KWE! showcases First Nations and Inuit cultures
Cassandra Kerwin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
cassandra@qctonline.com
From June 12 to 15 at Place Jean-Béliveau, Quebecers are invited to discover the rich cultures of the 11 First Nations in Quebec through conferences, kiosks, films and music at the KWE! Meet with Indigenous Peoples festival at Place Jean-Béliveau and other sites around the city. The word kwe means “hello” in several Indigenous languages, and the festival is all about connection.
“KWE! is above all an invitation to connect, share and discover in a festive and welcoming atmosphere,” said KWE! executive director Mélanie Vincent. “We are reaching out to the entire population to come and meet us. Thanks to a diverse and interactive program, everyone will be able to enjoy a unique and enriching experience!” She continued, “The purpose of the festival is to meet our neighbours. Sometimes, we travel the world and know more about other nations than we do about our First Nations.”
KWE! is pulling out all the stops for this eighth edition. It opens with Tressages, a fashion show featuring collaboration between renowned Quebec fashion designer Jean-Claude Poitras and First Nations and Inuit designers, on June 12 at the Grand Théâtre. Tickets ($20) are available now.
From movies to conferences and workshops, discussions over tea, and savouring Chef Maxime Lizotte’s menu, there is much to discover and learn over the four-day festival.
“The traditions of the First Nations and Inuit of Quebec reflect exceptional richness and diversity. I am convinced that the event will once again be a resounding success this year,” said Ian Lafrenière, Quebec minister responsible for relations with First Nations and Inuit.
While some people walk through the Forest of 11 Indigenous Languages, others will work with modern and traditional tools at the FabLab Workshop or attend one of many talks about Indigenous life or powwows. On June 13, KWE! will project Anishnabe short films from Wapikoni Mobile, and on June 14, the coming-of-age film Ninan Auassat – Nous, les enfants, directed by Kim O’Bomsawin. To keep people moving, Dr. Stanley Vollant will lead the Puamun Meshkenu (Path of a Thousand Dreams) Walk at 1 p.m. on June 14.
In support of the festival, on June 13, the Gabrielle-Roy Library will present Frétillant et Agile, a play by Wendat author Jocelyn Sioui about two people, young and old, embarking on the adventure of a lifetime to discover humanity.
The festivities will continue on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, with a show at Place de L’Assemblée-Nationale. Wendat composer and film music producer Geneviève Gros-Louis will open the show and be joined by members of the 11 First Nations to sing the festival theme song, inspired by Serge Fiori’s Un musicien parmi tant d’autres. A live tribute to pioneering Innu singer-songwriter Florent Vollant will feature Zachary Richard, Maten, Dumas, Hauterive, Scott-Pien Picard and Vincent Vallières.