National Indigenous Peoples Day

Words, Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, 2024, with multicoloured clouds in the background

On June 21, Windsor joins the nation in celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day, honouring the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of the diverse Indigenous communities that call Windsor home. Our unique location on the Detroit River sits on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, which includes the Ojibwa, Odawa, and Potawatomi, giving this day special significance. It serves as a reminder of Windsor's deep-rooted Indigenous heritage, with events organized by local communities to showcase traditional music, dance, and art. Come join us for a range of activities throughout the city and let's celebrate together. 

Live Events in Windsor

Join Mayor Dilkens at Windsor Police Service (WPS) Headquarters

Mayor Dilkens is joining Chief Jason Bellaire, members of the WPS, and community members to raise the Anishinabek Flag at WPS Headquarters.

City Lights at City Hall

Watch City Hall turn orange in the evening as it basks in light.

National Indigenous People's Days Festival at Art Windsor-Essex (AWE)

Art Windsor-Essex is running a multi-day festival from Thursday, June 20, to Sunday, June 23, 2024, with a rich mixture of celebration and cultural immersion by bringing together artists, educators, students, and community members for a series of fun, family-friendly activities throughout the festival. 

Thursday, June 20, 2024, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

 Join Art Windsor-Essex (AWE) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a special edition of AWE at Night. The gallery will be open late for a series of family-friendly art activities, community conversations, music, and dancing. Activities include a mini round dance, an artist talk by Michael Belmore, and a studio activity. Join us on the 3rd floor patio for refreshments at WindsorEats. 

Friday, June 21, 2024, Art Windsor-Essex, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Discover our current exhibitions, including Nii Ndahlohke / I Work and Waawiiatanong Forever, featuring the works of First Nations artists. Participate in our BINGO treasure hunt throughout the gallery to locate works for a chance to win an art kit or AWE membership! Youth from across Windsor-Essex will learn about our current exhibitions Nii Ndahlohke / I Work and Waawiiatanong Forever. In the studio, students will create a mixed-media postcard inspired by Waawiiatanong Forever. Students will also enjoy a dance performance by hoop dancer, Melissa Greenbird. Students will come away with a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that many Indigenous communities are facing today.

Saturday, June 22, and June 23, 2024, 1 to 4 p.m

Join AWE in the studios on June 22 and June 23! For the final days of the festival, for two drop-in art workshops led by Alicia Charlebois and Ostoro Petahtegoose

Visit Art Windsor-Essex

401 Riverside Drive West
Windsor, Ontario
N9A 7J1
Canada

Phone: 519-977-0013

Get The Crossroads Guide at Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island

Get the Crossroads Guide and a free pass. Register today and get a free pass along with a historical guide to key landmarks and locations throughout Windsor that explore Windsor's rich indigenous history. Visit Point Pelee, the Ojibway Prairie Complex, and the Chimczuk Museum, and more. 

Visit Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island

Celebrate at Mic Mac Park

Join this annual local event, honouring the rich history, traditions, and resilience of the local Indigenous communities. Experience their rich culture through games, food and entertainment. Be sure to click on the link below to check out details for this event and any changes.

Visit Mic Mac Park

Windsor Public Library 

The library has a wealth of resources on indigenous history. This year, Windsor Public Library invites you to explore their indigenous collection and attend a morning ceremony.

  • Browse the Indigenous Knowledge Collection in person at the Central location at 185 Ouellette Avenue in downtown Windsor.
  • Come by the Central branch on June 21, 2024, at 10 a.m. when Eagle Staff Carrier Steve Mull will be performing a morning ceremony 

Visit Windsor Public Library