Our mission
The mission of the Innu Nikamu Festival is to promote and enhance Innu culture through music, dance, song, and the arts. The festival aims to bring together the Innu communities of Quebec and Labrador, as well as other Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, in a spirit of sharing and respect. The festival takes place every year on the first weekend of August in Mani-utenam, on the North Shore. It is also recognized as one of the largest alcohol-free festivals in the world.
Over time, Innu Nikamu has become a must-see cultural event with international reach, where Indigenous and non-Indigenous families and communities come together to celebrate, share, and preserve the richness of First Nations cultures. Our vision is to create a space where everyone finds pride in their cultural identity, where music, dance, and the arts become universal bridges of understanding and respect. We are committed to reaching beyond the borders of Quebec, inspiring a sense of belonging and unity, while honoring our unique Indigenous heritage.
The History of the Festival
Near Sept-Îles, on Quebec's North Shore, the community of Mani-utenam has long been a meeting and gathering place for the region's Innu people. After the residential school was finally closed and demolished in the mid-1970s, the Innu reclaimed this dark place and transformed it into a luminous place of sharing and gathering by creating the Innu Nikamu Festival.
Founded in 1984 by a small team of dreamers, the Innu Nikamu Festival is driven by an entire community that unites around music and expresses its identity through its art and creativity. This large, alcohol-free family celebration brings together the various Indigenous nations who meet or gather there annually during these four days of performances by musicians and performers.
From its artisanal and local beginnings, the festival has evolved over the years. The organization and programming have become more professional. A traditional summer gathering place for Indigenous artisans and families, the event is gradually opening up to the territory's non-Indigenous population. Quebec artists share the stage as special guests, and citizens of the region and neighboring towns, particularly Sept-Îles, are invited to participate in the festivities, creating a link between the different communities living on the North Shore.
After 40 years of musical gatherings, today's Innu Nikamu Festival has become one of the largest Indigenous music and arts festivals in North America, featuring musicians, artists and performers from the First Nations of Quebec and Canada, as well as international guests.
Innu Nikamu (“the Innu sings”)
Contact us
For all technical questions, visit our FAQ .
For any other questions, contact us at festival@innunikamu.ca or click on the Contact Us button.