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.
2026 National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day events in Ontario
| Date | Time (EST) | Event description | Location | Host organization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-06 to 2026-07-06 |
| imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival The 26th annual imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, the world's largest Indigenous-made media festival, features 56 Indigenous Nations across 20 countries. Screenings, exhibitions, free digital arcade, live music & more. Free TD Friday on June 5th. | TIFF Bell Lightbox Toronto, Ontario | imagineNATIVE |
| 2026-06-06 |
| Toronto's 5th Annual 2-Spirit Pow Wow Safe and welcoming space for everyone. Indigenous vendor marketplace, traditional dancing and drumming. Hosted by 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations. | Milliken District Park 5555 Steeles Ave E, Scarborough, Toronto | 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations |
| 2026-06-06 to 2026-07-06 |
| Henvey Inlet First Nation 23rd Annual Intertribal Powwow Honouring our Aanikoobijigan (Ancestors). Community feast on Saturday at 5 pm. | Henvey Inlet First Nation 994 Pickerel River Road, Pickerel, Ontario | Henvey Inlet First Nation |
| 2026-08-06 to 2026-14-06 |
| imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival The 26th annual imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, the world's largest Indigenous-made media festival, features 56 Indigenous Nations across 20 countries. Screenings, exhibitions, free digital arcade, live music & more. Free TD Friday on June 5th. | Online | imagineNATIVE |
| 2026-13-06 |
| Na-Me-Res Powwow Taking place ahead of National Indigenous Peoples Day this free, family-friendly event welcomes everyone to experience the vibrant traditions of Indigenous culture. Enjoy drumming, dancing, and singing, browse craft and food vendors, and connect with community booths. | Dufferin Grove Park 875 Dufferin Street, Toronto, Ontario | Na-Me-Res and City of Toronto |
| 2026-15-06 to 2026-25-06 |
| Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons free online learning program Discover this fantastic free online resource and further your own learning about First Nations and Métis cultures! With workshops, seminars and demonstrations led by Indigenous experts, it’s a great opportunity to learn about Indigenous cultures virtually. | Online | Huronia Historical Parks |
| 2026-18-06 |
| Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons day of learning Open to school groups and the general public, this celebration includes a full-day of hands-on learning about First Nations and Métis cultures. Watch large drum performances by the Eagle Flight Singers. Listen to traditional stories in the longhouse. Play Indigenous games and make crafts. Taste delicious three sisters soup. And so much more! | Sainte-Marie Park (Hwy 12) Wye Valley Rd, Midland, Ontario | Huronia Historical Parks |
| 2026-18-06 |
| Wabano Igniting the Spirit Gala 2026 Thursday June 18, 2026, 5–9:30 PM at Ottawa Conference and Event Centre. Annual NIPD gala raising funds for Wabano's Indigenous health programs. Online auction opens June 12. Advance tickets required. | Ottawa Conference and Event Centre 200 Coventry Road, Ottawa, Ontario | Wabano Centre |
| 2026-19-06 |
| National Indigenous Peoples Day (Hamilton)
Local food trucks | West Harbour (James Street Plaza) 3 Guise Street, Hamilton, Ontario | City of Hamilton |
| 2026-19-06 to 2026-20-06 |
| Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre 23rd Annual Pow Wow Our 23rd Annual Traditional Pow Wow & National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration will be held on Friday June 19th and Saturday June 20th 2026. | Sainte-Marie Park (Hwy 12) Wye Valley Rd, Midland, Ontario | Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre |
| 2026-20-06 |
| Indigenous Arts Festival The Indigenous Arts Festival is an annual celebration of traditional and contemporary Indigenous music, dance, theatre, storytelling, film, crafts and culinary experiences.The City supports the Indigenous Arts Festival in partnership with founding partners the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and this year’s festival partner Tkaranto Music Festival. | Biidaasige Park 51 Commissioners St, Toronto, Ontario | City of Toronto |
| 2026-20-06 |
| National Indigenous Peoples Day (Brampton) Enjoy live music and shop one of a kind creations from local Indigenous- owned businesses. | Ken Whillans Square 2 Wellington St W, Brampton, Ontario | City of Brampton |
| 2026-20-06 |
| Indigenous Storytelling & Live Music (Aurora) Celebrate the rich cultural diversity and living traditions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples at this special community gathering in Aurora’s Town Park. Join us for a morning of storytelling, music and connection, as we honour Indigenous voices and experiences. Bring your curiosity, your family, and your sense of community. This event is open to all and designed to foster understanding, celebration and connection. | Town Park Aurora 49 Wells Street, Aurora, Ontario | Town of Aurora |
| 2026-20-06 to 2026-21-06 |
| Na-Me-Res Powwow & Indigenous Arts Festival (Fort York) On NIPD, Huronia Historical Parks highlights Indigenous accomplishments with an educational celebration on June 19, a free online learning event June 20, and a lacrosse-focused celebration June 21. Features the 'Indigenous Ingenuity: Timeless Inventions' exhibit. | Fort York National Historic Site 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, Ontario | Na-Me-Res and City of Toronto |
| 2026-20-06 to 2026-21-06 |
| Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (Ottawa) Free, family-friendly multi-disciplinary arts festival celebrating First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures. Features the International Competition Pow Wow (over $100,000 in prizes), live entertainment, Indigenous Marketplace with 70+ vendors, Glow-in-the-Dark Pow Wow, Ojibwe Spirit Horses, SuperDogs, drone show and more. | Wesley Clover Parks 401 Corkstown Road, Nepean/Ottawa, Ontario | Indigenous Experiences |
| 2026-21-06 |
| National Indigenous Peoples Day at Fort William First Nation Full day of free events at Marina Park including Sunrise Ceremony, Drum Circles, Powwow, food and craft vendors. | Mount McKay Scenic Lookout Mount Mckay Lookout Dr., Thunder Bay, Ontario | City of Thunder Bay |
| 2026-21-06 |
| National Indigenous Peoples Day The public is encouraged to attend the ceremony and feast. | Biidaasige Park 51 Commissioners St, Toronto, Ontario | City of Toronto |
| 2026-21-06 |
| National Indigenous Peoples Day 2026 (Mississauga) Join us on June 21 at Celebration Square for a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture, creativity, and community. All programming presented in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation. | Celebration Square 300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga, Ontario | City of Mississauga |
| 2026-21-06 |
| Legends of Lacrosse The game was developed and played by First Nations peoples long before European contact. It was more than just a sport; it was a ceremonial activity that held spiritual and social importance. | Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons Midland, Ontario | Huronia Historical Parks |
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 2026 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)