Montréal Celebrates 25 Years of a Garden Rooted in Indigenous Heritage

August 5, 2026 Team Contributor

One of Montréal’s most distinctive cultural attractions is entering a new era. As the First Nations Garden marks its 25th anniversary, Espace pour la vie has officially renamed the site the Indigenous Peoples Garden, a move aimed at better reflecting all Indigenous communities in Québec, including First Nations and Inuit.  

Located at the heart of the Montréal Botanical Garden, the space has become a major destination for visitors seeking to learn about Indigenous cultures, knowledge systems and connections to the land. The garden first opened on August 3, 2001, following extensive collaboration between the Botanical Garden and representatives from Québec’s 11 Indigenous Nations.  

A Place for Learning, Culture and Connection 

More than a botanical attraction, the Indigenous Peoples Garden serves as a gathering place for education, cultural exchange and community activities. Over the past 25 years, more than 50 Indigenous cultural facilitators and guides have helped share traditional knowledge, stories and Montréal tourism perspectives with thousands of visitors.  

The site also hosts Indigenous-led ceremonies and community events, helping visitors understand Indigenous worldviews centred on respect, interdependence and responsibility toward living things.  

Celebrating Indigenous Heritage in the Heart of Canada 

The milestone coincides with the 325th anniversary of the Great Peace of Montréal, the 1701 treaty signed between New France and dozens of First Nations.  

Julie Jodoin, directrice Espace pour la vie, grands parcs et Mont-Royal, said, “This garden has always encouraged us to slow down, listen, and learn. Thanks to knowledge that has been shared with immense generosity, the garden is a space that is full of life, and it is a privilege to care for this space that exists thanks to the trust that has been built with Indigenous communities.” 

To mark the occasion, the Botanical Garden is offering guided tours, the outdoor exhibition Telling Our Story: The Territory, presentations on Indigenous art and nature, and a new nighttime Gardens of Light experience featuring stories, rhythms and voices from Québec’s 11 Indigenous Nations. Programming continues through the summer and autumn, making 2026 an especially meaningful time to visit. 

The renaming also comes at a time when Indigenous tourism is gaining momentum nationwide. Earlier this year, the federal government announced an investment of $6 million to support Indigenous tourism experiences across Canada, reflecting growing interest in authentic, community-led cultural travel opportunities. 

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