The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival is in full swing. Celebrating National Indigenous History Month from June 1 to June 21, the festival is bringing many of the same festivities and activities audiences would have enjoyed at Vincent Massey Park. The only difference is that this year, it’s all happening virtually. Audiences will still be able to take part in family-centric experiences focusing on learning about indigenous cultures through interactive workshops and live performances.
Below is a breakdown of some of the main highlights you’ll be able to enjoy.
Education Days – June 2 – June 18
Join over 16,000 students and 500 teachers from across Canada as they showcase First Nation, Metis and Inuit performers, educational crafts and music workshops.
Online Indigenous Marketplace – June 1 – June 30
Happening 24/7 and until June 30th, browse through the Indigenous Marketplace and support up to 50 Indigenous small businesses and have items delivered to your door.
Arts and Crafts – June 1 – June 21
There are many exciting arts and crafts activities that you can participate in. Some workshops require payment and registration and payment for materials which will be home-delivered so you can participate fully. There are many other workshops which are being offered for free as well.
Family Cultural Programming – June 1 – June 21
Have lots of fun with the whole family by participating in interactive cultural programming. Some of the activities include a weekly colouring contest, where contestants can upload their works of art to their website for a chance to win prizes, and a virtually guided tour of Ottawa where you can tune in and learn the history and hear stories from an Indigenous perspective. There’s also language bingo, and a virtual visit to the Arctic Gallery at the Canadian Museum of Nature.
Competition Pow Wow – June 1 – June 21
The festival wouldn’t be complete without a Pow Wow competition. Experience it online this year with virtual contests for drums and dances from across Turtle Island. The event will last all weekend from Friday, June 19th – Sunday, June 21st with $15,000 in prizes for drummers and dancers.
Live! Music & Dance – June 1 – June 21
Tune into live hosted concerts by emerging artists and some of Canada’s top Indigenous performers. As a proud sponsor for the Summer Solstice Festival this year, 95.7 ELMNT FM will be live hosting the performances on Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13. Make sure to tune in and catch Matthew Bisson and Kayla Whiteduck from 7:30-9:00 PM and celebrate music and dance with them as they emcee Live! Music & Dance Week 2.
To get more flavour of the many features and events offered, be sure to visit the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival’s website here.