At the beginning of the 2021-22 season, we made a commitment to take part in the reconciliation process by putting forward initiatives aimed at recognizing, honoring and supporting Indigenous peoples.
Prior to our First Peoples Celebration Night and beyond, explore this page to find resources that you can support, learn from and engage with.
Land Acknowledgment
The unceded land of Tiohtiá:ke/Montreal, where the Bell Centre is located, is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations.
Since the beginning of the 2021-22 season, a land acknowledgment statement is read prior to every Canadiens home game. With this symbolic gesture, our organization recognizes that Indigenous peoples have occupied since time immemorial the territory where our team currently plays. Recognizing and respecting the presence of these historical and contemporary communities is an essential step towards the establishment of healthy, respectful, and reciprocal relations with Indigenous peoples, and to the continuation of the reconciliation process we’re engaged in.
First Peoples Celebration Night presented by CN in collaboration with Tim Hortons
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, Indigenous cultures will be honored as the Montreal Canadiens will hold their Indigenous Peoples Celebration Night at the Bell Centre. The creativity, know-how and traditions of Indigenous communities will be highlighted throughout the game against the Colorado Avalanche.
A BLEU BLANC BOUGE initiative to get Indigenous youth active
Since the 2023-2024 season, the Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation and CN are joining forces to offer First Peoples youth culture-based introductory sports programs, such as ice skating and ball hokcey, in order to allow them to flourish and experience the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.
First Peoples tribute collection
Visit the Bell Centre Tricolore Sports store or go online to get your hands on limited-edition merchandise, featuring artwork by Anicinabe painter Frank Polson from the Long Point First Nation community in Winneway, Temiscamingue. Every purchase will contribute to supporting the services offered by Quebec-based Native Friendship Centres.
About the Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec
As the provincial association of Native Friendship Centres, the Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ) has advocated for 45 years in the rights and interests of Indigenous citizens in cities and actively supports the development of Native Friendship Centres. Thanks to its unifying mission, the RCAAQ has a comprehensive understanding of the issues and challenges faced by Indigenous people who must deal with urban reality
The Decolonial Toolbox
The Decolonial Toolbox offers the public an educational pathway to understanding contemporary Indigenous realities. Developed by Concordia University's Office of Community Engagement, Mikana and the Montreal Indigenous Community NETWORK, the pathway gathers carefully selected resources produced by Indigenous people and organizations that are accessible and promote Indigenous expertise. The topics covered are foundational knowledge on terminology, territories, and colonial history.
Terminology Guidelines within Indigenous Contexts
Mikana offers an informative guide to understanding and applying correct terminology when referring to Indigenous individuals, communities, and cultures. This resource is designed to shed light on the importance of using precise language to foster respect and promote positive relationships between peoples.
You can visit Mikana's website to explore an array of tools and resources.
Indigenous cinema
Explore the website of the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) to discover a rich collection of Indigenous-made films, available online for free online. You will find both new releases and Canadian classics, alongside works by numerous distinguished local filmmakers. Whether you're looking for short or feature-length films, content in English or French, the NFB offers a wide selection of videos suitable for all ages, providing an opportunity to learn more about the reality, culture, and heritage of Indigenous peoples.
Les Autochtones 102 (only available in French)
In this short video, part of the “Lexicon” series created as a supplement to the documentary Briser le code, Cree activist Maïtée Labrecque-Saganash presents various information about Quebec's 11 Indigenous nations and their history. She discusses practices that were implemented to eliminate or assimilate them, including Indigenous residential schools. She also suggests paths for reconciliation.
Local community organizations supporting Indigenous communities
Several organizations across the province work tirelessly each day to reduce inequalities and promote the well-being of Indigenous people in Quebec, both on and off reserve. Check out the list below to learn more about their mission and discover the different ways you can support them.
Contributes to the well-being and balance of the lives of Aboriginal people of Quebec.
Empowers and informs Indigenous persons in the Montreal area to allow them to successfully negotiate their way through an Indigenized justice system and help them transition to a healthy, autonomous life path.
Promote social change by raising awareness among different audiences about the realities and perspectives of Indigenous peoples, and by creating spaces for education and exchange that promote solidarity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Supports the ecosystem of individuals and groups committed to improving the quality of life of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities living in the greater Montreal area.
Contributes to the holistic health, cultural strength and success of Indigenous families, individuals, and community living in the greater Montreal area.
Provides a safe environment, support, and frontline services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis women as well as their children to promote their empowerment and independence, and help them rebuild their lives
Engage and support First Nations youth in Quebec in their well-being, individual and collective development, and fulfillment, by creating initiatives that will allow them to enjoy positive experiences.
Accompanies First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples facing housing insecurity in Tio’tià:ke (Montreal).
The mission is to inspire and support Indigenous peoples to develop their full potential, by promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging student retention and fostering reconciliation.
Support Indigenous women in their efforts to better their living conditions through the promotion of non-violence, justice, health, equality, and of their own commitment to their communities.
Supports the homeless population in the Cabot Square area and provides them with a welcoming and safe day shelter, as well as social, financial, and mental health support and advocacy.