Indigenous Events, Activities & Experiences
Every June brings another chance to celebrate and honour Canada’s rich history with National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st. First established as a national holiday in 1996, the day encourages Canadians to honor and celebrate the legacy and culture of the country’s Indigenous groups.
Whether you’re looking to celebrate your own Indigenous heritage or simply want to honor a piece of the country’s history, there are plenty of ways to get involved this year. Read on for more information about Indigenous Peoples Day, and find out how you can celebrate throughout the entire month of June!
A History of Indigenous Peoples Day
In 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood (now known as the Assembly of First Nations) called for the creation of a day that would recognize the rich culture of Canada’s Indigenous peoples, as well as the contributions they’ve made to the nation’s prosperity.
Over a decade later, Governor General Roméo LeBlanc officially declared June 21st of each year to be National Aboriginal Day. Thanks to a statement issued by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2017, the holiday is now widely known as National Indigenous Peoples Day and honors the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of Canada.
The Importance of Celebrating Indigenous Culture
The contributions made by Indigenous peoples to Canada’s history and prosperity are overlooked. And thanks to a long history of colonization and discrimination, Indigenous culture has largely become invisible, despite the fact that Indigenous peoples make up nearly 5% of Canada’s total population.
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day provides a space for these groups to be recognized and celebrated for their achievements and rich culture. It also allows non-Indigenous people to gain a better understanding of and a new appreciation for the Indigenous communities that surround them.
Celebrating Indigenous Culture Respectfully
If you’re a non-Indigenous person who would like to participate in the Indigenous Peoples Day celebration, it’s important to maintain a level of respect.
Respectfully observing the holiday largely means keeping the focus on Indigenous culture and history. This can be done in countless ways and can include anything from eating traditional foods to attending a celebration hosted by an Indigenous organization.
Another crucial aspect of celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day respectfully is educating yourself about Indigenous history, which is often improperly taught. Staying educated can minimize misinformation surrounding Indigenous culture, and keep misconceptions from being passed down to future generations.
Ways You Can Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Month This Year
In 2023, there are plenty of things you can do to honor Canada’s Indigenous history all month long. Read on to find out what you can do for Indigenous Peoples Day this year!
Online Government Programs & Celebrations
Be sure to check out National Indigenous Peoples Day virtual activities happening in your region through Celebrate Canada.
Learn MoreMidland Cultural Centre Indigenous Art Gallery
The new art gallery located in the heart of Midland is always featuring Indigenous artist exhibitions. This free-admission fine art gallery is proud to show the works of regional and Ontario artists.
Learn MoreDavid R. Maracle & Friends
Where: Picton, Ontario
Photo credit: David R. Maracle & Friends
David R. Maracle & Friends to perform an ambient evening of Indigenous World Fusion Music” on June 9, 2023. David will be accompanied by Saleek Brant on electric guitar and Ray Farrugia on drums + percussion. David R. Maracle is a community member from the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, an Activist for Indigenous Rights & Culture, and an International award winning multi-instrumentalist musician/composer, and has released over 17 musical compilations over his multifaceted career. David has received two Gold Records from the Recording Industry Association of America, RIAA, for his world ambient melodies of the Iroquoian Love Flute, and his multi-instrumental fusion of rare world instruments.
Learn More About DavidSummer Solstice Indigenous Festival
Where: Ottawa, Ontario
Come celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day at Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, Competition Pow-Wow and much more.
INDIGENOUS DAY CELEBRATION: June 21
EDUCATION DAYS: June 22 – 23, 2023
FREE performances and interactive workshops that share and celebrate the diverse Indigenous cultures of Canada. All of this programming is designed to encourage interaction and engagement with our Indigenous artists and knowledge keepers who will help bring the curriculum to life in a fun, authentic and appropriate way.
POW WOW: June 24 – 25, 2023
This year the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival is excited to feature both our Virtual Pow Wow and live Competition Pow Wow, presented by CN Railway & Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation.
LONG TABLE DINNER: June 24, 2023
Your long table dinner ticket includes onsite parking and you are welcome to start to enjoy the free screening of the acclaimed 2018 movie The Grizzlies, about a youth lacrosse team set up to help combat youth suicide in Canada’s north.
Mādahòkì Marketplace
Where: Ottawa, Ontario
National Indigenous Peoples Day @ Sainte Marie Among the Hurons
DATE: Tuesday, June 21, 2023
HOURS: 10 am to 3 pm*
Special Event Rate: $ 12.00 per person, plus HST
* The historic site and indoor museum are open until 5 pm (last admission at 4 pm).
Join this dynamic, annual, education-focused celebration of the heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Take part in workshops, presentations, and activities to learn about a wide variety of Indigenous skills including drumming, dancing, and craftwork. Learn about traditional teachings, shop for Indigenous art, and more. Come and honour these dynamic communities on the longest day of the year, at historic Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.
Learn MoreDaphne Cockwell Gallery @ ROM
Where: Toronto, Ontario
Located on the main floor of the Hilary and Galen Weston Wing, the Daphne Cockwell Gallery dedicated to First Peoples art & culture is one of ROM’s premiere cultural spaces, featuring more than one thousand works of art and cultural heritage.
As part of ROM’s broader effort to foster a greater appreciation of the Indigenous ancestral objects in the Museum’s collections, and to support the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, admission to the Daphne Cockwell Gallery dedicated to First Peoples art & culture is free of charge to the public.
Learn MoreNiibing Tribal Tours
Where: Niibing, Ontario (approx 40 minutes from Thunder Bay)
Learn about regional history and Indigenous cultural experiences on this leader-led weekend getaway. Learn about Kakabeka Falls, Mount McKay, Marina Park, Amethyst Mine Panorama, Ouimet Canyon, Silver Islet, Sleeping Gian Provincial Park and Old White Pine Stand. Choose from packages that include flights, accommodation, transportation and everything you need.
Learn MoreChi-Cheemaun Festival Fireworks Cruise
Saturday, June 17, 2023
ADULTS & CHILDREN 12+: $65.00 CHILDREN 5-11 : $32.50 CHILDREN UNDER 5: FREE
Purchase tickets by phone at 1-800-265-3163 or in person at the Tobermory Terminal.
BOARDING 6:30PM RETURNING 10:45PM
BUFFET MEAL, SILENT AUCTION & LIVE MUSIC WITH MARTY O’BLACK
*Fireworks presented by the Chi-Cheemaun Festival Committee – a Municipality of North Bruce Peninsula community organization
*NO RAIN DATE
*FULLY REFUNDABLE UP 48HR. PRIOR TO EVENT
ᐋᓃᓐ aaniin – Grand Opening
June 10, 2023
Come say aaniin to Stackt’s newest mainstay! ᐋᓃᓐ Aaniin means hello in Ojibwe and streetwear brand to Indigenous retailer is here to stay at Stackt! Shop 30 other indigenous brands and designers along side aaniin’s house brand of apparel! The first 100 people will receive the limited edition aaniin rainbow socks along with first access of our brand new collection! While supplies last
Niibin Giizhigaate-Giizhik, Wikwemikong (Manitoulin Island)
June 21, 9 am to 10 pm. More Details to come.
Learn MoreMohawk Institute Public Virtual Tour
The Woodland Cultural Centre presents a screening of the Mohawk Institute Residential School. Join them every third Wednesday of the month at 7pm and help support virtual programming at the Woodland Cultural Centre with your donation.
The virtual tour video was created with local production company Thru the Reddoor, and it follows the guide, Lorrie Gallant, as she gives a tour of the former Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School. During the video Lorrie provides the history of the institution over its 140 year history. Viewers will get to see the different rooms in the school, from the girls’ and boys’ dormitories, the cafeteria, laundry room, and other rooms throughout the building, as well as hear interviews from five Survivors of the Mohawk Institute.
Learn MoreJune is month filled with things to celebrate in Ontario. Always check out the ToDoOntario Events Calendar for more things to do in Ontario.