June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, and June 21st honours National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Recognizing and celebrating the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada, National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to support Indigenous businesses while getting out and exploring all corners of the country in a meaningful and enriching way.
Indigenous activities are happening across the country from now until the end of June, giving everyone ample opportunity to participate no matter where they’re located. A few examples include:
· Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival, June 9-12 in Toronto
· Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, June 21-26 in Ottawa
· Wendake International Pow Wow, June 24-26 in Wendake, Quebec
· Arctic Arts Summit, June 27-29 in Whitehorse
·Aboriginal Awareness Week, June 20-25 in Calgary
I’ve had the pleasure of taking part in a few indigenous tours and experiences in Canada, although not as many as I’d like.
I highly recommend the Talaysay tours of Stanley Park in Vancouver. I also loved my visit to Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatchewan a few years back. Not far from Toronto, the Whetung Ojibwa Centre is definitely worth a visit.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park, just outside Saskatoon, has moving tributes to First Nations people. JIM BYERS PHOTO
INDIGENOUS EXPERIENCES IN KINGSTON, ONTARIO
After great success last fall, the Katarowki Market in Kingston is reopening for the 2022 season, coinciding with Indigenous History month; a time to highlight the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of Indigenous People in our community. Visit Kingston’s Springer Market Square throughout the month of June to experience Indigenous culture through art, food and music. Beginning Sunday, June 12 and recurring every Sunday through to September 25, the Katarokwi Indigenous Art & Food Market will highlight local Indigenous artists, artisans and musicians. The market is the only of its kind in Eastern Ontario.
Featured market vendors include Bougie Birch, a 100 per cent Indigenous owned and operated retail showcase of Indigenous artists; Martin’s Bead and Craft Supplies; Flint and Maple Beadwork, featuring handmade beadwork by local Katarokwi and Kanyen’kehá:ka artist, Liv Rondeau; Cadue Fine Foods; and W.C. Creatives, an Indigenous-owned boutique that also has a storefront at Kingston’s Fort Henry.
Kingston/Katarokwi is located on the traditional lands of the Huron-Wendat and the Mississauga of the Ojibways. To the local Indigenous Peoples, this city has long been known as Katarokwi, meaning “a place where there is clay.” In Anishinaabemowin, it is “Gaadanokwii.” In Mohawk, it is “Ken’tarókwen.”
Kingston continues to have a strong Indigenous presence and voice as caretakers of the land and water. Kingston/Katarokwi acknowledges the everlasting presence of Indigenous nations, the Métis, Inuit and other First Nations, and is grateful to reside in and visit this territory.
Martins Beads and Craft Supplies. Photo Courtesy Tourism Kingston.
Other Indigenous experiences in Kingston and its surrounding area to explore:
Indigenous art
The Agnes Etherington Art Centre is home to an extensive Indigenous art collection, comprising significant works in various media by First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists as well as international Indigenous artists and communities.
Manidoo Ogitigan
Lake Ontario Park is the site of a living public artwork, Manidoo Ogitigan (Spirit Garden) by artist Terence Radford. The garden reflects the journey of the Mississauga Nation and the contemporary cultural identity of Alderville First Nation.
Visit Tourism Kingston’s website for more information on the Katarowki Market, including the up-to-date performance schedule.
