Indigenous events and celebrations
Mādahòkì Farm | Ottawa Tourism
Throughout the year, several festivals, events and attractions across Ontario highlight and recognize Indigenous voices, histories and leadership, and celebrate the creativity, knowledge and achievements of Indigenous Peoples in areas such as theatre, film, music and science.
Specifically, June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day—a time to honour and reflect on the diverse histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.
In addition, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a solemn occasion to recognize the ongoing impacts of residential schools and to honour Survivors, their families and communities.
Find more unique events, tours and attractions at Native Experiences Ontario.
Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, Ottawa
Honour National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 at the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival.
A free, family-friendly event, the festival celebrates First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures, knowledge, art and heritage with musical performances, culinary experiences, art and craft workshops and an International Competition Pow Wow.
Shop for jewellery, artwork and handicrafts in the online Indigenous Marketplace and order CDs and merchandise from your favourite participating musicians.
Summer Solstice Festival is produced by Indigenous Experiences on behalf of the National Indigenous Peoples Day Committee (NIPD) and hosted by the National Association of Friendship Centres. The festival is held on the traditional and unceded territories of the Algonquin Peoples.
When: June 21, 2025
Where: Mādahòkì Farm, Ottawa
Two Nations Cultural Experience, Manitoulin Island
Together, Wikwemikong Tourism and Six Nations Tourism present an opportunity to learn from Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee teachings through storytelling, food, land and water-based experiences and celebration. Participate in part or all of the three-day event.
Manitoulin Island is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe and Odawa peoples, within lands protected by the Manitoulin Island Treaty 45 and 94.
When: June 19–21, 2025
Where: Wikwemikong, Manitoulin Island
National Indigenous Peoples’ Day of Learning, Midland
On National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Huronia Historical Parks is proud to help highlight the accomplishments and innovations of Indigenous Peoples with an educational celebration on June 19, a free online learning event launching June 20 and a lacrosse-focused celebration on June 21.
Learn directly from First Nations and Métis experts and allies at this dynamic, education-focused celebration of Indigenous cultures at Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons.
In addition, visit the Anishinaabewin Maamninendimowin: Pane Gii-Bite exhibit, also known as Indigenous Ingenuity: Timeless Inventions, now hosted at Sainte-Marie. Presented by Indigenous Tourism Ontario and Science North, this captivating exhibit blends science and culture to ignite pride and appreciation for the incredible innovations of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
Huronia Historical Parks is on lands which are the traditional and treaty territory of the Anishinaabeg People, now known as the Chippewa Tri-Council comprised of Beausoleil First Nation, Rama First Nation and Georgina Island First Nation. The lands were also the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat People.
When: June 19–21, 2025
Where: Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons, 16164 Highway 12 East, Midland
National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025, Mississauga
In collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Celebrate Square in Mississauga will host a line-up of exciting events and performances in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
The city of Mississauga is on land included in the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississaugas.
When: June 21, 2025
Where: Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga
National Indigenous Peoples Day, Thunder Bay
Head to Marina Park in downtown Thunder Bay for a full day of free events, food, celebration and a Pow Wow.
The city of Thunder Bay is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinabek Nation, which includes the Ojibwa of Fort William First Nation, signatory to the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850.
When: June 21, 2025
Where: Marina Park Drive, Thunder Bay
Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival (NIFF), Peterborough
Take in theatre, music, poetry, dance and more performed by Indigenous multi-disciplinary artists and actors from across Ontario at this uncensored Indigenous fringe festival.
Several companies perform during the multi-day festival following a special opening ceremony to kick off the event and commemorate Indigenous Peoples Day.
Fringe festivals are uncensored, experimental theatre experiences that explore non-traditional styles and themes and support independent companies and artists. NIFF is a member of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals.
Shows take place in an outdoor venue adjacent to the Enwayaang Building of Gzowski College on the East Bank campus of Trent University in Peterborough. Tickets are available online from the Showplace Performance Centre.
Trent University is located on the treaty and traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations.
When: June 19–22, 2025
Where: 1 Gzowski Way, Peterborough
Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures, Gravenhurst
Misko-Aki: Confluence of Culture is one of three exhibits at the Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst that tell the Muskoka Story.
Curated by Tim Johnson, the exhibit covers the Indigenous history in Muskoka for over 10,000 years. It also educates settlers on the significance of, and respect for, the traditional inhabitants of the lands and waterways of the region.
The second two displays are Life on the Edge of the Shield: 250 years of settler history and Wanda III: Steam to Green, featuring the electrification of a steamship.
Muskoka is in the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg, which includes the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi Nations.
Where: Muskoka Discovery Centre, 275 Steamship Bay Road, Gravenhurst
Weengushk International Film Festival (WIFF), Manitoulin Island
The annual Weengushk International Film Festival is a not-for-profit, Indigenous-run, independent film festival that showcases Indigenous voices and explores human rights and social and environmental issues.
It honours award-winning and burgeoning filmmakers and Indigenous leaders and features films, workshops, musical performances, an opening night and a gala awards event.
Manitoulin Island is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg and Odawa peoples, within lands protected by the Manitoulin Island Treaty 45 and 94.
When: July 18–20, 2025
Where: Manitoulin Island
Pow Wows across Ontario
Pow Wows are vibrant social and spiritual gatherings where First Nations communities come together to honour their cultures, traditions and connection to the land. These events feature music, song, dance, food and storytelling, and are a time for renewing friendships and celebrating Indigenous identity.
For non-Indigenous people, attending a Pow Wow is a great privilege and a meaningful opportunity to learn and show respect. The Master of Ceremonies will guide the audience on appropriate etiquette, such as when to stand in respect, when to be silent and when photography is permitted.
From the Walpole Island First Nation Annual Spring Pow Wow in May and the Keepers of the Circle Pow Wow in North Cobalt on National Indigenous Peoples Day in June, through to the annual Curve Lake Pow Wow in September, find out how you can attend a Pow Wow in Ontario.
The Great Lakes Pow Wow Guide is another great resource for upcoming events.
When: Most Pow Wows take place from May through October 2025
Where: Various locations across Ontario
Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow
Experience the rich culture and heritage of the Six Nations of Grand River at the Champion of Champions Pow Wow, one of the largest Pow Wows in Ontario that invites a non-Indigenous audience. Witness the dazzling display of incredibly talented competitive dancers from across Canada and the US.
The Champion of Champions Pow Wow is a long-standing tradition held at Ohsweken Speedway in the Six Nations of the Grand River Community with open-air events, food stalls and craft vendors.
When: July 26–27, 2025
Where: Ohsweken
Wake the Giant, Thunder Bay
Celebrating culture and inclusivity, this music festival focuses on creating a platform to amplify the voices of Indigenous artists, musicians and dancers.
Enjoy energizing shows by Indigenous and non-Indigenous performers, Indigenous dance, local food, a craft market and other merchandise in a welcoming environment.
The city of Thunder Bay is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinabek Nation, which includes the Ojibwa of Fort William First Nation, signatory to the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850.
When: September 6, 2025
Where: Thunder Bay Waterfront
imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, Toronto
Explore provocative, inspiring, innovative and original cinema during imagineNATIVE, the world’s largest Indigenous film and media arts festival held annually in Toronto.
The festival shines a spotlight on Indigenous media artists, filmmakers, storytellers and thought leaders from Canada and around the world and celebrates their work in film, video, radio and digital media.
imagineNATIVE aims to foster a "greater understanding of Indigenous peoples, cultures, and artistic expressions."
In addition to what’s on-screen, check out the apparel and accessories collections, as well as artist collaborations and publications in the online festival store.
imagineNATIVE takes place on land that is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat and the Mississaugas of the Credit.
When: June 3–8, 2025
Where: Toronto
This content was also produced with the guidance of Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO). ITO is dedicated to growing Indigenous tourism and supporting Indigenous People to tell their stories on their terms.
Last updated: June 13, 2025