Place D’Armes receives native American name to celebrate National Aboriginal Day

MONTREAL – The sound of drums resounded throughout Place D’Armes Tuesday afternoon as Montrealers celebrated the 20-year anniversary of National Aboriginal Day.

Colourful clothing and large pieces of art were proudly displayed by the Aboriginal community, accompanied by traditional music and chanting.

To mark the milestone of this year’s ceremony, organizers will be giving traditional names to each side of the public square.

“It will become a place of the four winds, a place dedicated to openness and peace,” said organizer André Dudemaine on stage.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It will become a place of the four winds, a place dedicated to openness and peace," said organizer André Dudemaine on stage.

The south side was given the name Entie Nonkwa:Ti, while the other sides and Place D’Armes as a whole will be named in the future.

PHOTO GALLERY: National Aboriginal Day ceremonies in Montreal

The naming ceremony was followed by a traditional tobacco lighting ceremony.

Organizers hoped to expand this year’s celebration and introduce native American culture to all Montrealers.

“We are here to underline the fact that there is another historical layer [to Montreal] and we want the Aboriginal presence and heritage to be more obvious,” said Dudemaine.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We are here to underline the fact that there is another historical layer [to Montreal] and we want the Aboriginal presence and heritage to be more obvious," said Dudemaine.