Centre culturel Waskapitan - Centre d'amitié autochtone de Lanaudière

Organized by the Centre d’amitié autochtone de Lanaudière (CAAL), Waskapitan transforms downtown Joliette into a vibrant hub of Indigenous cultural celebration. Held every year on June 21 for National Indigenous Peoples Day, this free and open-to-all event shines throughout the Lanaudière region. Right in the heart of Joliette, the festive program features captivating live performances, traditional dances, ancestral songs, and some of the biggest names in contemporary Indigenous music. Surrounding the main stage, art exhibitions and craft demonstrations showcase the richness and diversity of Indigenous traditions. Visitors from Lanaudière and beyond are invited to immerse themselves in this unique cultural experience through hands-on traditional craft workshops and by savouring delicious Indigenous cuisine. The name “Waskapitan” perfectly captures the spirit of the event — building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. It’s a special opportunity for connection, exchange, and the celebration of vibrant, living cultures. Waskapitan stands out as a cultural and tourism highlight in Joliette and Lanaudière, offering an exemplary space for intercultural connection where Indigenous heritage takes centre stage in all its beauty.