Indigenous Events

Connect, Learn, and Celebrate – Indigenous Events Await You Wherever You Are.

British Columbia

Alberta

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

Ontario

Quebec

Newfoundland & Labrador

New Brunswick

Prince Edward Island

Nova Scotia

Yukon

Northwest Territories

Event: Still Dark Festival — Yellowknife, NWT

Date & Time: Thursday, February 5 – Sunday, February 8, 2026

Location: Downtown Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Details:
The Still Dark Festival is a celebration of music, art, and community in the winter months, turning the long northern darkness into an opportunity for creativity and connection.

Features include:

  • Multiple concerts & performances across downtown venues

  • Interactive art installations and light displays

  • Workshops and community-driven events

  • “It’s Getting Dark” bowling dance party fundraiser (Oct 4) to support the festival

Organizer / Acknowledgement:
Still Dark is held on the traditional lands of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, the North Slave Métis, and Tłı̨chǫ lands.

Nunavut

Event: Inuvik Sunrise Festival

Date & Time: Friday, January 9 – Sunday, January 11, 2026

Location: Inuvik, Northwest Territories — various community venues including Chief Jim Koe Park and the Midnight Sun Complex

Details:
The Inuvik Sunrise Festival marks the return of the sun after nearly 30 days of darkness in Canada’s western Arctic. This three-day celebration brings together northern and Indigenous cultures through music, storytelling, food, and community spirit.

Festival highlights include:

  • Opening bonfire and fireworks at Chief Jim Koe Park

  • Traditional drumming and dancing by Gwich’in and Inuvialuit performers

  • Local Indigenous craft market and food vendors

  • Snow & ice village attractions, family games, and snow yoga sessions

  • Light installations, storytelling tents, and outdoor concerts

  • A spectacular Saturday-night fireworks show honouring the sun’s return

The Sunrise Festival is one of the North’s most unique winter celebrations — a symbol of resilience, renewal, and community connection under the northern lights.

Organizer: Town of Inuvik — in collaboration with Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Gwich’in Tribal Council, and local artists.

Event: Toonik Tyme Festival

Date & Time: TBD

Location: Iqaluit, Nunavut — various venues across the city Details:
The Toonik Tyme Festival is an annual celebration marking the return of spring in the Arctic and honoring Inuit culture. Since 1965, this festival has offered local and visiting participants opportunities to engage with Inuit traditions, games, arts, and community events.

Festival activities typically include:

  • Throat singing, Inuit games, traditional dance, and drumming

  • Dog sled races, snowmobile races, igloo building, scavenger hunts

  • Craft fairs, workshops, tours, bannock & community feasts

  • Opening ceremonies with honours (the “Honorary Toonik”) and multilingual expressions (English, French, Inuktitut) The festival is volunteer-run by 123Go! and local community organizers, with over 100 volunteers supporting the programming.

Norway

Event: Riddu Riđđu Festival

Date & Time: Wednesday, July 8 – Sunday, July 12, 2026 riddu.no+1

Location: Olmmáivággi / Manndalen, Kåfjord Municipality, Troms, Northern Norway, Sápmi riddu.no+2riddu.no+2

Details:
Riddu Riđđu (meaning “little storm on the coast” in Sámi) is an international Indigenous festival held annually in northern Norway with a strong focus on Sámi and Indigenous cultures. riddu.no+2Sinchi Foundation+2 The festival offers a broad, family-friendly program including: