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5 ways to celebrate National Indigenous People's Day near Ottawa
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June is National Indigenous History Month, and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Across eastern Ontario and western Quebec, there are no shortage of ways to celebrate and learn about Indigenous culture and history.
This list is not a comprehensive collection, rather a sample — organizers near you may have something else in the works.
Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
Location: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd, Nepean
Hosted by: Indigenous Experiences
For more than two decades, the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival has been uniting Indigenous cultures with this free event. The event will run both Saturday and Sunday. It includes community celebrations, cultural activities, culinary delights and an international competition powwow.
This year's festival features Indian Relay Racing for the first time, which organizer Trina Samard calls one of the world's "first extreme sports." Riders will ride bareback on horses, switching on and off throughout the race.
Indigenous pop-up market
Location: Bytown Museum, 1 Canal Lane, Ottawa
Hosted by: Bytown Museum
Interested in trying your hand at a new craft or exploring traditional medicines in a hands-on way? The Bytown Museum is hosting an Indigenous pop-up market from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The event will include vendors from First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists, so you can take home a work of art, too.
Gatineau-Maniwaki Native Friendship Centre celebrations
Location: Asticou Centre, 241 Boulevard de la Cité-des-Jeunes, Gatineau
Hosted by: Gatineau-Maniwaki Native Friendship Centre
The Gatineau-Maniwaki Native Friendship Centre is hosting its own soirée, promising a day of "sharing, culture and pride." It's taking place at the new Gatineau location of the friendship centre, where new flavours and artwork from several nations will be available for visitors to experience.
Kingston National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
Location: Confederation Park, Kingston
Hosted by: Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest, City of Kingston
Kingston's celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day includes musicians, dancers and storytellers. The lineup includes an Ollin Drum show by St Pierre drummers and singers, traditional grass dancing by The Ward Brothers, and a musical performance by Tyendinaga-raised pop musician Noelle Maracle.
Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na Parade
A parade through Tyendinaga will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na, the region's language school.
It will be followed by games, crafts and music. Visitors will also have a chance to fill out a card for a time capsule to be opened in another 25 years.
