On August 4, 1701, the Treaty of the Great Peace of Montreal was signed. 325 years ago, Montreal hosted one of the largest diplomatic meetings in the history of North America
Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal’s city of archeology and history, today marks the 325th anniversary of the signing of the Great Peace of Montreal. This exceptional agreement, concluded between 38 indigenous nations and representatives of New France, was signed in 1701 on the very site where the Museum is located today.
As part of the commemorations of this significant event in the history of the metropolis, the Museum is offering an interpretive tour until September 20, 2026. This allows you to learn more about the peace process, marked by exchanges, negotiations, travel and rituals. The tour also highlights objects that bear witness to this history, including wampum beads and fragments of pipes, some discovered on the Museum’s archaeological site. The visit culminates at Fort Ville-Marie with the exhibition of the only known copy of the treaty, an exceptional loan from the Overseas National Archives.
The Great Peace of Montreal: a major diplomatic eventTo this day, the Great Peace is still one of the most important diplomatic gatherings in the history of North America! At the time, Montreal had 1,200 inhabitants. But on August 4, 1701, more than 1,300 representatives from 38 indigenous nations, as well as French and Canadian representatives, met at the Callière estate to make peace and put an end to nearly a century of conflicts. However, the challenge was considerable. It had an extraordinary continental dimension due to the geographical extent of the participants’ origin, that is to say the entire northeast of the American continent. This historic meeting gives rise to an unprecedented moment of discussion, alliance and negotiation. Together, they signed the Treaty of the Great Peace of Montreal.
The architects of the Great Peace This peace agreement is the result of a collective process that mobilized many actors: delegates from indigenous nations, French representatives and interpreters who made exchanges possible between people with different languages and cultures. Among the notable figures of this event, there is, among other stakeholders, the Wendat chief Kondiaronk, recognized for his political influence and his oratorical talent, whose leadership was decisive before and during the negotiations. There is also Louis-Hector de Callière, governor of Montreal, then governor general of New France, who played an important diplomatic role throughout the process of the Great Peace. It was in his residence that the meetings were held with the ambassadors leading to the conclusion of this historic treaty.
A major turning point in the history of MontrealBy putting an end to several decades of conflict, the Great Peace established a period of stability of approximately 60 years which contributed to the development of trade and reinforced the strategic role of Montreal on the continent. More than three centuries after its signing, the Great Peace of Montreal remains a benchmark for dialogue, negotiation and coexistence between peoples. The commemorations of the 325th anniversary are an opportunity to recall the historical importance of this treaty, but also the current relevance of the values it embodies: listening, diplomacy and the search for lasting peace.
Summer programming linked to the Great Peace of Montreal
Cultural activitiesDuring the summer, take advantage of free Sunday activities for the whole family, especially on August 9, which will mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples! (Free – exterior – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.)
Public market in the atmosphere of the 18th centuryA summer meeting, the 33rd edition of the Public Market will be placed under the theme of the Corn Festival. This fantastic reconstruction recreating the atmosphere of a market day in Montreal under the French Regime comes to life thanks to a gallery of authentic characters who frequented it and numerous activities. (Free – exterior – Saturday August 29 | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Sunday August 30 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)