Art Windsor-Essex respectfully acknowledges that we are located on Anishinaabe Territory – the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, comprised of the Ojibway, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi. Today the Anishinaabe of the Three Fires Confederacy are represented by Bkejwanong. We want to state our respect for the ancestral and ongoing authority of Walpole Island First Nation over its Territory.
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Indigenous People's Days Festival
Festival Dates: Wednesday, June 21 to Saturday, June 24, 2023
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.
Schedule of Events
Free Admission
Wednesday, June 21, 10am-5pm, Art Windsor-Essex
Discover Water Protectors
Day 1
Enjoy FREE admission to AWE! Discover our current exhibitions, including Water Protectors, featuring the works of First Nations artists. Join us in the studio to contribute to AWE’s Water Library project. The Water Library is a collaborative research project and creative display of collected water samples from Windsor-Essex and beyond. The samples are used for creative programs that encourage the community to think about their connection to water.
Special Event
Thursday, June 22, 5pm-9pm, Art Windsor-Essex
AWE at Night
Day 2
Day two is all about celebration and festivities! On Thursday, June 22 from 5pm-9pm, join us for a special edition of AWE at Night featuring Indigenous performers, artists, and creators. The gallery will be open late for a series of family-friendly art activities, community conversations, music, and dancing.
Join Julie Rae Tucker, co-curator of Water Protectors, for a guided tour. This exhibition brings together artists whose works explore the importance of water from Indigenous perspectives. They call attention to the need to care for the earth’s most sacred resource – water – and celebrate the important work undertaken by all Water Protectors across Turtle Island.
Activities include a film screening, a hoop dancing performance and dance party!
Dance the night away with sweet tunes provided by CJAM 99.1 FM.
School Program
Friday, June 23, Art Windsor-Essex
Discover Water Protectors
Day 3
Youth from across Windsor-Essex will learn about the Water Protectors in a series of guided tours and art-making workshops. In the studio, students will use water samples from AWE’s Water Library and Beam Paints – watercolours made from natural pigments, tree sap and honey – to paint a large collaborative mural. Students will come away with a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that many Indigenous communities are facing today.
Community Event
Saturday, June 24, 9am-2pm, Downtown Windsor Farmer’s Market
Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market
Day 4
Meet us at the farmer’s market on Saturday, June 24th! On the final day of the festival, join us at the Downtown Windsor Farmer’s Market to learn more about upcoming workshops and exhibitions at AWE, meet Indigenous artists and discover their creations, as well as contribute to a collective work of art.
Funded by the Government of Canada.
Financé par le gouvernement du Canada.
