Montreal marks 325 years of Great Peace with reconciliation pledge and housing strategy
The city is officially recognizing the 1701 treaty and committing $100,000 to Indigenous-led organizations.
Sources · local media reports
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Montreal is marking the 325th anniversary of the Great Peace of Montreal by reaffirming its commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and announcing major new initiatives including an Indigenous housing strategy and expanded funding.
The city held a ceremony Tuesday, August 4 at the Pointe-à-Callière Museum to commemorate the 1701 treaty signed between New France and dozens of First Nations. Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada announced the administration's intention to officially identify the Great Peace as a historic event—a first for the city. The move signals a shift in how Montreal recognizes and honours Indigenous history and presence.
"The Great Peace has been neglected in historical accounts for too long," Martinez Ferrada said. "It is time to give it the place it deserves in our collective memory." The city is developing an Indigenous housing strategy in partnership with Indigenous communities, building on its 2020–2025 Reconciliation Strategy and informing a new municipal action plan focused on housing, homelessness and community support.
As part of its reconciliation efforts, the city announced a commitment of $100,000 to support public events organized by Indigenous organizations in Montreal. Announced in June, the funding is the first municipal program dedicated exclusively to Indigenous-led organizations or groups primarily serving Indigenous communities. City officials said the new initiatives are intended to strengthen relationships with Indigenous Peoples and ensure municipal programs better reflect their needs and priorities.
What is the specific budget allocated to the Indigenous housing strategy and when will it be completed?
How many Indigenous people in Montreal are currently experiencing homelessness, and what are the strategy's concrete targets?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
What anniversary was Montreal marking on August 4, 2026?
Montreal marked the 325th anniversary of the Great Peace of Montreal, the 1701 treaty signed between New France and dozens of First Nations.
How much funding did Montreal commit to Indigenous organizations?
Montreal committed $100,000 to support public events organized by Indigenous organizations in Montreal, the first municipal program dedicated exclusively to Indigenous-led organizations or groups primarily serving Indigenous communities.
What major strategy is Montreal developing with Indigenous communities?
Montreal is developing an Indigenous housing strategy in partnership with Indigenous communities, building on its 2020–2025 Reconciliation Strategy.
