How to experience Indigenous culture in Canada this summer
National Indigenous History Month is celebrated in June across Canada, but the entire summer is the perfect season to experience the country’s First Nations culture…
Summer solstice, otherwise known as the longest day of the year, is celebrated around the world in a variety of ways, from gatherings at ancient monuments to dancing around maypoles. But it’s also seen as important day for First Nations communities around the world.
And so it’s no coincidence that Canada’ National Indigenous Peoples Day falls at the same time as the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. Celebrated on 21 June annually, the national day honours the array of cultures, languages and traditions of Canada’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples. These communities use this time of year of to reflect and acknowledge the land, living creatures, and their ancestors who have inhabited Canada for near 14,000 years.
Although just one day, it marks the beginning of a season filled with Indigenous cultural events across the country, many of which visitors can also experience when visiting Canada.
Three ways to experience Canadian Indigenous culture in summer
Celebrate summer solstice in Ontario
Year-round, the Mādahòkì Farm in Nepean, Ontario is home to Indigenous agritourism experiences, as well as looking after a small herd of rare Ojibwe spirit horses. It also so happens to be the venue of the annual Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, uniting First Nations artists, craftmakers, performers and educators for a five-day event.
The programme includes workshops and live demonstrations for making items such as wigwams, dreamcatchers and Indigenous cuisine. The main Celebration Stage will feature performances by Inuit throat singing and hoop dancing, but one of the main draws of the festival is its vibrant Pow Wow Competition.
Recent years have seen a modern twist to the event: a drone show that illuminates the sky with heritage stories and symbols, such as the bison – but it really can’t compare to the spiritual and cultural teachings told through Indigenous storytelling, author readings and oral histories.
Non-Indigenous visitors are welcome to come along and observe the performances and take part in activities.
Attend a Pow Wow
Pow Wows are powerful Indigenous gatherings that take place not just in Canada but across North America. The Pow Wow season often begins around the time of summer solstice through to September, with events taking place across Canada’s provinces and territories. Each event sees the coming together of First Nation communities from multiple generations and promises dancing, music and colourful regalia (traditional clothing).
The Kamloopa Pow Wow in British Columbia takes place at 28-30 June, celebrating its 43rd year in 2024 with more than 500 participants from across North America. Elsewhere, the the Calgary Stampede Pow Wow takes place 7-8 July, one of the country’s largest Pow Wows, whereas the Traditional Pow Wow presented by the Sweetgrass First Nation in Saskatchewan will run from 16-17 July.
For more information on Pow Wows in Quebec, Manitoba, Atlantic Canada and other provinces, go to indigenoustourism.ca. Non-Indigenous attendees are often welcome to spectate, but do check before visiting.
Visit an Indigenous cultural centre or museum
Although the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival and Pow Wows are exciting experiences, there are several other ways to learn about First Nations culture without planning your visit around an event.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon has been an important gathering site for Indigenous Canadians for more than 6,400 years. The park is a living reminder of people’s relationship with the land, with a newly refurbished visitor centre displaying interactive exhibitions and presentation spaces that tell the story of the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples. Visitors can even stay overnight in a traditional Cree-style tipi.
In British Columbia, Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is the heart of the Whistler’s authentic Indigenous culture. Visitors here can learn about two distinct First Nation cultures – the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and the Lil̓wat7úl – by taking a guided tour of the museum. Its displays include canoes, carved house posts, regalia and artwork. You can also get hands-on by booking one of the many craft workshops, making items such as mini drums and dreamcatchers.
Whitehorse in the northwest territory of Yukon might be best known for its Gold Rush of 1897, but Indigenous people lived in this region for thousands of years before their lives were uprooted. The Kwalin Dün Cultural Centre sits on the banks of Chu Nínkwän (Yukon River) and reclaims its ancestral home. As well as hosting various celebrations and functions throughout the year, the centre is home to a number of cultural artefacts (some of which are on display), a sewing circle and an artist-in-residency programme which showcases Indigenous art.