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Art Windsor-Essex

National Indigenous People's Days Festival

Festival Dates: Thursday, June 20 to Sunday, June 23, 2024

Location: Art Windsor-Essex, 401 Riverside Dr. W, Windsor

 

Join in the celebration with AWE! Celebrated in Canada every June 21st, National Indigenous Peoples Day is an official day of celebration to recognize and honour the heritage, cultures and valuable contributions  of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on the same day as the summer solstice (the longest day of the year) and was chosen for its important symbolism to many Indigenous peoples. For many years, this day was celebrated as National Solidarity Day. 

Get ready for four days of celebration and cultural immersion that will have you feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to continue learning about and supporting Indigenous communities in our region! This celebration brings together artists, performers, educators, students, and community members for cultural learning, exchange and collaboration through a series of family-friendly activities.

Image Credits

Lead image by Shayenna Nolan. Indigenous Youth Fashion Show, December 2023.

Photography by Justin Elliott @jel_media

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Schedule of Events

AWE at Night

Day 1

Day one is all about celebration and festivities! On Thursday, June 20 from 5pm-9pm, join us 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 by WindsorEats. 

Thursday, June 20, 5pm-9pm, Art Windsor-Essex Workshop Details
Free Admission

Day 2

Enjoy FREE admission to AWE! 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! 

Nii Ndahlohke / I Work brings together existing works and new commissions by First Nations artists. The show explores the forced labour of students at Mount Elgin Industrial School (1851-1946).

Waawiiatanong Forever is photography and postcard project that celebrates the representation of women and two-spirit folks and their families within our vibrant community. This exhibition weaves the threads of history, culture, and personal identity. 

Friday, June 21, 10am-5pm, Art Windsor-Essex Plan Your Visit
School Programs

Day 2

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.

Friday, June 21, 10am - 2pm Discover Waawiiatanong Forerver
Weekends in the Studio

Day 3 and 4

Meet us in the studio on June 22 and June 23! For the final days of the festival, join us at AWE for 2 drop-in art workshops led by Alicia Charlebois and Ostoro Petahtegoose. 

Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23, 1pm-4pm Weekends in the Studio

Funded by the Government of Canada.
Financé par le gouvernement du Canada.