Indigenous Events
Connect, Learn, and Celebrate – Indigenous Events Await You Wherever You Are.
New Zealand
Event: World Indigenous Peoples' Conference on Education (WIPCE) 2025
Date: November 16–20, 2025
Location: Auckland International Conference Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
Details: WIPCE 2025 is a global gathering dedicated to Indigenous education, bringing together Indigenous representatives from around the world to share successes and strategies for culturally grounded education. The conference will commence with a pōwhiri (traditional welcome) by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the local tribe of central Auckland. Over four days, attendees will engage with national and international keynote speakers, participate in academic and community presentations, and join networking sessions, symposiums, panel discussions, seminars, and workshops. The event also features cultural excursions, a village marketplace, a parade of nations, and concludes with a closing ceremony and finale concert. The conference is based on the fundamental principle of Indigenous control of Indigenous education, aiming to protect, preserve, and develop Indigenous cultures through education.
Tanya Tourangeau will be speaking at WIPCE 2025
British Columbia
Event: 2RMX Movable Feast: Island Tour 2025
Date & Time:
Saturday, August 23, 2025 – Macoah (Toquaht Nation)
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 – Ahousaht
Saturday, August 30, 2025 – ‘Yalis (Alert Bay – ‘Namgis Nation)
Each event runs from 12:00 PM to late evening
Location:
Three Indigenous communities across Vancouver Island:
Macoah (Toquaht)
Ahousaht
‘Yalis (Alert Bay – ‘Namgis)
Details:
Presented by 2 Rivers Remix (2RMX) in partnership with the Toquaht, Ahousaht, and ‘Namgis Nations, this free 3-stop Movable Feast tour celebrates contemporary Indigenous music, art, and culture.
Each festival opens with a traditional Welcome Ceremony led by local Elders and includes a special ceremonial performance by Mexika-Tenochka artists Ana Cornejo and Leo Vara.
Feature performers include:
AYSANABEE (Oji-Cree, 2x 2024 JUNO Award winner)
LEONARD SUMNER (Anishinaabe poet, MC, and singer-songwriter)
GARRET T. WILLIE (‘Namgis/Nlaka’pamux rock artist)
HASAATUK (Nuu-Chah-Nulth/Cree vocalist and activist)
KIVA MH (Nuu-Chah-Nulth/Secwépemc performer)
WILLIE THRASHER (Inuvialuit folk-rock legend) with Linda Saddleback
THE MELAWMEN COLLECTIVE (Secwepemc hip-hop/roots fusion)
MIESHA AND THE SPANKS (Secwépemc alt-rock duo)
THE NORTH SOUND (Blackfoot indie folk/roots rock)
MIMI O’BONSAWIN (Abénaki roots singer-songwriter)
Closing DJ sets:
DJ KOOKUM (Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation) – ‘Yalis
HANDSOME TIGER (Anishinaabe/Métis/North African) – Ahousaht & Toquaht
Other event features:
Indigenous food and artisan vendors
Live-streamed programming for accessible participation
Family-friendly and inclusive environment
Admission:
FREE with pre-registration via virtualfeast.ca
Event: Tŝideldel Movable Feast (J21 Celebration)
Date & Time:
Friday, September 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM PDT – Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 11:30 PM PDT
Location:
Bendziny Resort, 3904 Puntzi Lake Road, Puntzi Lake, British Columbia, on Tŝilhqot’in Territory
Details:
Presented by 2 Rivers Remix (2RMX) in partnership with the Tŝideldel Nation, this is a free two-day celebration of contemporary Indigenous music as part of the Indigenous Peoples Day festivities. Highlights include:
Friday (Sept 12): Community workshops (1:00–6:00 PM) centered on music, healing, and community wellness; lawn games like Horseshoe and Lahal tournaments; evening community dinner and live jam session.
Saturday (Sept 13): Opening ceremony with Tŝideldel Knowledge Keepers and a special welcome from Mexika-Tenochka artists; lineup featuring award-winning Indigenous artists such as AYSANABEE, Sebastian Gaskin, Willie Thrasher, The Melawmen Collective, Bannock Dogz, Myc Sharratt, Lorissa Scriven, Rich & Beka, SEKAWNEE, HK aka Higher Knowledge, and Handsome Tiger. The program runs from noon until 11:30 PM.
Accessibility: The event will be livestreamed and is free with pre-registration.
Forms of Gathering: A combination of local Indigenous artistry, ceremonial practices, and contemporary performance in a scenic lakeside setting—designed to welcome and unify community through culture and creativity.
Event: Stɑl̓əw̓ Pow Wow (4th Annual)
Date & Time:
• Friday, September 12, 2025 – Registration starts 5:00 PM; event 6:00 PM–10:30 PM
• Saturday, September 13, 2025 – 12:00 PM–10:30 PM
• Sunday, September 14, 2025 – 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
Location:
Langley Events Centre, 7888 200 Street, Langley Township, British Columbia
Details:
Hosted by the stɑl̓əw̓ Arts & Cultural Society—an Indigenous women-led charity rooted in Kwantlen First Nation territory—this inclusive, three-day pow wow celebrates Indigenous traditions, music, dance, regalia, and art. The event offers:
Grand Entry ceremonies each day
Drum and dance competitions across all age categories, including special performances to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and survivors
A pow wow pageant
Cash prizes for top performers, including a major prize of approximately $3,500 for the winning drum group
Indigenous food and artisan vendor market inside the venue
Free public admission for dancers and competitors; spectator prices for 2025 TBA (2024 pricing was $10/day or $20/weekend for ages 6+)
The event is indoor, family-friendly, drug- and alcohol-free, and attended by dancers and drum groups from across BC and beyond
Event: ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl — Come Toward the Fire Festival
Date & Time:
Saturday & Sunday, September 20–21, 2025 • 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM (daytime programming)
Location:
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
(On the ancestral, unceded territory of the Musqueam/xʷməθkʷəy̓əm people) Chan Centre+2alumni UBC+2Musqueam+14Chan Centre+14ADDICTED+14
Details:
The 4th annual Indigenous-led festival, presented by the Chan Centre in partnership with Musqueam, celebrating culture, creativity, and community ✨ Musqueam+8Chan Centre+8GlobeNewswire+8
Daytime programming is free and open to all, featuring Indigenous music, dance, storytelling, films, workshops, and an artisan market & food vendors ADDICTED+13Come Toward the Fire+13Chan Centre+13
On Sunday evening, the event culminates in a ticketed finale concert headlined by Northern Cree and Tia Wood, alongside other performers and dance ensembles Chan Centre+5Chan Centre+5Vancouver Blog Miss604+5
Showcases a wide range of Indigenous artists and creators from Turtle Island, combining contemporary and traditional expressions of culture
Alberta
Event: Alexander First Nation Traditional Pow Wow & Market
Date & Time: Friday, August 22 – Sunday, August 24, 2025
Friday, Aug 22: Registration closes 7:00 PM | Honorary Grand Entry for Past Leadership at 7:00 PM
Saturday, Aug 23: Registration closes 1:00 PM | Grand Entry for Invited Guests at 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, Aug 24: Registration closes 1:00 PM | Grand Entry at 1:00 PM
Location: Alexander First Nation, Alberta (scan QR on poster for Google Maps directions)
Details: The Alexander First Nation Traditional Pow Wow & Market is a three-day cultural celebration held under the theme Strengthening Our Traditions. Featuring competitive dance, drumming, and vibrant regalia, the event also includes a market with vendors, food, and cultural sharing. Paid daily spots are available for tipis, dancers, and drummers. The pow wow will be guided by Master of Ceremony Douglas Bonais, Co-MC Nolan Arcand, and Arena Director William Arcand. Grand Entries highlight past leadership, invited guests, and community, with a host drum picked daily. Security on site 24/7 — this is an alcohol and drug-free event.
Event: Heart Lake First Nation 22nd Annual Competition Pow Wow
Date & Time: Friday, August 29 – Sunday, August 31, 2025
Location: Heart Lake First Nation Heart Lake Indian Reserve #167 Lac La Biche, Alberta
Details: The Heart Lake First Nation 22nd Annual Competition Pow Wow is a vibrant cultural gathering celebrating Indigenous traditions through dance, music, and community. This three-day event features competitive dance categories, drumming performances, and showcases the rich heritage of the First Nations. Attendees can experience traditional regalia, enjoy local food vendors, and participate in cultural exchanges. The pow wow is open to the public, welcoming everyone to join in the celebrations and learn about Indigenous cultures.
Event: Kehewin Cree Nation Pow Wow — Honouring Our Nationhood
Date & Time: Friday, September 12 – Sunday, September 14, 2025
Friday, Sept 12: Grand Entry at 7:00 PM
Saturday, Sept 13: Grand Entries at 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, Sept 14: Grand Entry at 1:00 PM
Location: Kehewin Cree Nation, Alberta, Canada
Details: The Kehewin Cree Nation Pow Wow is a multi-day cultural celebration featuring competitive dance categories for all ages, drumming contests, and traditional specials. With categories including Traditional, Jingle, Fancy, Grass, and Chicken dances, competitors will vie for thousands in prizes across age groups from Tiny Tots to Golden Age. Drum contests include top prizes up to $15,000, with daily host drums and a full lineup of specials such as Chief & Council Men’s Traditional Special. Vendors and food stands will also be on-site.
Event: Must Be Nice Indigenous Comedy Tour
Date & Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025, 7:27 PM – 9:50 PM (MDT)
Location: The Sticks Billiards & Lounge, 5704 44 St, Lloydminster, AB T9V 0B6, Canada
Details: The Must Be Nice Indigenous Comedy Tour brings together Indigenous comedians for a high-energy night of storytelling, sharp wit, and cultural pride. Expect “auntie & uncle vibes” with fresh perspectives and big laughs that celebrate Indigenous identity while connecting across cultures. Presented at The Sticks in Lloydminster, the show is open to the public and welcomes everyone to come out, enjoy the sets, and support Indigenous performers.
Event: National Gathering of Elders 2025
Date: September 29, 2025
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Details: The National Gathering of Elders 2025, themed "Coming Home, Voices of Elders," is a significant event bringing together Indigenous Elders from across Canada, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. The gathering aims to provide a platform for Elders to share their wisdom, serve as advisors, teachers, and leaders, and to celebrate and sustain Indigenous environments, languages, identities, and cultures. The event will feature various activities designed to foster unity and cultural exchange among diverse Indigenous groups, as well as between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Attendees can look forward to engaging in discussions, cultural celebrations, and opportunities to build and strengthen educational gaps between communities.
Event: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 — all day
Location: Nationwide in Canada — various events held across communities, schools, organizations, and public spaces
Details: Every year on September 30, Canadians observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (sometimes called Orange Shirt Day), a solemn and reflective day intended to honor the survivors of the residential school system and acknowledge the ongoing impacts on Indigenous communities Communities across the country host a wide range of commemorative and educational activities, including memorial walks, film screenings, public lectures, art installations, and cultural ceremonies (e.g., workshops like “Empowering Voices Through Art” in Coquitlam, BC, led by Christine Mackenzie and Nova Weipert) The day encourages meaningful conversations about reconciliation, invites participation from all Canadians, and reminds us that “Every Child Matters.”
Event: International Indigenous Cultural Exchange Concert
Date & Time: Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 6:30 PM (MDT) Eventbrite+1
Location: Details not explicitly listed; likely in Edmonton/Alberta region, as per Eventbrite’s local context Eventbrite
Details: Presented by the Taiwan Universities' Alumni Association of Alberta, this concert is an international Indigenous cultural exchange that brings together music, performance, and artistic traditions. It’s a celebration of global Indigenous voices, fostering intercultural dialogue and connection through their shared heritage. Open to the public, attendees are invited to experience an evening filled with music, storytelling, and cultural unity.
Event: Indigenous Entrepreneur Conference
Date & Time: Monday, October 20 – Tuesday, October 21, 2025 (main conference Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM MDT; pre-mixer Monday, 6:00 – 8:00 PM) ab.nationtalk.canationtalk.ca
Location: Grande Cache Inn & Suites — 9901 100 St, Grande Cache, AB T0E 0A6, Canada ab.nationtalk.ca
Details: A two-day gathering celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurship and tourism with keynotes, panels, and networking—focused on innovation, economic empowerment, and community-rooted growth. Open to the public.
Event: A Very Indigenous Holiday Market 2025
Date & Time:
Friday, November 14, 2025 — 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Saturday, November 15, 2025 — 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Sunday, November 16, 2025 — 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Alberta Aviation Museum Event Hangar, 11410 Kingsway NW, Edmonton, Alberta
Details: Hosted by the Indigenous Artist Market Collective, A Very Indigenous Holiday Market 2025 is a vibrant three-day community event featuring over 100 vendors offering Indigenous art, crafts, fashion, beadwork, and more. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, silent auctions, and door prizes while supporting local Indigenous makers. Admission is free, and the market also encourages giving back — donations of gently used clothing, outerwear, shoes, new socks, underwear, toiletries, and feminine hygiene products will be accepted at the door. This festive market combines shopping, cultural celebration, and community care, making it a must-attend holiday event.
Event: 2026 International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC)
Date & Time:
February 17–19, 2026
Location:
Edmonton Convention Centre, Edmonton, Alberta (Amiskwacîwâskahikan / Treaty 6 Territory)
Details:
Hosted by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), in partnership with Indigenous Tourism Alberta, Explore Edmonton, and Travel Alberta The premier global gathering in Indigenous tourism, connecting community leaders, tourism businesses, policymakers, partners, and industry experts worldwide
Features include:
• Three days of learning and networking with expanded programming for deeper engagement
• Inspirational keynote speakers from across Indigenous tourism sectors
• Interactive workshops and panels covering marketing, sustainable product development, leadership, and partnerships
• Cultural experiences, performances, and traditional exchanges integrated throughout the agenda
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Event: National Gathering for Indigenous Education
Date: November 19–21, 2025
Location: RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Details: Hosted by Indspire, the National Gathering for Indigenous Education is a premier annual conference that brings together educators and partners dedicated to improving educational outcomes for K-12 Indigenous students. The 2025 conference will feature keynote speakers, workshops, and a student panel discussion where Indigenous students share their post-secondary experiences. The event offers both in-person and virtual attendance options, providing flexibility for participants across the country
Ontario
Event: Wake the Giant Music Festival 2025
Date & Time: Saturday, September 6, 2025 – Gates at 11:00 AM (festival runs into evening)
Location: Prince Arthur’s Landing (Thunder Bay Waterfront), Thunder Bay, Ontario
Details:
Wake the Giant is a vibrant, all‑ages music festival celebrating Indigenous culture and community through art, music, and inclusivity. Returning in 2025 with headline acts like the Black Eyed Peas, Prozzäk, Neon Dreams, Crystal Shawanda, The Poets (a Tragically Hip tribute), Wyatt C. Louis, and more, the event offers:
A mix of Indigenous and non‑Indigenous performers
Indigenous craft market and live art installations
A Kids Zone (children 11 & under admitted free with ticket)
Food vendors serving a selection of local and Indigenous fare
Alcohol‑free environment
Cultural awareness mission: creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for Indigenous youth arriving in Thunder Bay
Event: Curve Lake Traditional Pow Wow (72nd Annual)
Date & Time:
Saturday, September 20, 2025 – Sunrise ceremony at 6:00 AM; Grand Entry at 12:00 PM (grounds open at 10:00 AM)
Sunday, September 21, 2025 – Sunrise ceremony at 6:00 AM; Grand Entry at 12:00 PM (grounds open at 10:00 AM)
Location: Lime Kiln Park, 70 Whetung Street East, Curve Lake First Nation, Ontario
Details:
A weekend celebration of Indigenous ceremony, dance, and song, inviting dancers, drummers, artisans, and the wider public.
Features sunrise ceremony each morning, with registration for drummers and dancers at 10:00 AM.
Ceremony continues with Grand Entry at noon daily.
Vendor booths with Indigenous crafts and foods are available.
Admission: Ages 13–59: $10 daily; Ages 6–12: $5 daily; Free admission for children under 6 and for seniors 60+.
Event is rain or shine; no pets, drugs, or alcohol permitted.
Proceeds supported by a $20,000 provincial grant to enhance community programming.
Event: Weengushk International Film Festival (WIFF) 2025
Date & Time: October 3rd,4th, and 5th
Location: Four Directions Complex, Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation (Manitoulin Island, Ontario) & online
Details:
9th annual celebration of Indigenous and diverse storytelling through film, cultural exchange, and music
Features feature films and short screenings, filmmaker workshops, keynote talks, live music, and a red‑carpet awards gala
Celebrates Indigenous voices with a focus on narrative sovereignty, social issues, and community connection
Hybrid format with in‑person events and virtual content passes available
Attendees can expect a transformative experience featuring films, panels, performances, and opportunities to connect with filmmakers and community, all rooted in Indigenous cultural pride and creative empowerment.
Quebec
New Brunswick
Prince Edward Island
Nova Scotia
Newfoundland & Labrador
Yukon