PAC 2026: Treaty of the Great Peace 1701

  

The Treaty of the Great Peace of Montréal 
was signed on August 4, 1701

Pointe-à-Callière commemorates the Great Peace of Montréal

August 8 – September 26, 2026

Exactely 325 years ago, Montréal hosted one of the largest diplomatic gatherings in the history of North America.

Today, the Pointe-à-Callière (PAC), Montréal’s archaeology and history complex, is celerating the 325th anniversary of the signing of the Great Peace of Montréal, an exceptional agreement between 38 Indigenous nations and representatives of New France signed in 1701 on the very site of the Pointe-à-Callière Museum.

As part of the commemorations of this pivotal event in the city’s history, the Museum is presenting an interpretive tour that provides further insight into the peace process, marked by exchanges, negotiations, travel, and rituals. It also highlights objects that bear witness to this period of history, including wampum beads and fragments of peace pipes, some of which were discovered at 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 Archives nationales d’outre-mer.

The Great Peace of Montréal: A Major Diplomatic Event

To this day, the Great Peace remains one of the most important diplomatic gatherings in North American history! At the time, there were only 1,200 inhabitants in Montréal. But on August 4, 1701, more than 1,300 representatives from 38 Indigenous nations, along with French and Canadian representatives, met at the Callière estate to make peace and bring an end to nearly a century of conflict.

However, the challenge was a considerable one. There was an extraordinary continental dimension to the gathering, given the geographical extent of the participants’ provenance—the entire northeast of the American continent. This historic meeting gave rise to an unprecedented opportunity for discussion, alliance, and negotiation. Together, the participants signed the Treaty of the Great Peace of Montréal.

For the first time the signed document is presented to the public in a vertical position, so that both sides of the four pages are exposed to the visitors.

The document is old and fragile, and for that reason the enclosure where it is displayed is dark. No photo flash is permitted.

The Architects of the Great Peace

This peace agreement is the result of a collective process that rallied a great number of stakeholders: delegates from Indigenous nations, French representatives, and interpreters who facilitated the exchanges between peoples with different languages and cultures.
 
Key figures at this event included, among others, the Wendat chief Kondiaronk, known for his political influence and oratorical skills, whose leadership was crucial both before and during the negotiations. Also present was Louis-Hector de Callière, Governor of Montréal—and later, Governor General of New France—, who played an important diplomatic role throughout the Great Peace process. The meetings with ambassadors that led to the conclusion of this historic treaty notably took place at Callière’s residence.

 

A Major Turning Point in Montréal’s history

In bringing an end to several decades of conflict, the Great Peace established a period of stability lasting approximately 60 years, contributing to the development of trade and reinforcing Montréal’s strategic role on the continent. More than three centuries after its signing, the Great Peace of Montréal remains a benchmark for dialogue, negotiation, and coexistence between peoples. The commemoration of the 325^th anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the historical significance of this treaty, as well as the current relevance of the values it embodies: listening, diplomacy, and the search for lasting peace.

Summer Programming Relating to the Great Peace of Montréal
 
Cultural Activities
On Sundays during the summer, enjoy free activities for the whole family, including the one on August 9^th, which will mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples! (Free – Outdoors – 1 pm to 4 pm)
 
18^th Century Public Market
A summer highlight, the 33^rd edition of the Public Market will be themed around the Corn Festival. This impressive re-creation of a market day in Montréal under the French Regime is brought to life by various authentic characters who frequented the market, with numerous activities taking place throughout the event. (Free – Outdoors – Saturday, August 29 – 10 am to 7 pm || Sunday, August 30 – 10 am to 6 pm)

Acknowledgements
The exhibition of the Great Peace treaty is made possible through the exceptional collaboration of the Archives nationales d’outre-mer de France, in partnership with Air Canada Cargo and Hôtel Saint-Sulpice.

All photos @Nadia Slejskova

Click on any image for photo gallery. 

 

For more information visit the Pointe-à-Callière museum website.

www.pacmusee.qc.ca

About
Inaugurated in 1992, on the city’s 350^th anniversary, Pointe-à-Callière is today the largest archaeology museum in Canada and the busiest history museum in Montréal. Rising above a concentrated number of historic and archaeological sites of national significance—including the birthplace of Montréal—, the Museum has a mission to preserve its collections and to further knowledge, while showcasing and fostering an appreciation for Montréal’s archaeological and historical heritage. This mission is carried out through various activities focused on conservation, research, presentation, education, and inclusion, along with community initiatives benefiting both Montrealers and visitors to the city. Pointe-à-Callière, proud partner of the City of Montréal.