June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to celebrate and recognize the diverse cultures, unique heritage and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Here in Ontario, there are all kinds of celebrations and interesting activities and events to mark the day. Check out five of our 2025 favourites for you to consider plus ideas on what to do and where to stay nearby.
Fun things to do: This festival takes place at Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa. Highlights include the International Competition Pow Wow featuring top host drums Bear Creek and Battle Nation, a Glow-in-the-Dark Pow Wow, drone show, workshops, Indigenous cuisine, and family activities like axe throwing and Inuit Games. Additional programming will take place throughout June at venues such as the National Arts Centre and Canadian Museum of History. Admission is free.
What’s nearby: Makatew Workshops offers artisanal workshops, shopping and other events. Beandigen Cafe offers fresh coffee along with bannock and other beverages and snacks—the cafe also showcases local Indigenous art.
Where to stay: Camping is available at Wesley Clover Parks Campground. SSIF offers three designated camping options: tent sites, 30-amp sites with water, and 15-amp sites.
More info: Summer Solstice Festival
Fun things to do: The Two Nations Cultural Experience returns June 19–21, 2025, through a partnership between Wikwemikong Tourism and Six Nations Tourism. This three-day cultural gathering offers immersive Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee teachings through guided hikes, storytelling, traditional food, and land-based learning. Highlights include a starlit Medicine Hike at Point Grondine Park, a canoe journey from Killarney to Wiikwemkoong tracing ancestral water routes, and a vibrant Summer Solstice Pow Wow on National Indigenous Peoples Day. Open to all, the event fosters cross-cultural understanding and celebrates the enduring friendship between the two Nations. Pre-registration is required.
What’s nearby: Make an appointment to view Indigenous artwork at Mishibinijima Private Art Gallery or discover museum exhibits, art exhibits, and cultural programs at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation. Seasons Family Restaurant in M’Chigeeng offers hearty fare and Lillian’s Crafts features beautiful First Nations arts and crafts, such as hand-crafted quill boxes. The Manitoulin Brewing Company is also worth a visit for tours and tastings.
Where to stay: Indigenous-owned accommodations on Manitoulin Island include the Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre, Island Sunrise Cottages, and The Rainbow Lodge.
More info: Wikwemikong Tourism on Facebook
Fun things to do: The unjuried, uncensored Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival (NIFF) takes place June 19 to 22 and showcases unique and vibrant performances by independent Indigenous performers. Enjoy lively, thought-provoking acts. In addition to performances, there are gatherings and workshops in theatre, dance, music, and comedy by emerging talents who have been chosen by lottery and receive mentorship from senior Indigenous artists.
What’s nearby: Whetung Ojibwe Centre in Curve Lake First Nation has a beautiful collection of Native fine art, crafts, jewelry, leatherwork, sculptures, and more by local community members as well as other Indigenous artists across Canada. Or, head out on a guided fishing trip in the Kawarthas Lakes region with the Indigenous-owned Williams Outfitters.
Where to stay: Lil Crow Cabin
Fun things to do: July 4 to July 6, 2025. From the sunrise ceremonies at dawn to the afternoon pow wow (grand entry at 1 pm) to the community feast at 5 pm, there are no shortage of activities at the celebrations held at the powwow grounds at Anemki Wajiw - Fort William First Nation, adjacent to Thunder Bay. Drumming, singing, dancing, food and craft vendors are all part of the appeal.
What’s nearby: Shop for jewelry and other gifts at Sister Bear Designs. Visit here to learn more about this family of artists. A bit further afield, kick off a wilderness canoe trip in Quetico Provincial Park with Voyageur Wilderness or travel west to Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah Nung (Manitou Mounds) near Rainy River, a fascinating historical and cultural site that has long been an Ojibwe gathering place.
Where to stay: The Métis-owned Haven Hostel in downtown Thunder Bay offers boho-chic private rooms and shared accommodations just steps from the waterfront district. Elsewhere in Northwestern Ontario within a few hours of Thunder Bay, consider Pic River Guest Suite and Mahkwa Lodge.
More info: Fort William First Nation
Fun things to do: The National Indigenous Peoples Day Pow Wow will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Bell Park Amphitheatre Grounds in Sudbury, Ontario, with the Grand Entry scheduled for 11:00 AM with a community giveaway at 3:15PM. This event, hosted by the N'Swakamok Native Friendship Centre, invites the public to celebrate Indigenous cultures through traditional drumming with host drum Chigeezis, co-host Spirit Bear Singers, and invited drum Giigidoo Nimkii, dancing, and storytelling . Attendees are encouraged to respect cultural protocols, such as seeking permission before taking photos and refraining from touching dancers' regalia. The pow wow offers an opportunity for community members to engage with Indigenous traditions and celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in a meaningful way.
