National Indigenous History Month
Learn more about National Indigenous History Month and how you can participate.
Overview
June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Ontario and across Turtle Island. This month explore Indigenous cultures, heritage and events.
National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, coinciding with the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. This day is significant for many Indigenous communities and provides an opportunity to learn about the diverse cultures, stories and traditions of Indigenous peoples.
Events
Explore local activities planned for National Indigenous History Month. Attend local events such as Summer Solstice festivals or Pow Wows to deepen your understanding of Ontario's traditional territories and treaties and support Indigenous tourism, businesses and artists.
Events are offered in English only.
2025 National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day events in Ontario
| Date | Time (EST) | Event description | Location | Host organization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-02-06 to 2025-30-06 |
| Beyond Words: Dictionaries and Indigenous Languages Beyond Words: Dictionaries and Indigenous Languages will be on display at the Welcome Centre for the month of June. | The Welcome Centre, 707 Queen Street, Kincardine | The Municipality of Kincardine |
| 2025-06-06 to 2025-28-06 | Thursday to Saturday: 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Celebrating Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer Identitiy: featuring photographs by Jesse King, Kikki Guerard, John Paillé and Toronto’s Photo Laureate, Nadya Kwandibens that highlights the existence of Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer and other diverse and intersectional individuals | 30 Wellington St W Unit G114, Toronto | Collision Gallery |
2025-06-19 to 2025-06-22 | All Day | Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival 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. | Outside Enwayaang Building of Gzowski College, Trent University, Peterborough | Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival |
| 2025-06-20 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | National Indigenous Peoples Day Muskoka Tour the museums and engage with Indigenous activities and demonstrations including Snowshoe Making Demonstrations, Sacred Plants, Lacrosse and much more! | Muskoka Heritage Place, 88 Brunel Road, Huntsville, Ontario | Muskoka Heritage Place, Town of Huntsville |
| 2025-06-21 | 5:30 a.m. | Where people come together to share in offering prayers and in giving thanks for all of creation and All are welcome to stay for the Feast on the Square and a celebration by the TORONTO Sign which will be lit in the four colours of the Medicine Wheel | Nathan Phillips Square, TORONTO Sign | City of Toronto |
| 2025-06-21 | 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. | National Indigenous Peoples Day Thunder Bay Join us for Sunrise Ceremony, Drum Circles, Powwow, food, and craft vendors! | Marina Park, Marina Park Dr, Thunder Bay | City of Thunder Bay |
| 2025-06-21 | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | National Indigenous Peoples Day Aurora Celebrate and learn more about the cultural diversity of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples with Indigenous Storytelling and a live music performance by Dave Mowat and Trio happening in Aurora at Town Park. | Town Square, 50 Victoria St, Aurora | Town of Aurora |
| 2025-06-21 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | National Indigenous Peoples Day Hamilton Everyone is welcome for a free afternoon of culture, community, and celebration featuring Indigenous performances, Indigenous artisan vendors, and local food trucks. | West Harbour, James Street Plaza, 3 Guise Street, Hamilton | City of Hamilton |
| 2025-06-21 | 10 a.m. to -7 p.m. | National Indigenous Peoples Day Kenora Join us for day of traditional activities, teachings, live music, art, horse visits and much more! | KCA Youth and Family Wellness Camp, 371 Strecker Road, Kenora | Ogimaawabiitong (Kenora Chiefs Advisory) |
| 2025-06-21 | 1 p.m. | National Indigenous Peoples Day Kingston On Saturday June 21, 2025 at Confederation Park, 216 Ontario St., starting at 1 p.m. | Confederation Park, 209 Ontario Street, Kingston | City of Kingston |
| 2025-06-21 | 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. | National Indigenous Peoples Day Huntsville Join us for National Indigenous Peoples Day, in partnership with Huntsville Festival of the Arts, Hope Arises Project Inc, and Huntsville Library. | River Mill Park, Huntsville | Town of Huntsville |
| 2025-06-21 | 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. | National Indigenous Peoples Day Brampton Event durations (if noted) are approximate. Please check with the presenting organization or venue to confirm start times and duration. | Ken Whillans Square, 41 Main St S, Brampton | City of Brampton |
| 2025-06-21 | 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. | National Indigenous Peoples Day Mississauga Explore Indigenous art, music and entertainment presented in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation | Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga | City of Mississauga |
| 2025-06-21 | All Day | Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre Annual Pow Wow Join us for Sacred Fire, Raffle Draw, traditional music and dance, and more! | Sainte-Marie Park, Hwy 12 Wye Valley Rd | Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre |
| 2025-06-21 | All Day | Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival Savour Indigenous foods, register for creative workshops, shop the Indigenous Marketplace, and enjoy non-stop live entertainment. Catch the Glow-in-the-Dark Pow Wow and a spectacular drone show. The International Competition Pow Wow (all weekend) features Grammy-nominated Bear Creek and 2024 champions Battle Nation as Host Drum | Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Road, Nepean | Indigenous Experiences, National Indigenous Peoples Day Committee |
| 2025-06-21 | All Day | Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival 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. | Outside Enwayaang Building of Gzowski College, Trent University, Peterborough | Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival |
| 2025-06-21 | 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. | National Indigenous Peoples Day Mississauga Explore Indigenous art, music and entertainment presented in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation | Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga | City of Mississauga |
| 2025-06-21 | All Day | Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre Annual Pow Wow Join us for Sacred Fire, Raffle Draw, traditional music and dance, and more! | Sainte-Marie Park, Hwy 12 Wye Valley Rd | Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre |
2025-06-24 to 2025-06-25 | All Day | Join Dokis First Nation for their Sunrise Ceremony, Grand Entry, Intertribal Dancing, Specials, Community Feast, Authentic Indigenous Arts & Crafts! | Giiwejwan Traditional Grounds | Dokis First Nation |
| 2025-06-25 | 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Join Tanya Gluvako, founder of Roots and Raven, to discuss the significance and benefits of sweetgrass. Guests will learn and get the opportunity to make a sweetgrass liquid infusion/mist. | Barbara Frum, 20 Covington Road, Toronto | Tanya Gluvakov, founder of Roots and Raven |
2025-06-27 to 2025-06-29 | All Day | Couchiching First Nation Pow Wow Join Couchichng First Nation at this Powwow for an unforgettable experience filled with colorful traditional dances, captivating performances, and the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture. | Couchiching First Nation | Couchiching First Nation |
Submit an event
For an event or activity to be listed, it must:
- be in support of National Indigenous History Month or National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations
- be open to the public (either in-person or virtually)
To have an event listed on this page and featured on our social media channels, submit a request.
Note: The topics and content presented during the external partner events do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation or the Government of Ontario.
Resources
- Anishinabek Nation’s 2025 Pow Wow Guide
- Destination Ontario: Explore Indigenous Experiences
- Discover Indigenous culture and history along the TransCanada Trail
- Learn about Indigenous culture in Ontario through storytelling
- Read Indigenous from Toronto Public Library
- Screen Indigenous Films from the National Film Board of Canada
- Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (Ottawa)