Montreal, QC
The Orange Shirt
First Nations people inhabited the Americas well before Europeans arrived in the 10th (Norse) and 16th (Iberian) centuries. First Nations cultures are inextricably tied to the Canadian story, as is the discovery and exploration of the Americas by Europeans. During the Long Winter Weekend, a group of students will travel to Montreal to connect to the stories of First Nations through their history, spirituality, and present lives. Importantly, our focus will be on Orange Shirt Day, a national day of observance also known as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which “honors the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.” This program engages with the conversation between Christian Mission and First Nations culture, specifically that of the Kanienkeha:ka nation, more commonly known as Mohawks, located in Kahnawake, Quebec, a 15 minute drive from Montreal.
Program Notes
- This travel program takes place during the entirety of Long Winter Weekend. Students will depart campus together on Thursday, Feb. 5 and return to campus together on Feb. 9.
- As part of Deerfield’s commitment to face-to-face interactions, during certain times of the program students will be “unplugged” without access to cell phones.
- Students and faculty leaders will update families and friends at home through our Notes From The Field blog.
Program Dates
February 5 – 9, 2026
Program Eligibility
This program is open to all students. Financial Aid is available to all qualifying students.
Students will need to have or obtain a Passport or Passport card for this program.
Please note that this program overlaps with Wrestling and Boys & Girls Swimming & Diving commitments through the athletics department.
Program Snapshot
Accommodations: Hotels
Meals: Group meals at hotels & restaurants
Activities: This program will include a moderate level of walking, various site visits, and focus primarily on community-based activities.
Faculty program Leaders
- Jan Flaska
Estimated Cost: $2,450
All meals, transportation, accommodations, and activities during the program dates are included in the program fee.
2026 Preliminary Itinerary
*This itinerary is subject to change
During this travel program, Deerfield students will travel by bus to Montreal. They will spend Friday visiting the Mohawk reservation. Throughout the weekend, they will explore Old Town Montreal visiting iconic places such as McCord Museum and St. Joseph Oratoire. On Monday morning they will drive back to campus.
Health & Safety
We take student health and safety seriously. Please review the resources and information below as you consider applying for the program.
Travel Health & Risk Advisory
We encourage families to review the latest travel guidance for Canada:
Travel Medicine Advisory Letter
A letter from Dr. Bryant Benson provides important guidance on health preparations for travel. View Letter
Travel Insurance
All students are covered by Deerfield Academy’s International SOS travel insurance policy while on the program.
Visa Information
Students and parents are directly responsible for the student’s immigration status and/or visa application process to comply with local laws for participation in this program. Deerfield Academy and the CSGC office are here to assist and can provide specific supplemental documentation as required for the application.