June 6, 2024 - Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario
To celebrate National Indigenous History Month, the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (SSIF) is co-presenting a plethora of cultural experiences at venues across the city, including special exhibits, art workshops, lunchtime performances, and more. The following are some highlights. The complete events calendar is available at https://summersolsticefestivals.ca/events/
CANADIAN MUSEUM OF HISTORY
Indigenous activities are offered on June 15 and 16 in English and French and are FREE with Museum admission. Experience the excitement of song, drum and dance with live Indigenous performances (Inuit throat-singing, pow-wow drum and dance, including hoop dancing) in the Museum’s beautiful Grand Hall.
NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE
Month-long programming includes Powwow Life Drawing, Bookclub, Theatre, Indigenous Trivia Night, Indigenous Art Market and SSIMAs On Tour, a presentation of free lunchtime musical performances by Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards (SSIMAs) artists. Catch 2023 SSIMAs Nominee Sandrine Masse (June 6th) and SSIMAs Award winner Logan Staats (June 20).
NATIONAL GALLERY OF CANADA
Beading is one of the defining mediums of contemporary Indigenous art on this continent. All month long, Radical Stitch, a landmark exhibition curated by Sherry Farrell Racette, Michelle LaVallee and Cathy Mattes, explores the contemporary and transformative context of beading through the aesthetic innovations of artists and the tactile beauty of beads.
OTTAWA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Authentic Indigenous programming is offered throughout the month at various branch locations across the city. It includes Interactive Indigenous Music Workshops, Spirit Horse stories with Rhonda Snow, Exploring Indigenous Language, and Corn Husk Dolls:Story & Craft.
A7G & ADAAWEWIGAMIG
Summer Solstice Indigenous Night Market takes place June 20th, 5 pm—9 pm at Byward Market Square. The marketplace is presented by A7G (Assembly of Seven Generations), an Indigenous-owned and youth-led, grassroots non-profit organization focused on cultural support and empowerment programs for Indigenous youth.
About Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
Established in Ottawa in 1996, and held annually, Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (SSIF) is a multi-disciplinary arts festival that celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day. The Festival is produced by Indigenous Experiences on behalf of the NIPD Committee, which comprises organizations representing Indigenous communities across Canada. Programming brings together Indigenous artists, performers, educators, students, and community members to share knowledge and celebrate Canada’s diverse Indigenous cultures. The SSIMAs (Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards) are held biannually to honour and celebrate artistic excellence and accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit and Métis musicians across Canada will return in 2025. SSIF is grateful to all government funders and corporate sponsors for their ongoing commitment to supporting the stewardship of Canada’s rich cultural heritage. 2024 presenting level corporate sponsors are: BMO Financial Group, CN Railway, Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation, TD Bank Group and Indigenous Tourism Ontario. SSIMAs on Tour is proudly supported by CAA North & East Ontario.
Media Contact: Mary Jelley | mary@kowpr.com | 613-791-6703
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