Join the Party! Order Your SSIMA's Spirit Feast Enjoy a fully-prepared, home-delivered Dinner for Two by Chef Trudy Metcalfe Coe while tuning in to The SSIMAs Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards presented by TD Bank Group. (Streaming on Facebook and YouTube) MENU Arctic Char Spanakopita Venison Bourguignon Savory Pallauga Biscuit Wild Rice and Corn Salad...
A 45-minute guided workshop to craft a beautiful Inuit Sealskin keychain with Inuk artist Carissa Metcalfe-Coe.Purchase this event kit and all required materials will be delivered to your door, or purchase your own materials and follow along with the video instruction. This event will be available for on-demand viewing following the live presentation June 12....
The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (SSIF) proudly announced TD Bank as presenting sponsor of its inaugural SSIMAs (Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards) and released the list of finalists. The Awards span 18 categories, celebrating Indigenous solo artists, duos and groups from across Canada by showcasing the diverse and growing music and culture of Indigenous artistic...
Create a beautiful meal of fresh Ontario rainbow trout sourced from an Indigenous supplier, paired with a delicious medley of traditional corn and fresh herbs with wild ramps, instructed by culinary expert, Chef Joseph Shawana. Meal Kits available for 2 or 4 guests.
If you live in Ottawa, you can register for this June 13th workshop and all required materials will be delivered to your door for that date.
Delivery to GTA, Manitoulin Island and Sudbury Region is now available on June 18th and 19th.
Metis Jigging - Praire Fire Jiggers Inuit Throat Singers - Tarniriik Pow Wow Teachings - Indigenous Experiences Pre-registered students and teachers from across Canada are invited to join Prairie Fire for a workshop designed to teach audiences about Metis culture and the joy of the jig. Tarniriik continues to share and perform Inuit throatsinging. Indigenous...
Every year on September 30th, we wear orange shirts to honour residential school survivors. Orange Shirt Day grew out of Phyllis Webstad’s story of having her shiny new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school at residential school: a story told for the first time in May 2013 that subsequently became Phyllis'...
Learn about plants and their medicines through a “how to” Metis floral style drawing session with Jaime Morse, Michif from northern Alberta. Participants* will receive materials required to design their creation from the Handmade Drum workshop, or a print-at-home PDF stencil. Register for this workshop and all required materials will be delivered to your door,...
Create a beautiful meal of fresh Ontario rainbow trout sourced from an Indigenous supplier, paired with a delicious medley of traditional corn and fresh herbs with wild ramps, instructed by culinary expert, Chef Joseph Shawana. Meal Kits available for 2 or 4 guests.
If you live in Ottawa, you can register for this June 13th workshop and all required materials will be delivered to your door for that date.
Delivery to GTA, Manitoulin Island and Sudbury Region is now available on June 18th and 19th.
Produced in collaboration with the International Indigenous Music Summit (IIMS), 16 Indigenous artists from across “Canada” will be showcased in 16 short documentaries, produced by Jennifer Podemski and directed by Sarain Fox. Each artist will tell a visual story of their work, highlighting perspectives and meditations on connection to land/place, identity, and their creative process....
Paint a 14-inch pine wooden paddle with Claire Brascoupé. Learn the fascinating Algonquin story of the first paddle while Claire demonstrates techniques to paint your paddle with Algonquin medicinal plants. Register for this workshop and all required materials will be delivered to your door, or purchase your own materials and follow along with the video...
Chef Billy Alexander guides participants in the preparation of an amazing meal featuring Venison loin rack, a sweet sauce made with torched sweetgrass and a Beet, Butternut Squash stack with traditional corn. Meal kits are available for 2 or 4 guests. Register for this workshop and all required materials will be delivered to your door...
Create spectacular flour tortillas and delicious fish tacos made with fresh Ontario Walleye sourced from an Indigenous supplier, paired with a Hominy Corn salsa with Chef Justine Deschenes.
Meal kits are available for 2 or 4 guests.
Register for this workshop and all required materials will be delivered to your door (Ottawa only), or purchase your own materials and follow along with the video instruction. This event will be available for on-demand viewing following the live presentation, June 21.
LEARN about the history of the residential school system, and its impacts on the Indigenous people of Canada. WATCH THE VIDEO Where are the Children, Healing the Legacy of the Residential Schools. Download Messenger Of Change activity booklet.Several weeks ago, the Indigenous community was devastated by the discovery of the...
Chef Billy Alexander guides participants in the preparation of an amazing meal featuring Venison loin rack, a sweet sauce made with torched sweetgrass and a Beet, Butternut Squash stack with traditional corn. Meal kits are available for 2 or 4 guests. Register for this workshop and all required materials will be delivered to your door...
Workshop is available to purchase throughout the month of June. A 45-minute guided workshop to craft a beautiful Inuit Sealskin keychain with Inuk artist Carissa Metcalfe-Coe. Purchase this event kit and all required materials will be delivered to your door, or register for free and receive a list of required items to participate. $15 +...
Video is available to registered participants throughout the month of June. Pre-registered Students/Teachers from Across Canada are invited to this pre-recorded art workshop with Emily Hoefler-Brascoupé. Collect flat natural objects, like leaves, flowers, flat pebbles, feathers and other items found in nature, to create prints from these natural materials.
Workshop is available to purchase throughout the month of June. Jaime Morse (formerly Koebel) is Nehiyaw/Michif (Cree/Métis) from Lac La Biche, AB and has lived in Ottawa since 2000. She is an Indigenous arts activator, activating stories and teachings of social, political and cultural matters through Indigenous arts and culture. As an artist, one of...
Video is available throughout the month of June. Blackened Arctic Char, Dilled Butter Peas and Mashed Potatoes $55.00 + shipping Originally from Nain, Nunatsiavut, the Inuit Land Claims region in Northern Labrador, Inuk Chef Trudy Metcalfe-Coe has called Ottawa home for thirty plus years. Trudy started cooking around the age of twelve and takes pleasure...
Video is available to registered participants throughout the month of June. Pre-registered Students/Teachers from Across Canada are invited to this pre-recorded art workshop with Aalla. Inuit Games began in the harsh environment of the Arctic where agility, strength and endurance are necessary for survival. These games were born out of a need to maintain fitness,...
Workshop is available to purchase throughout the month of June. This workshop is designed to teach classic hand sewing techniques in beading and leatherwork. Participants will learn the art of puckered toe moccasin-making from skilled Indigenous artisan and Storyboot School instructor Trip Charbs. Trip will guide you through the steps of creating moccasins by hand...
Video is available to registered participants throughout the month of June. Twin Flames Chelsey June (Métis) and Jaaji (Inuk, Mohawk) take listeners on a musical journey across Canada and the Arctic, echoing the voices of their ancestors and depicting life on the land. This interactive show features original songs, thought-provoking stories and an introduction to...
Workshop is available to purchase throughout the month of June. Birch bark biting is a traditional Cree art. The art form is done by separating thin pieces of birch bark and folding the bark many times. Then the artist places it between their teeth and bites down on the bark. The bark is rotated several...
Video is available throughout the month of June. Smoked Game BBQ Box with Homemade Bison Burgers, Venison Sausage and Wild Rice Salad $45.00 + shipping Paul Owl is from the Serpent River First Nation, on the northern tip of Lake Huron born and raised. He has faced many challenges, successes and failures. A true entrepreneur,...
Video is available to registered participants throughout the month of June. Michael Kusugak grew up in Repulse Bay, NWT (now Nunavut). During his childhood, his family travelled by dog sled, living a traditional Inuit lifestyle. He is the author of twelve children’s books, including: being co-writer of A Promise Is a Promise (with Robert Munsch).
Workshop is available to purchase throughout the month of June. Paint a 14-inch pine wooden paddle with Claire Brascoupé. Claire demonstrates techniques to paint your paddle inspired by Algonquin medicinal plants and the plant life that surrounds us. $20 + Shipping
Video is available to registered participants throughout the month of June. Meet world champion hoop dancer Dallas Arcand as he shares the history and cultural connections and teachings of the hoop dance.
Workshop is available to purchase throughout the month of June. In this virtual workshop with Mi’kmaw Artist Melissa Peter-Paul, you will be learning how to make a 8 pointed star with porcupine quills, birch bark, sinew and sweetgrass. All the materials used in this workshop are harvested by her and her family in Epekwitk (PEI)....
SILLA AND RISE - 2021 ARTISTIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR WINNER | 2021 INUIT ARTIST OF THE YEAR WINNER Silla and Rise blend Inuit throat-singing and futuristic dancefloor beats. Silla are Cynthia Pitsiulak, Charlotte Qamaniq and Charlotte Carleton, all from communities in Nunavut. Rise is Ottawa’s Rise Ashen, a Juno Award nominated global-grooves producer, DJ...
INUIT THROAT SINGING (SUNSDRUM) Sunsdrum consists of Heidi Langille and Lynda Brown. Located in Ottawa, they have travelled nationally and internationally demonstrating traditional and contemporary Inuit throat singing, drum dancing, and games—as well as providing interactive workshops on the history of the Inuit, and their current realities. POW WOW DANCE Pow Wows are a celebration...
SILLA AND RISE - 2021 ARTISTIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR WINNER | 2021 INUIT ARTIST OF THE YEAR WINNER Silla and Rise blend Inuit throat-singing and futuristic dancefloor beats. Silla are Cynthia Pitsiulak, Charlotte Qamaniq and Charlotte Carleton, all from communities in Nunavut. Rise is Ottawa’s Rise Ashen, a Juno Award nominated global-grooves producer, DJ...
Video is available to registered participants throughout the month of June. Join elders, musicians, and community youth groups as they take you on a journey of culture, elders teachings, stories and music from a region to educate you about Chanie Wenjack, a young life lost at Residential school. We will offer two different sessions based...
JOEL WOOD (NORTHERN CREE) - 2021 HAND DRUM/FIDDLE/INSTRUMENTAL OF THE YEAR WINNER Joel Wood is a Cree musician from Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada. His album Singing Is Healing was a Juno Award nominee for Traditional Indigenous Artist of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2022. He was a member of the group Northern Cree before...
Video is available to registered participants throughout the month of June. Join elders, musicians, and community youth groups as they take you on a journey of culture, elders teachings, stories and music from a region to educate you about Chanie Wenjack, a young life lost at Residential school. We will offer two different sessions based...
Traditional Inuit throat singing is a game or competition usually done with two women. There is a leader and a follower, the leader sets the rhythm, the pace and the sound, and the follower repeats the sound.
Dallas is a three-time World Champion Hoop Dancer from the Alexander (Kipohtakaw) Plains Cree Nation.
Joel Wood is a Cree musician from Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada. His album Singing Is Healing was a Juno Award nominee for Traditional Indigenous Artist of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2022. He was a member of the group Northern Cree before venturing into his solo career.
Silla and Rise blend Inuit throat-singing and futuristic dancefloor beats. Silla are Cynthia Pitsiulak, Charlotte Qamaniq and Charlotte Carleton, all from communities in Nunavut. Rise is Ottawa’s Rise Ashen, a Juno Award nominated global-grooves producer, DJ and dancer who has spent his life pursuing the intersection of traditional and futuristic music.
A contemporary roots duo featuring sibling songwriters Leela Gilday and Jay Gilday. This musical collaboration sees Jay and Leela co-write and co-create new repertoire together, harnessing their talents as deeply insightful and genuine storytellers.
To cap our National Indigenous People’s Day celebrations we are hosting a Movie Night Under the Stars featuring the 2020 Indigenous film, Run Woman Run. Run Woman Run is a drama/comedy directed by Zoe Hopkins that tells the story of a single mother reclaiming her family and dreams with the guidance of an unlikely coach.
Presented by TD Bank Group & Indigenous Tourism Ontario, Niriqatigiit (Coming Together To Eat) is a celebratory feast of foods from the arctic, prepared by two unlikely friends, chefs Trudy Metcalfe-Coe and Georges Laurier, who’ve bonded by a passion for the foods of Canada and a mutual respect that is inspiring. Featuring Muskcox, Arctic Char...
Join us for a Movie Night Under the Stars featuring the 2018 Indigenous film, The Grizzlies. Directed by Miranda de Pencier and based on a true story, The Grizzlies depicts a group of Inuit students who form a lacrosse team to combat the high suicide rates in their town of Kugluktuk, Nunavut. The Grizzlies has...
Pow Wow Pitch is a pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island to shine the spotlight on pow wow vendors, artists, business builders and innovators from all backgrounds and industries, whether just starting or looking to grow to the next level.
+ Kids Spirit Horse Colouring Station Rhonda Snow is proud Anishinabe. Rare Breeds Canada has presented her with a lifetime achievement award for her tireless work preserving the Native Pony breed. Her vivid Woodlands style canvases captivate viewers and share the knowledge which she has received from the Elders about the “small horses of the...
Create beautiful prints using natural objects like leaves, flowers, feathers and other items found in nature. *No registration required
Displays of traditional birch bark baskets will inspire you to decorate your own paper basket with Algonquin symbols in this make-and-take free workshop. Learn how these baskets were traditionally used and the meaning behind the designs. *No registration required
This workshop is designed to teach classic hand sewing techniques in beading and leatherwork. Participants will learn the art of puckered toe moccasin-making from skilled Indigenous artisan and Storyboot School instructor Trip Charbs. Trip will guide you through the steps of creating moccasins by hand including pattern-making, beadwork, design, construction and care for your finished...
Birch bark biting is a traditional Cree art. The art form is done by separating thin pieces of birch bark and folding the bark many times. Then the artist places it between their teeth and bites down on the bark. The bark is rotated several times to create the artwork. Pre-registration required*
Craft a beautiful Inuit Sealskin keychain with Inuk artist Carissa Metcalfe-Coe. Pre-registration required*
Melissa is a Mi’kmaw woman from Abegweit First Nation, located on Epekwitk. Growing up, Melissa was immersed in cultural teachings and was surrounded by a family of basket makers. Melissa’s exposure to other Mi’kmaw artforms led her to quillwork, a traditional skill in which the ancestors of her maternal grandfather excelled. Ongoing Demonstration: Saturday 10AM...
Pinock is an Algonquin from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Nation near Maniwaki, Quebec. He builds canoes with a particular interest in Algonquin birchbark canoes. Pinock has participated in many demonstrations and workshops that allow him to pass on the traditional knowledge handed down to him. Ongoing Demonstration: Saturday 10AM – 7PM | Sunday 10AM –...
Traditional Inuit throat singing is a game or competition usually done with two women. There is a leader and a follower, the leader sets the rhythm, the pace and the sound, and the follower repeats the sound.
Pow Wow Pitch is a pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island to shine the spotlight on pow wow vendors, artists, business builders and innovators from all backgrounds and industries, whether just starting or looking to grow to the next level.
DerRic is from the Tsuu Tina First Nation near Calgary, Alberta. At a young age, DerRic began learning muppet voices, and by his teens, had perfected well over two hundred. He now has a cast of over 350 voices, a cast of Puppet Characters, and a genuine knack for comedy.
WABANAKI CONFEDERACY - 2021 POW WOW TRADITIONAL/CONTEMPORARY WINNER Wabanaki Confederacy are a northern style powwow singing group based in Eastern Canada. The name Wabanaki Confederacy is a tribute to the alliance of the tribes on the East Coast. The Wabanaki Confederacy (Wabenaki, Wobanaki, translated roughly as “People of the First Light” or People of the...
Darcy is Ojibwe and Dakota. He has been raising and caring for Ojibwe horses for the past decade to help preserve the breed and the tradition of symbiotic interaction with the Ojibwe people. Runs with the Stars is his debut book, written alongside award-winning children’s author and freelance writer Heather M. O’Connor and illustrated by...
Dallas is a three-time World Champion Hoop Dancer from the Alexander (Kipohtakaw) Plains Cree Nation.
Traditional Inuit throat singing is a game or competition usually done with two women. There is a leader and a follower, the leader sets the rhythm, the pace and the sound, and the follower repeats the sound.
Pow Wow Pitch is a pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island to shine the spotlight on pow wow vendors, artists, business builders and innovators from all backgrounds and industries, whether just starting or looking to grow to the next level.
Michael is a storyteller and children’s writer. His love of storytelling began after he pleaded with his grandmother every night to tell him a story and she eventually gave in. Her stories were passed down to Michael’s children after realizing that there was little written about life in the Arctic. He has authored 12 children’s...
DerRic is from the Tsuu Tina First Nation near Calgary, Alberta. At a young age, DerRic began learning muppet voices, and by his teens, had perfected well over two hundred. He now has a cast of over 350 voices, a cast of Puppet Characters, and a genuine knack for comedy.
Pow Wow Pitch is a pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island to shine the spotlight on pow wow vendors, artists, business builders and innovators from all backgrounds and industries, whether just starting or looking to grow to the next level.
Dallas is a three-time World Champion Hoop Dancer from the Alexander (Kipohtakaw) Plains Cree Nation.
Live music to be announced.
DerRic is from the Tsuu Tina First Nation near Calgary Alberta. At a young age, DerRic began learning muppet voices, and by his teens, had perfected well over two hundred. He now has a cast of over 350 voices, a cast of Puppet Characters, and a genuine knack for comedy.
Traditional Inuit throat singing is a game or competition usually done with two women. There is a leader and a follower, the leader sets the rhythm, the pace and the sound, and the follower repeats the sound.
Safari Jeff educates and captivates with his intriguing live reptiles and stunning HD multi media experience. Guests are treated to memorable moments, as this interactive event offers a “hands-on” experience with amazing reptiles for enthusiasts. Learn about the ecosystem, balances in nature, roles of wildlife and ancient dinosaur history all in one event.
DerRic is from the Tsuu Tina First Nation near Calgary Alberta. At a young age, DerRic began learning muppet voices, and by his teens, had perfected well over two hundred. He now has a cast of over 350 voices, a cast of Puppet Characters, and a genuine knack for comedy.
Dallas is a three-time World Champion Hoop Dancer from the Alexander (Kipohtakaw) Plains Cree Nation.
Traditional Inuit throat singing is a game or competition usually done with two women. There is a leader and a follower, the leader sets the rhythm, the pace and the sound, and the follower repeats the sound.
Safari Jeff educates and captivates with his intriguing live reptiles and stunning HD multi media experience. Guests are treated to memorable moments, as this interactive event offers a “hands-on” experience with amazing reptiles for enthusiasts. Learn about the ecosystem, balances in nature, roles of wildlife and ancient dinosaur history all in one event.
“Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer is so relentlessly irreverent and surprising... For the majority of the show, I was grinning my face off.” OTTAWA PREMIERE NAC Indigenous Theatre in association with Theatre Calgary presents the Belfry Theatre and Savage Society production of Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer. From director and Governor General’s Award-winning playwright Kevin...
Bring out your inner artist with this interactive workshop! Guests will create their own Woodland style masterpiece from our selection of stencils based on woodland style art of the the Wolf. This workshop is focused on illustrating your own Wolf with our Indigenous ambassador, while learning more about their cultural connections to our Indigenous stories....
Join us for a Community Art Build to create and paint screen-print banners in support of the #ReconcileThis movement, facilitated by artist Mariah Meawasige. This free, drop-in workshop will be an opportunity to learn about the initiative while engaging creatively in this participatory art-making event. All materials will be provided, come as you are, feel free to bring...
National Indigenous History Month in the Byward Market Indigenous Vendors Every Weekend SIMMA Music Showcase Sunday June 4th 12-5pm George St Plaza
Join us for a Community Art Build to create and paint screen-print banners in support of the #ReconcileThis movement, facilitated by artist Mariah Meawasige. This free, drop-in workshop will be an opportunity to learn about the initiative while engaging creatively in this participatory art-making event. All materials will be provided, come as you are, feel free to bring...
Come join us for this two-hour life-drawing session where you can capture the dynamic beauty of powwow dances and their regalia on your own paper. Participants will bring their own material and work with art facilitators to create drawings that capture both the movement of the dancers and their regalia. Suitable intermediate to advanced artists....
The SSIMAs (Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards), a celebration of artistic excellence and accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit and Metis musicians from across the country, hit the National Arts Centre stage LIVE on June 6th in Ottawa. Seventeen awards selected from 250 Canada-wide submissions will be handed out including two international categories and a musical...
Got Land? is a stand-up comedy variety show where First Nation, Inuit, and Metis entertainers tell jokes and share individual life stories. So keep your ear to the ground and your eyes to the skies, as Got Land? brings its unique style of comedy to National Indigenous History Month! Tell your cousins! FEATURING Don Kelly Janelle Niles Nicole...
Come join us for this two-hour life-drawing session where you can capture the dynamic beauty of powwow dances and their regalia on your own paper. Participants will bring their own material and work with art facilitators to create drawings that capture both the movement of the dancers and their regalia. Suitable intermediate to advanced artists....
Saturday, June 17th Throat Singers: 10:00 AM and 11:15 AM; Pow Wow Style Dances: 10:30 AM and 11:45 AM Experience the excitement of song, drum and dance with live Indigenous performances in the Museum’s beautiful Grand Hall. Join us for a special weekend at the Museum where performers from Mādahòkì Farm will bring you and...
Bring out your inner artist with this interactive workshop! Guests will create their own Woodland style masterpiece from our selection of stencils based on woodland style art of the the Wolf. This workshop is focused on illustrating your own Wolf with our Indigenous ambassador, while learning more about their cultural connections to our Indigenous stories....
Gather with us in the Gail & David O’Brien Atrium as we host Indigenous artists and artisans for the Summer Indigenous Art Market at the National Arts Centre. Join in on the community spirit by supporting artists, seeing friends and connecting with arts and culture. The Indigenous Art Market features the diverse and amazing work...
Sunday, June 18th Throat Singers: 10:00 AM and 11:15 AM; Pow Wow Style Dances: 1:00 PM Experience the excitement of song, drum and dance with live Indigenous performances in the Museum’s beautiful Grand Hall. Join us for a special weekend at the Museum where performers from Mādahòkì Farm will bring you and your family closer...
