Culture Shock is an annual event series on anti-racism, migrant justice, and Indigenous solidarity. It seeks to bring together racialized communities to discuss issues relevant to their lives, as well as to allow those who do not belong to these communities to learn more about struggles against racism, colonialism and border violence. Every year, QPIRG brings panels, workshops, film screenings, performance nights and fundraiser parties to McGill students and broader Montreal communities.

Culture Shock 2024 will take place from October 21st to 30th!

We are thrilled to announce Transformation as the theme for Culture Shock 2024. From direct action to design workshops, this popular education series aims to draw from the principles and histories of revolutionary struggle to inform our organizing today. Let’s imagine what real transformations look like; what does it mean to demand change without conforming to the existing system? The goal of our series is not to simply critique the status quo, but to funnel imagination into action to bring about the new realities we desire. ‘Transformation’ is highlighted to encourage revolutionary optimism during these times of outrage.

These events take place on the traditional territory of the Kanien’kehá:ka people. The island called “Montreal” is known as Tiotia:ke in the language of the Kanien’kehá:ka, and it has historically been a meeting place for other Indigenous nations, including the Algonquin people. We believe that it’s not enough just to acknowledge the keepers of this land. We encourage everyone to learn about and actively resist colonialism in the many forms these ongoing oppressions take, and in the diversity of forms that resistance embodies.

All events are free or pay-what-you-can, and open to the public. Further accessibility details are available on the accessibility page.