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 2023 will take place from October 16th-27th! The theme of this year’s Culture Shock is FOOD, focusing on its role as a basic human right yet also intertwined with our cultural, communal, and historical identities.

Our discussions will navigate the landscape of food as a political entity, touching upon critical aspects such as food production, its deep roots in racism, colonial practices of food weaponization, and the exploitative pursuits within the food industry. We also acknowledge the paradox of both excessive food waste and food insecurity as our industrial food systems perpetuate this vicious cycle. Ultimately, food illustrates how critical topics such as racism, income inequality, colonialism, and other systems of oppression interact with one another. What would a sustainable, equitable food system look like? How do we transition towards it as a community?

We also recognize the role food plays in our lives, not only as a necessity but as a cultural exchange. Through food, we communicate and show our love, with each person having a unique relationship. From skill-based cooking workshops to panel discussions, the series will also take on a variety of mediums.

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.