Live performances, community feasts planned for National Indigenous Peoples’ Day

National Indigenous Peoples’ Day will be celebrated with live performances, community feasts and other events planned across the country on June 21.

In Iqaluit, Ottawa and other urban centres, artists, musicians and throat singers including Beatrice Deer and Simiuni Nauya are honouring Inuit culture, traditions and language as part of the celebrations.

For those looking to get involved, here are some National Indigenous Peoples’ Day events to participate in.

Iqaluit

Barbecue, free swim with Iqaluit recreation 

The City of Iqaluit’s recreation department is hosting events across the city. This includes:

• Elders luncheon and bingo at the Elders’ Qammaq from noon to 1 p.m.
• A barbecue with the fire department from noon to 1 p.m.
• Free turf, ice hockey and swim at the AWG arena, old arena and aquatic centre between 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit the city’s recreation department website or social media.

Ottawa

Throat singing at the Summer Solstice Festival

Tracy Sarazin and Kendra Tagoona will perform Inuit throat singing at the Celebration Stage in the afternoon and evening as part of National Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations at the Summer Solstice Festival in Ottawa.

Taking place at the Mādahòkì Farm in Ottawa from June 21 to 25, the festival “brings together Indigenous artists, performers, educators, students, and community members to share knowledge and celebrate Canada’s diverse Indigenous cultures,” according to its website.

Tickets for the festival can be purchased online.

Music and country food with Tungasuvvingat Inuit 

Ottawa’s Inuit-specific urban services provider is hosting a music, country food and marketplace to celebrate the day.

Taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 297 Savard Ave. in Ottawa, the event will include a craft contest for those attending. Using only newspapers and glue or tape, attendees can make traditional clothing, sculptures or other material.

Tour the Indigenous Peoples Space with Inuit Tapariit Kanatami 

Inuit Tapariit Kanatami is partnering with the Métis National Council to host a tour of the Indigenous Peoples Space at 100 Wellington St. in Ottawa to mark the occasion.

Those visiting will get to learn about Inuit and Indigenous history and culture through the exhibits.

The tour takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the day.

Toronto

Concert, marketplace with the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto 

The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto is hosting an artisan marketplace, Indigenous cuisine and live performances from Indigenous artists including Inuit throat singers Janice Oolayou and Janet Evvik at 235 Queens Quay W. Open to visitors from noon to 8:30 p.m.

Montreal

Live music, soapstone carving workshop with POP Montreal, Nakuset and the Native Women’s Shelter

Inuit in Montreal can visit Cabot Square from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. for live performances by six artists including Beatrice Deer. As well, attend a soapstone carving workshop by Inuk artist Simiuni Nauya.

National Indigenous Peoples’ Day was first called National Aboriginal Day when it was announced in 1996 by then-governor general Roméo LeBlanc.