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(click the image to watch the interview)

May 22, 2024: OTTAWA

The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (SSIF) returns to Mādahòkì Farm June 21-23 with community celebrations, cultural activities, a traditional long table dinner and an international competition Pow Wow all coinciding with National Indigenous Peoples Day. 

Throughout June, Indigenous History Month, the Festival is co-presenting lunchtime concerts, art workshops, special exhibits and other authentic Indigenous programming at partner venues across the city including the National Gallery, Ottawa Public Library, National Arts Centre, Canadian Museum of History and Byward Market. 

SSIF is a multidisciplinary arts festival that brings Indigenous artists, performers, educators, students, and community members together to share knowledge and celebrate Canada’s diverse Indigenous cultures. The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is hosting this year’s festival. Algonquin artists, performers, and storytellers from Kitigan Zibi, Pikwàkanagàn First Nations, and other communities across the country will take center stage amidst programming that includes Inuit and Métis representation.  

Join us for a wonderful celebration at Mādahòkì Farm (share the land), an Indigenous gathering place, working farm and cultural attraction.  The festival is FREE to attend.  Here is some of the programming scheduled for this year.

Free Admission | Free Park & Ride Shuttle

Indigenous Day Celebration (June 21)

• Traditional Long Table Dinner (two seatings) – Feast prepared by Chef Tawnya Brant of 6 Nations of the Grand River – live performance by Logan Staats
• Glow-in-the Dark Powwow with DJ Shub
• Host Drum – Northern Cree** 
• Ojibwe Spirit Horses – Interactive Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) with Rhonda Snow**
• Mādahòkì Marketplace- Indigenous makers and farmers market**
• All day Cultural entertainment on the Celebration stage including hoop dancing, Inuit throat singers and jiggers** 
• Métis games (hatchet throwing and archery)**
• Culinary and Creative workshops including birch bark Wigwam and canoe building demonstrations**
• Free family programming, including a climbing wall and farm play – little animals, hay bales, Birds of Prey, Inukshuk building**  

Weekend Festival and Competition Pow Wow (June 22 &  June 23)

• Introduction to Pow Wow (Sat. only)
• Daily Grand Entry at 12 Noon and 6 PM (Sat. only) 
• International Competition Pow Wow with over $75,000 in prize money
• Drone Show themed “The Seven Grandfather Teachings” where 250 drones light up the night sky  (Sat.)
• **SAME as above and more!

**THERE IS NO ONSITE PUBLIC PARKING at Mādahòkì Farm.  

Convenient Park & Ride Shuttle Service from Algonquin College runs every 30 minutes.  

About Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival

Established in Ottawa in 1996, and held annually, Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (SSIF) is a multi-disciplinary arts festival that celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day.  The Festival is produced by Indigenous Experiences on behalf of the NIPD Committee, which comprises organizations representing Indigenous communities across Canada.  Programming brings together Indigenous artists, performers, educators, students, and community members to share knowledge and celebrate Canada’s diverse Indigenous cultures.  The SSIMAs (Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards) are held biannually to honour and celebrate artistic excellence and accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit and Métis musicians across Canada will return in 2025. 

SSIF is grateful to all government funders and corporate sponsors for their ongoing commitment to supporting the stewardship of Canada’s rich cultural heritage.  2024 presenting level corporate sponsors are: BMO Financial Group, CN Railway, Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation, TD Bank Group 

CBC Ottawa

Lynn Saxburg, Ottawa Citizen