National Indigenous Peoples Day Resources, local events, educational resources and more.
National Indigenous Peoples Day Resources
National Indigenous Peoples Day Resources
June is a month to celebrate. In addition to being Pride Month, it is also National Indigenous History Month; with the 21st being National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is an important time to listen to, learn more about, and honour the first stewards of the land– the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Hundreds of culturally distinct nations have existed across Turtle Island since time immemorial with rich heritage, history, knowledge, and worldviews. In addition to learning more about nations, June is also a time to learn about the wampums that govern this land.
1. A very simple but important first step you can take if you haven’t already, is knowing the territories you live on. Green Venture’s operation center, located at 22 Veevers Drive, EcoHouse, is situated on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg, and Attawandaron nations, within the lands covered by the Dish with One Spoon wampum and Two-Row wampum covenants.
Learn about territories here: native-land.ca
Learn about wampums here: https://www.onondaganation.org/culture/wampum/
2. A second step is to show up. Be present and come to events and teachings when your community has opportunities to learn from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities about their unique cultures and traditions. This weekend in Hamilton (June 19 - 21, 2026), in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, the 29th annual Soaring Spirit Indigenous Festival and Pow Wow will be returning to Battlefield Park (77 King Street West)! This three-day event will feature live music, dancing, storytelling, and the Native Arts, Craft, Trade & Food Show. Friday will open at 6am with a Sunrise Ceremony, followed by a Water Ceremony at noon. Saturday and Sunday will open at 6am for Sunrise Ceremony, and will feature the annual POW WOW later on. Open to all, it’s a fun and welcoming event for the whole family to learn about and celebrate Indigenous culture and tradition.
When: Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21, 2026
Time: For a complete schedule of events and times, visit the Soaring Spirit Festival event website here.
Location: Battlefield Park 77 King Street West, Stoney Creek, ON
3. Keep up to date with local Indigenous organizers and organizations online, and keep an eye out for their events and their calls to action. Here are a few ways you can get involved in Hamilton today:
The Native Women's Centre has put out a callout for new clothing donations needed including sports bras, underwear, socks, and personal hygiene items. These items should be new, and can be delivered to 21 Rosedene Ave, Hamilton. Make sure to call ahead!
Learn more here: https://www.nativewomenscentre.com/
Kahnekanoron– a local urban Indigenous collective, hosts community days at two gardens. These community days are filled with shared labour, friendly conversations, and snacks. You can join in on the action at their Teaching Garden (22 Veevers Drive), or at their farm Tyonhnhéhkwen (location private, message coordinators to receive.)
If you’re not familiar with the HRIC, what better time than in June? The Hamilton Regional Indian Centre has long been a hub for community gatherings, events, and specialized programs and services for Indigenous people. Keep up to date with their events open to everyone by visiting their website here. Don’t miss out on their Pow Wows, picnics, harvest dinners, and more!
4. Do your own learning at home, anytime, from Indigenous media:
You don’t need to wait for the next live event; you can learn about wampums, history, culture, land, and more anytime through books, short films, movies, comics, graphic novels, Youtube videos, and more. Make sure what you seek comes from Indigenous creators to center Indigenous media and perspectives! Here are a few places to get started.
Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer, book
The Seed Keeper, Diane Wilson, book
The Seven Generations and The Seven Grandfather Teachings, James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw, book
The Grizzlies, Northwood Entertainment Inc, movie
Smoke Signals, Shadowcatcher Entertainment, movie
Oneida Creation Story, Oneida Language and Cultural Centre, Youtube video
Pow wow 101 Intro What is a Pow Wow, Full Circle for Indigenous Education, Youtube Video
3 Sisters Soup in Annishinaabemowin, Zhaawnong Webb, Youtube Video
Start now, and check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5QOK57_to learn about the Dish with One Spoon teaching featuring Haudenosaunee Knowledge Keeper, Richard Hill.
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