National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a National celebration of the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis throughout Canada. Huronia Historical Parks is proud to be a part of highlighting these achievements through our educational focused celebration each year. The Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, as National Indigenous Peoples Day.

For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year. It has been a nationally recognized day since 1996.

This event will encompass a wide variety of unique Indigenous cultural and historical demonstrations such as music, art and traditional teachings, curated through pre-recorded videos, hosted by Huronia Historical Parks and recorded by various Indigenous presenters.

Examples of current programming include:
● Indigenous drum making
● Historic Lacrosse stick making, and teachings of the Lacrosse game
● Drumming and dancing demonstrations
● Birch bark demonstrations – canoe and basket making
● Indigenous artist workshops
● Indigenous museum curator sessions
● Indigenous culinary demonstrations

Event Highlights and Features
● Access to over 25 unique presenters, demonstrations & workshops
● Event premiere viewing on June 21
● On-demand recordings available after the event

Who should attend?
We invite educators, their classes and members of the public to join us online for this educational & engaging experience. This year, we are pleased to offer an all-virtual online programming experience. This event is hosted with the educational spirit of inclusiveness, understanding and comradery.

Save the Date: Tuesday, June 21 from 10am – 3pm

* The historic site and indoor museum are open until 5 pm (last admission at 4 pm).

This event will encompass a wide variety of unique Indigenous cultural and historical demonstrations such as music, art and traditional teachings.

Examples of event programming include:

● Drumming and dancing demonstrations
● Tasting three sister soup and corn bread
● Corn husk dolls and okies workshop
● Canoe display and wigwam work
● Garden and animal presentations with our new Agriculture Worker
● Lacrosse, speed net and storytelling presentations with special guest, Chris Walser
● Indigenous art presentations
● Indigenous artisans market

Scheduled presentations:
● Waterway demonstration
● Presentation in the hospital
● Fire starting techniques
● Story telling in the Longhouse
● Indigenous Games