Celebrate Indigenous Culture this June with the Summer Solstice Festival

City-Wide Indigenous Celebrations Culminate at Wesley Clover Parks June 21–22 

Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, ON – May 15, 2025 – This June, the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (SSIF) returns with a vibrant, city-wide celebration of National Indigenous History Month, showcasing an extensive lineup of authentic Indigenous programming. For the first time, the festival’s Indigenous Day weekend events will be held at Wesley Clover Parks on June 21 and 22, with additional Indigenous programming and cultural activations taking place throughout the month at select venues across the National Capital Region.

Everyone is invited to experience the rich cultural heritage, artistic excellence, and living traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. From high-energy dance and vocal performances to immersive cultural programs, hands-on workshops, and culinary experiences, the festival continues its mission to amplify Indigenous voices and foster cross-cultural learning.

FREE Indigenous Day Weekend Celebration at Wesley Clover Parks

International Competition Pow Wow

A cornerstone of the festival, the International Competition Pow Wow featuring Grammy-nominated Bear Creek on host drum, brings together top dancers and drummers from across Turtle Island (North America) to share generations of tradition through powerful performances, intricate regalia, and the rhythmic energy of song and dance.

Celebration Stage

The Celebration Stage, presented by OLG, features an exciting lineup, including hoop dancer, performance artist and activist James Jones AKA Notorious Cree, Métis Magician Chanelle Munroe, and Award-winning Elvis tribute artist, Justin Francois. It also features repeating cultural showcases of Inuit throat singing, Métis jigging, theatrical performances, and more hoop dancing with world champion Scott Sinquah.

Glow-in-the-Dark Pow Wow

Now in its second year, the Glow-in-the-Dark Pow Wow offers an electrifying after-dark experience. Festival-goers of all ages are invited to dance under the stars as Ojibwe/Blackfoot DJ and producer Classic Roots from Long Lake 58 First Nation brings high-energy beats to a glowing celebration of culture, music, and movement.

Drone Show

Blending ancestral wisdom with cutting-edge technology, the Drone Show presented by Donna Cona and Indigenous Tourism Ontario lights up the night sky with a breathtaking visual tribute to the Seven Grandfather Teachings. Two hundred and fifty synchronized drones form meaningful imagery, celebrating Indigenous stories, values, and ways of knowing.

Culinary Experiences

Presented by TD Bank, elevated Indigenous dining will connect guests to the land and traditions through food. Visitors can purchase tickets for a scrumptious buffet prepared by Mādahòkì Farm’s Executive Chef Billy Alexander, including an interactive Arctic Char Ceviche station by Inuk Chef Trudy Metcalfe-Coe. Chef Trudy will share personal stories of cooking in Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut. This event has been financially assisted by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund a program of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism,Culture and Gaming, administered by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Corporation

Creative Workshops

During facilitated workshops, festival visitors can play Algonquin Language Bingo or pre-register to make-and-take dream catchers, watercolour paintings, medicinal candles, and T-shirts.

Indigenous Marketplace

Presented by Export Development Canada, the Indigenous Marketplace features over 70 Indigenous vendors offering one-of-a-kind beadwork, jewelry, clothing, home décor, natural wellness products, original artworks and food.

Family Fun

Debuting at the festival this year, the fast-paced, interactive, heart-warming and hilarious SuperDogs will be a family favourite for all ages. Equine enthusiasts will appreciate Ojibwe Spirit Horse encounters and an augmented reality experience, as well as an introduction to Indian Relay Racing and Horse culture teachings. Axe throwing, Jed the Mechanical Bull, Inuit games, face painting and a bouncy castle return by popular demand.

Parking

Over 3,000 parking spots are available daily at Wesley Clover Parks over the course of the festival weekend. Attendees are encouraged to pre-purchase their parking pass online on the festival website.

Indigenous Celebrations Around Town

In addition to Indigenous Day weekend programming at Wesley Clover Parks, all month long, Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival co-presents: lunchtime pow wow fitness workouts with Amanda Fox, Indigenous-led art workshops and theatrical productions, and an Indigenous art market at the National Arts Centre; Education Day activities for students at the Canadian Museum of History; and more city-wide programming to be announced.

For more information and updates or to register for events, visit summersolsticefestivals.ca and follow us on Facebook and Instagram #SSIF2025

About Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival

Founded in Ottawa in 1996, the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (SSIF) is an annual multi-disciplinary arts event celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day. The festival unites artists, performers, educators, students, and community members to share knowledge and celebrate Canada’s rich and diverse Indigenous cultures. SSIF is produced by Indigenous Experiences (operators of Mādahòkì Indigenous Farm) on behalf of the National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD) Committee, representing Indigenous communities across Canada.

Media Contact:  Mary Jelley | mary@kowconnected.ca | 613-791-6703