noël, co-founders of Endi’, share their journey of cultural reclamation, offering an authentic perspective on Wendat identity. Their talk challenges stereotypes and raises awareness of Indigenous realities.

‍

Le Réseau jeunesse des Premières Nations Québec-Labrador présente son modèle de gouvernance unique et ses initiatives pour renforcer l’engagement citoyen des jeunes Autochtones. Une discussion inspirante sur le leadership émergent et les voix qui façonnent l’avenir des Premiers Peuples.

‍

Puamun Meshkenu presents a creative workshop inspired by the journey of Dr. Stanley Vollant. Young participants will create their own dream stick, a symbol of the walking stick he carried over 6,000 km through Indigenous communities. Accompanied by the “dream carriers,” they will explore craft techniques and express their creativity.

Éric Gauthier-Nolett discusses the environmental and cultural impacts of the decline of black ash on Waban-Aki territory, highlighting the importance of preserving this tree, which is essential to the culture and identity of his Nation.

‍

Rooted in Dignity Watch the video “Rooted in Dignity” where Dave Sergerie, ID1N project coordinator, shares his personal journey. Exposed to various forms of violence from a young age, he openly shares how these experiences shaped his life — until he was able to break free from them. He also introduces the ID1N project, which addresses another form of violence: cultural appropriation. An open discussion with the public will follow.

‍

‍