National Indigenous History Month
National Indigenous Peoples Day | June 21, 2026

Presentation attendees in a large circle listening to a presentation.

Date

Sunday, Jun 21, 2026 10:30 - 15:45

Admission

Free

Audience

Adults, Families, Indigenous Learning, Kids, Schools
Contact us

About

Every June, Indigenous Learning and Programs celebrates National Indigenous History Month (NIHM) by activating the public spaces with participatory booths, artist performances, and Learn & Explore theatre events. The team collaborates with other departments to support the day's programming that celebrates and acknowledges the history, diversity, culture, contributions, and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. 

Please join us for events on the day, and continue your day's journey by visiting the Daphne Cockwell Gallery dedicated to First People's Art and Culture.

Activities

Childrens' Book Cover
Book Launch* | Strawberry Sundaes

Currelly Gallery | Level 1 | 10:30 am - 15:45 pm

Celebrate the release of award-winning children’s author Sarabeth Holden’s latest book, Strawberry Sundaes.  

Registration required.

More Information
An Indigenous man in regailia dances with hoops in front of a crowd
Celebrating Indigenous Song & Dance with Nimkii Osawamick, Isaiah Cada, Bradlee Henry, and Alex Twin

Currelly Gallery | Level 1 | 12:00 - 12:30 pm

Experience powerful dancing, singing, and drumming as the sounds of Indigenous song fill and awaken the Museum halls, alongside dynamic dance demonstrations featuring hoop dancing and Men's Woodland styles, and dance styles seen on the powwow trail and rooted in storytelling, movement, and culture. After the showcase, guests of all ages are invited to take part in a round dance and share in this joyful celebration of connection, learning, and community.

Featured artists include:

  • Nimkii Osawamick - hoop dancer (Odawa/Potawatami Wiikwemkoongsing Unceded Territory)
  • Alex Twin - Woodland/Chicken Dancer (Ojibway from Swan Lake First Nation)
  • Isaiah Cada - Singer (Ojibway)
  • Bradlee Henry - Singer (Onondaga, Six Nations of the Grand River)

 

Childrens' Book Cover
Book Reading | Strawberry Sundaes

Earth Rangers Studio | Level 2 | 2:30 - 3:00 pm

Join author Sarabeth Holden & illustrator Emma Pedersen for reading from their latest book, Strawberry Sundaes. Just like his favourite veggie-eating dino, the stegosaurus, Sim can't get enough of delicious greens - but his absolute favourite treat is freshly picked strawberries. 

No registration required. Drop in event.

two women smile and sing
Kattajaq / Inuit Throat Singing

Currelly Gallery | Level 1 | 3:30 - 3:45pm

Join Janice and Evelyn Oolayou for a rhythmic showcase of Kattajaq / Inuit throat singing songs. Kattajaq has been practiced as a competitive vocal game among Inuit since time immemorial, with two singers facing each other, mimicking sounds of nature, animals, and sounds heard around community. Songs are a call and response duet, changing rhythm and volume, until one singer loses the rhythm and it ends in laughter for everyone.

Janice and Evelyn Oolayou are a mother and daughter due who regularly perform traditional throat singing. Janice spent most of her childhood in Kimmirut and Iqaluit, then moved to Ottawa in 2006 and continues performing at various events across Canada. Evelyn started throat singing at a very young age and regularly performs alongside her mother, showing how strong their culture and traditions are - a living example of passing on traditions regardless of location.

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