The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival kicks off on Tuesday, June 1. The month-long festival is jam-packed with virtual and COVID-friendly activities, bringing you the best of Indigenous artists, performers, educators and community members to celebrate Canada’s diverse Indigenous cultures. This is one you won’t want to miss! Below is the schedule of all the programs you can take part in. Visit the SSIF website for more details here.
Family Cultural Connections – June 1 – June 21, 2021
Looking for something special to do with the family that adheres to social distancing guidelines? There will be lots of activities to enjoy such as colouring contests, Algonquin Language BINGO games, a Sunrise Ceremony, family movie night and more at the SSIF this year!
Education Days – June 1 – June 17, 2021
Note to teachers and parents: let SSIF handle some of the Tuesday and Thursday planning for you. With educational and entertaining activities such as art project workshops, author readings, cultural presentations and more, you can take some well-deserved TLC in June. TGIT, right?
Creation Workshops – June 3 – June 21, 2021
Get creative and shake off the lockdown blues with creative workshops that are guaranteed to get your artist juices flowing. Materials will be delivered to your door once you register!
Got Land? Indigenous Comedy Night – June 5, 2021
June 5th is guaranteed to be a laughter-filled night with Don Kelly, Shawn Cuthand, Greg Dreaver, Kevin Shawanda, Jenn Hayward, Stephanie Pangowish, Janelle Niles, and Dakota Ray Hebert. This will be a stand-up comedy variety show, where First Nation, Inuk and Metis entertainers tell jokes and share individual life stories.
Culinary Workshops – June 6 – June 21, 2021
Discover traditional teas, treat yourself to Seared Rainbow Trout with Sweet Corn Succotash or make homemade fish tacos! Feel like a professional chef yet? Well, you can shake up your dinner routine with one of SSIF’s chef-led virtual culinary workshops. All meal kits will be delivered to your door prior to the workshop. There are a lot of options to choose from!
The Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards – June 12, 2021
This awards show pays tribute to the variety of music genres as well to the contribution, legacy and social service provided by Indigenous artists and community leaders. The two-hour-long show will be live-streamed at the NAC. There will also be live performances from the finalists!
Festival Celebration & Drive-In Movie Night – June 15, 2021
This Drive-In event will take place at Wesley Clover Park and will feature family-friendly shorts as well as the screening of the movie ‘Kayak to Klemtu’. There will be popcorn, courtesy of RBC!
Competition Pow Wow – June 14 – June 20, 2021
Produced in collaboration with Social Distance Pow Wow, this competition will showcase drums and dances from across Turtle Island/North America to compete for $30,000 in prize money! The competition will take place over seven days and the finalist performers will be streamed on June 19 and 20th.
Live Music Night – June 18 – June 19, 2021
Produced in collaboration with the International Indigenous Music Summit, the Live Music Night will showcase 16 Indigenous artists from across Canada.
Indigenous Day Celebration & Drive-In Concert – June 21, 2021
The closing concert will be held on National Indigenous Peoples Day. With various cultural showcases, a drone show, and live performances, this is an event you won’t want to miss! UPDATE: due to inclement weather, this event has been postponed to Tuesday, June 29.