Indigenous events and celebrations in 2026
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, art and science.
In addition, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a solemn occasion to recognize and commemorate the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools and to honour Survivors, their families and communities.
Below is a selection of events held throughout the year. Find more unique celebrations, tours and attractions at Native Experiences Ontario.
National Indigenous People’s Day
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. It is a time to honour and reflect on the diverse histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.
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.
The Summer Solstice Festival is produced by Indigenous Experiences and Mādahòkì Farm 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 and their descendants.
When: June 21-22, 2026
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Road, Nepean
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, 2026
Where: Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons, 16164 Highway 12 East, Midland
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, 2026
Pow Wows and festivals
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 First Nation 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.
Most Pow Wows take place from May through October. Below is a selection of notable Pow Wows scheduled for 2026. Find more Pow Wows across Ontario. The Great Lakes Pow Wow Guide is another great resource for upcoming events.
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, 2026
Where: Ohsweken
Curve Lake Traditional Pow Wow
Join the annual Traditional Pow Wow for a celebration of ceremony, dance and song.
Located northeast of Peterborough, on a peninsula between Buckhorn and Chemong Lakes, Curve Lake First Nation is an Anishinaabe (Ojibway) community and a signatory to the Williams Treaties.
When: September 2026, check back for exact dates
Where: 70 Whetung Street East, Curve Lake First Nation
Walpole Island First Nation Harvest Moon Pow Wow
Attend the annual Harvest Moon Pow Wow for incredible dance and drumming, as well as First Nation crafts and food vendors.
Walpole Island is located at the mouth of the Saint Clair River in Southwestern Ontario. The unceded territory is home to Ojibwe, Potawatomi and Odawa Peoples of the Walpole Island First Nation.
When: September 2026, check back for exact dates
Where: High Banks Park, Walpole Island
Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival
Experience Anishinaabe dance, cross-cultural performances, arts, crafts and cuisine at one of the largest, longest-running Pow Wows in Northeastern North America.
The event is held at Nimkii Bineshi Kaning (Thunderbird Park) on Manitoulin Island.
Manitoulin Island is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg and Odawa peoples, within lands protected by the Manitoulin Island Treaty 45 and 94.
When: August 1–3, 2026
Where: 18 Kaboni Road, Wikwemikong
Theatre, film and music
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 17–21, 2026
Where: 1 Gzowski Way, Peterborough
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.
When: October 2026, check back for exact dates
Where: Manitoulin Island
Wake the Giant, Thunder Bay
Celebrating culture and inclusivity, this music festival creates 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 2026, check back for exact dates
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 at various venues in Toronto, including TIFF Bell Lightbox.
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.
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 2–7, 2026 (and online June 8–14)
Where: Toronto
Notable exhibits
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 Indigenous history in Muskoka over the past 10,000 years. It also educates settlers about the significance and respect for the traditional inhabitants of the region's lands and waterways.
The next two displays are Life on the Edge of the Shield: 250 years of settler history and Wanda III: Steam to Green, which features 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
Attending an Indigenous event or celebration is an opportunity to learn about and honour First Nations Peoples, celebrate their culture and take positive steps towards reconciliation.
This content was 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: March 10, 2026