Celebrations of Indigenous culture and traditions: What are the Indigenous festivals in Canada?

Manitoba Ahbee Festival, Manitoba

The Manitoba Ahbee Festival takes place every September and attracts more than 20,000 visitors - most from outside the province.

It is one of the largest indigenous arts and culture festivals in North America. This gathering celebrates indigenous culture and heritage with the goal of unifying, educating and inspiring. A sacred fire is lit at the start of the festival, and it burns until the end of the festivities. Many activities take place during these few days. For example, there is the Indigenous Music Prize and also one of the largest Pow Wows in North America. It is the largest internationally competitive powwow in Canada and the second largest in North America.

Sport, music and dance also play a big role during Manitoba Ahbee: from Aboriginal songs to gospel to round or square dancing. Cuisine is another pivotal element of this festival. There is a pavilion entirely dedicated to indigenous culinary arts, as well as a culinary competition for indigenous chefs. The Manitoba Ahbee festival is held on territory that was closed to First Nations until 1960

In Ontario

Several major Indigenous festivals take place in the province of Ontario.

imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, Toronto

This festival highlights indigenous cinema in the city of Toronto. The 2023 edition takes place in October in Anishinaabe, Mississaugas du Crédit, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee territories.

For indigenous peoples, and especially their creatives, it is a safe place to meet and exchange. This type of festival allows them to reclaim the narrative of their lives, a highly symbolic gesture when they collectively remember their painful past.

This festival also aims to put these young creatives in contact with relevant organizations in the media field. The organizers are keen to enable them to benefit from the various opportunities available in the sector, through mentoring, sponsorship or training for example.

The Midsummer Indigenous Festival in Ottawa

This June festival is an opportunity to celebrate the summer solstice on June 21, but also to celebrate the cultures, heritage, knowledge, arts and know-how of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit . During the festival, visitors can attend artistic performances, make culinary discoveries or even participate in arts and crafts workshops. They can find many Canadian products of Aboriginal origin there, including jewelry. The Midsummer Indigenous Festival is held on the traditional, unceded territories of the Algonquin peoples.

The Toronto Pow Wow

It is one of the oldest Aboriginal festivals in North America. Today, this event allows First Nations people to meet and celebrate their culture. Like all other Aboriginal festivals, it is seen as a way to strengthen the self-esteem of First Nations people.

The powwow is preceded by a conference on indigenous economic development, to encourage young people and mobilize them in building their personal future and also that of the community.

The grand entrance begins the pow wow and constitutes its sacred heart. The competitive dance is another key moment of the festival. The colors of the First Nations which represent the races of the world are predominant: they are black, white, red and yellow.

Workshops to discover local Canadian products are organized. The vibrant culture of indigenous peoples is found in artifacts and crafts, such as baskets and dream catchers. For example, indigenously produced wine is regularly highlighted. Music and clothing are also areas encouraged through a music awards ceremony and a fashion show. For the little ones, the powwow provides an educational day. It allows schoolchildren to discover indigenous culture through craft workshops, dance and story reading.

The reappropriation of traditional cuisine is also evident during this pow wow. You can taste traditional corn soup, game dishes - such as elk hamburger - or even surprising drinks such as cedar tea.

Tkaronto Music Festival in Toronto

The first edition of this indigenous music festival was held during the month of June 2023. It began on National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21). On the program during these 4 days: musical performances, culinary discoveries and cultural workshops.

Children were welcome with programs adapted to young ones during the day. To celebrate National Indigenous Month, many renowned indigenous artists performed on stage at the Tkaronto Music Festival. At nightfall, a party atmosphere was ensured by DJs playing their sets live.

In Quebec

Several indigenous festivals take place in this province.

The Great Gathering of First Nations in Mashteuiatsh

This event takes place in July at the Ilnu cultural transmission site of Mashteuiatsh, on the shores of Lake Pekuakami or Lake Saint-Jean. The site is located 3 hours from Quebec City.

The Great Gathering of First Nations is a moment of celebration and cultural sharing. There we attend pow wow dances, percussion groups as well as traditional sports competitions. Visitors can also enjoy exhibitions of crafts and manual arts and discover the culinary arts of the First Nations. A beautiful fireworks display is also planned for a magnificent spectacle once night falls. In 2023, the 17th edition takes place in July.

The Wendake International Pow Wow

This event takes place at the artistic crossroads near the Akiawenrahk' River, 20 minutes from Quebec City. It brings together First Nations peoples from across North America. This festival is a true moment of sharing traditions and culture, particularly those of the Huron-Wendat. Several groups represent themselves in international dance and percussion competitions.

As in other festivals of this style, cultural sharing also involves cuisine. You can taste game or bannock (bannock in English), this traditional Aboriginal bread. An artisan fair is also planned to allow exhibitors to offer their unique artifacts to visitors.

Once night falls, Aboriginal DJs ignite the crowd with “pow wow step” music.

Many other Indigenous festivals exist in Canada, but most are still small. Aboriginal people are just beginning to come together and organize themselves, so there is hope that these events and celebrations will take off on a large scale in the future. If you want to attend this type of festival, you should know that most take place in summer, particularly in June. Summer is also the most popular season to visit Canada and tourists flock massively.

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