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Our picks for Indigenous-Led Events happening in August
Check out our monthly digest of Indigenous-Led Events happening in August.
Enjoy!
Arts Shows and Exhibitions
Parry Sound
July 7th – August 3rd – Indigenous Ingenuity Travelling Exhibition
Science North brings its traveling exhibition to Parry Sound every Wednesday to Sunday from July 7th to August 13th. This exhibition showcases and celebrates the diversity, interconnectedness, and resourceful ways of the Indigenous community while showcasing the incredible innovations of Indigenous peoples.
Science North recommends booking visits for groups larger than 10 in advance.
Where: West Parry Sound District Museum 17 George Street Parry Sound, ON P2A 2X4
When: Every Wednesday to Saturday, July 7th – August 3rd, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Admission: Paid. See ticket information here.
August 26th – Sacred Fire Circle by Varley Art Gallery of Markham
The circle is a dominant symbol in both Asian & Indigenous customs representing wholeness, completion, and the cycles of life. Many sharing circles are traditionally “opened” through joss, smudging & dance offerings.
Join LTNS artist Kwoi, and Indigenous hip-hop and grass dancer Tristan Blackbird Martell a.k.a. Bboy Tanmantiou (Cree from Waterhen Lake First Nation/Cambodian), as they collaborate through ritual and dance to create a Sacred Fire Circle, opening to the spiritual realm, to communicate, and connect with loved ones who have gone before us.
Donations for MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) will be gratefully accepted during this event.
Where: Varley Art Gallery of Markham, 216 Main Street Unionville Markham, ON L3R 2H1
When: August 26th, 2:00 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
Comedy Shows
St. Catharines
August 3rd – The Deadly Aunties
Join the Deadly Aunties (Stephanie, Sherry, and Cheyenna) for a night of laughs and Indigenous Comedy in St. Catherines; this 19+ comedy show is not for the faint-hearted, featuring a variety of topics from motherly topics to self-love and actualization.
Where: Showtime Comedy and Entertainment, 92 Saint Paul Street St. Catharines, ON L2R 3M2
When: August 3rd, 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Reserve your spot here.
Community Events
Oakville
August 9th – Healing Women’s Circle by The Women’s Centre of Halton
Led by Karen Marshall, Indigenous Specialist with the Canadian Red Cross, a Halton Children’s Aid Society board member, and a consultant/facilitator with Milton Community Resource Centre. This event provides a healing circle based on Indigenous traditions and practices for all women.
Where: The Women’s Centre, 1515 Rebecca Street #229 Oakville, ON L6L 1Z7
When: August 9th, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
Toronto
August 5th – otîhêw
otîhêw is a Métis-Cree reimagining of William Shakespeare’s Othello by PJ Prudat. This reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy is set in a north-western factory fort along the Saskatchewan River in 1816, the year of no summer, at the height of imperial trading that drove colonization over sovereign Indigenous lands. otîhêw, an affluent “child of the fur trade,” is a Métis woman bound in the historical “custom-of-the-country” to Desmond, an Afro-Indigenous fur-trader, complicating her duty as the leader of her people.
Playwright PJ Prudat weaves themes of duty, love, betrayal, and familial bonds in a poetic and powerful play that will surprise audiences familiar with Othello and captivate audiences encountering the story for the first time.
Where: Memorial Park, 22 Little Avenue Toronto, ON M9N 1K6
When: August 5th, 7:00 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
August 29th – City of Toronto’s Community Sharing Circle with Feast by City of Toronto- Indigenous Affairs Office
The City’s Indigenous Affairs Office (IAO) supports City divisions in their work with First Nations, Inuit, Métis peoples, and all urban Indigenous communities; the IAO hosts a community sharing circle with a delicious feast. Members of the IAO will be present to share the importance of their work and listen to feedback from the community.
Where:16 Spadina Road, Toronto, ON M5R 2S7
When: August 29th, 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here
Educational Workshops and Wellness Events
Burlington
August 5th – Energy Grid Workshop by Waterfall of Wellness
Join Waterfall of Wellness and Time To Earth at the Garden Of Reciprocity (Wellness Centre in Burlington) to build and boost your energy through intention and connection. This energy grid workshop showcases how to connect with your energy field with others in the circle and plant friends. Lunch and refreshments will be provided at this event.
The Energy Workshop is led by host Tiffany Henry, an Earth walker, water protector, and mother of five, and facilitator Carissa Beresford, an Intuitive Energy Worker, Reiki Master/Teacher, Artisan, Creator, Writer, Therapeutic Arts Life Coach, Healer, and Resourceful Mama.
Where: Time To Earth, 5327 Britannia Road Burlington, ON L7M 0R9
When: August 5th, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here.
Cambridge
August 24th – All Nations Indigenous Led Drumming Circles by McDougall Cottage Historic Site
Presented by McDougall Cottage Historic Site in partnership with Crow Shield Lodge, this event provides an avenue to connect, share and learn through drumming, singing, and storytelling.
In Indigenous culture, the drum voices a connection to all creation, and the circle represents balance and equality, wholeness and associations. When we drum together, we strengthen our connection to all living things and each other.
Bring your drums (bodhrans and various cultural hand drums), shakers and rattles, or voice to this interactive drumming circle in Cambridge. Donations for the event are welcome!
Where: McDougall Cottage Historic Site, 89 Grand Avenue South Cambridge, ON N1S 2L7
When: August 24th, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Admission: Now Sold Out
Georgina
August 30th – Blue Moon Drum Circle by Glenn Marais
Join Glenn Marais, Wendy, and Phil Shaw for an enchanting night under the shimmering “Blue Moon” in this incredible 60-person drum circle and beautiful healing journey. This event features exceptional guest facilitator and indigenous educator Jan Beaver, storyteller, author of several children’s graphic novels and history books focused on Indigenous themes, educational consultant, and a facilitator of the Way of the Circle programs at Northern Edge Algonquin.
Where: 5258 Old Homestead Road Georgina, ON L0E 1R0
When: August 30th, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here.
Kitchener/Waterloo
August 15th – Participatory Sessions with Artist Mike Cywink by Suzanne Luke
Renowned Anishinaabe artist and mural painter, Mike Cywink, invites the Laurier community to contribute to his mural design. Under the artist’s supervision, participants will be given the opportunity to paint in a designated area of the mural.
Where: Indigenous Student Centre, 157 Albert Street Wilfrid Laurier University Waterloo, ON N2L 3T2
When: August 15th, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
August 15th – Growing Together Community of Practice by The Early Childhood Professional Resource Centre
This community-based event provides an opportunity to learn traditional Indigenous practices and plant medicines. This event is ideal for those who have completed the four sacred plant medicine gatherings.
Where: Conestoga College – Doon Campus Welcome Centre (Room 103) 299 Doon Valley Drive Kitchener, ON N2G 4M4
When: August 15th, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
London
August 14th – Kanawayhitowin Women’s Group: Growing Your Bundle Series
This event series offers a community-based and women-centric space to explore wellness themes including but not limited to medicine pouch making, a 2km walk in Harris Park, self-care action planning, and songs. All materials (light refreshments, water, star berries, yoga mats, and lawn chairs) are provided for this event, but participants are encouraged to bring a drum. You can view more information on the program here.
Where: Harris Park, 531 Ridout St N London, ON N6A 2P8
When: August 14th, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
August 28th – Kanawayhitowin Women’s Group: Growing Your Bundle Series
This event series offers a community-based and women-centric space to explore wellness themes including but not limited to medicine pouch making, a 2km walk in Harris Park, self-care action planning, and songs. All materials (light refreshments, water, star berries, yoga mats, and lawn chairs) are provided for this event, but participants are encouraged to bring a drum. You can view more information on the program here.
Where: Harris Park, 531 Ridout St N London, ON N6A 2P8
When: August 28th, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
Mississauga
August 10th – Indigenous Medium Shawn Leonard Live in Mississauga by Shawn Leonard
Join Aboriginal Medium and Star of the APTN TV show “Spirit Talker,” Shawn Leonard, Live in Mississauga to discover the process of mediumship from a unique Indigenous perspective. All readings are random for all audience attendees. You can view more information about the event here.
Where: Mississauga Convention Centre, 75 Derry Road West Mississauga, ON L5W 1G3
When: August 17th, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here
Ottawa
August 23rd – Indigenous Medium Shawn Leonard Live in Ottawa by Shawn Leonard
Join Aboriginal Medium and Star of the APTN TV show “Spirit Talker,” Shawn Leonard, Live in Ottawa to discover the process of mediumship from a unique Indigenous perspective. All readings are random for all audience attendees. You can view more information about the event here.
Where: The Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1N, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J2
When: August 23rd, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here
August 30th – Welcome Week – Workshop with Lynnya Dennehy
Led by Lynnya Dennehy, this community workshop showcases and teaches participants Indigenous hand games and other community-based activities intending to showcase Indigenous culture and practices.
Where: Mashkawazìwogamig Indigenous Resource Centre 145 Séraphin-Marion Private Ottawa, ON K1N
When: August 30th, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
August 31st- Welcome Week – Workshop with Lynnya Dennehy
Led by Lynnya Dennehy, this community workshop showcases and teaches participants Indigenous hand games and other community-based activities intending to showcase Indigenous culture and practices.
Where: Mashkawazìwogamig Indigenous Resource Centre 145 Séraphin-Marion Private Ottawa, ON K1N
When: August 31st, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
Toronto
August 1st – Drum Circle: Led by Spirit Wind by Waakebiness Institute
This drum circle, led by Spirit Wand, brings together community members for a unique, serene, and community-based experience.
In Indigenous culture, the drum voices a connection to all creation, and the circle represents balance and equality, wholeness and associations. When we drum together, we strengthen our connection to all living things and each other.
Where: Ashkaakamigokwe-wiigamig (Mother Earth Learning Lodge), 20 Willcocks Street Toronto, ON M5S 1C6
When: August 1st, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
August 10th and 11th – Mental Health First Aid Workshop by Miziwe Biik
This Certificate-Based Mental Health Aid Workshop provides an in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect a person’s well-being, including
Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
Confidence to step in, reassure, and support a person in distress.
Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgmental listening.
Knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to further support – whether that’s self-help resources, through their employer, or health care practitioner.
Workshop participants must identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) and reside within the Greater Toronto Area.
Location: 167 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2E4
Event Times: August 10th and 11th, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Admission: Free. Register here
August 14th and 15th -First Aid/ CPR Workshop by Miziwe Biik
This First Aid/ CPR Workshop offers a comprehensive 2-day workshop on first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills for those who need training due to work requirements or who want more knowledge to respond to emergencies at home.
CPR C is the level that the majority of Canadians complete. It covers all CPR and choking techniques for adults, children, and infants, as well as two-rescuer CPR training, and includes Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training.
Workshop participants must identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) and reside within the Greater Toronto Area.
Location: 167 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2E4
Event Times: August 14th and 15th, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Admission: Free. Register here
August 22nd- Indigenous Cultural Competency Training by Native Canadian Centre of Toronto
This training workshop provides a foundation for understanding Indigenous people’s and Canadians’ unique relationships. This training intends to promote change within the individual, workplace, organization, and community by providing an overview of Indigenous worldviews, enhancing self-awareness through experiential learning, and increasing knowledge of historical contexts.
Attendees will be able to understand better how to establish healthy relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada and more. You can view additional information on the program here.
Where: Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, 16 Spadina Road Toronto, ON M5R 2S7
When: August 22nd, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here.
August 24th – Food Handler Workshop by Miziwe Biik
This Food Handler Workshop covers basic food safety knowledge, including health and safety measures.
Workshop participants must identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) and reside within the Greater Toronto Area.
Location: 167 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2E4
Event Times: August 24th, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Admission: Free. Register here
Concerts/Festivals
Ottawa
August 8th to 13th – Asinabka Film & Media Arts Festival
Presented by Asinabka Film & Media Arts Festival, this 6-day electric event runs from August 8th to August 13th, showcasing over 60 Indigenous Films, music, and arts from Canada and worldwide.
You can view the full event schedule here
Location: Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge Ottawa, ON K1N 0C5
Event Times: August 8th – 13th , 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Admission: Paid but with some Free events. Grab your tickets here
August 18th – Solidarity in Sounds: A Concert for the Anishnabe Moose Committee (AMC) by Climate Justice Ottawa
Climate Justice Ottawa hosts a night of music, celebration, and solidarity at Club Saw with the Anishnabe Moose Committee in their effort to protect their moose, culture, and lands. This event features music, provides an opportunity to network and meet people, and fun activities.
Location: SAW, 67 Nicholas Street Ottawa, ON K1N 7B9
Event Times: August 18th, 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here.
Wiikwemkoong
August 4th – Wiikwemkoong Arts and Music Festival by Debajehmujig Storytellers (Theatre Group)
In partnership with Wikwemikong Tourism and Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival, Debajehmujig presents the 6th Annual Wiikwemkoong Arts and Music Festival!
WAMF 2023 features Canada’s R&B Queen Jully Black, Wikwemikong’s Crystal Shawanda, Comedian Don Burnstick, and more…
Where: Indigenous Student Centre, 157 Albert Street Wilfrid Laurier University Waterloo, ON N2L 3T2
When: August 4th, 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Reserve your spot here.
Farmers Markets
Toronto
Deeply Rooted Farmers Market
Deeply Rooted Farmers Market focuses on exclusively highlighting Black and Indigenous vendors within the country. This market allows health-conscious and socially conscious consumers to purchase locally sourced, locally produced quality food and products from Black and Indigenous vendors.
Vendor Application: Open, Apply here
Location: 455 Cosburn Ave, East York, ON M4J 2N2
Season Dates: Every Sunday from May 29th- October 15th
Market Time: 9: 00 am – 2:00 pm
Apply to be a volunteer here
Pow Wows
Mobert
August 4th to 6th – Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg Annual Traditional Pow Wow
Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg 35th Annual Pow Wow celebrates its 35th Pow Wow featuring cultural performances, dances, and fun activities
Where: Pow-wow Grounds, Pic Mobert, ON (North off Hwy 17, 25 km West of White River, 3kms Est of Mobert Road turn off)
When: August 4th – 6th
Admission: Free
Manitoulin Island
August 5th to 7th – Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival
Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival, the longest-running Pow Wow in North Eastern North America, is a 3-day Indigenous celebration featuring art shows, cultural performances, music workshops, lots of cuisines to enjoy, fashion shows, and lots of fun and community activities. You can view the festival schedule here.
Where: Nimkii Bineshi Kaning, Manitoulin Island, ON
When: August 5th – 7th
Admission: Paid. Passes are sold at the gate.
Deseronto
August 12th to 13th – 36th Annual Tyendinaga Traditional Pow Wow: Rekindling our Fire
Join the Tyendinaga community for a 2-day annual Indigenous celebration. There will be food vendors, booths, performances, music, dances, and more!
Grand Entry will be at 12 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday.
Where: 275 Bayshore Road Deseronto, ON K0K 1X0
When: Aug 12th, 9:00 am -Aug 13th, 4:00 pm
Admission: Grab your tickets here
Rama
August 26th to 27th – RAMA POWWOW
One of the biggest Pow wows in Ontario, this event features electrifying dances, music, singing contests, specials, and lots of fun-filled activities.
Where: John Snache Memorial Multi-purpose Grounds, 6030 Rama Road Rama, Ontario L3V 6H6
When: August 26th – 27th
Admission: TBA
August 19th to 20th – Grand River Pow-Wow
Garden River First Nation hosts their inaugural pow-wow showcasing Indigenous culture. There will be special honor songs, a grand entry, a showcase of homemade artwork, award-winning Indigenous music, special exhibition dances, cultural displays, and an exhibit in honor of the Children of Residential School.
Where: Garden River Ball Fields
When: August 19th – 20th
Admission: TBA
Small Business Pop-up Events
Burlington
August 27th – Community Market by Time to Earth
Waterfall of Wellness hosts a community market in Burlington featuring vendors selling food, art, crafts, crochet, clothing, toys, candles, holistic wellness products, crystals, and more!
Come enjoy a fun afternoon at this family-friendly event. There will be fun kid-friendly activities, including henna, bubbles, an obstacle course, a Haudenosaunee clan scavenger hunt, and much more! This fun-filled event also provides the opportunity to tour the Garden of Reciprocity! Plant a seed to take home.
Where: Time To Earth, 5327 Britannia Road Burlington, ON L7M 0R9
When: August 27th, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Admission: Free.
Caledonia
August 12th- Pop-up Market by Grand River Artisan Market
Grand River Artisan Market hosts a pop-up market featuring vendors selling crafts, food, baked goods, and more.
Where: 1008 Brant County Hwy 54, Caledonia, ON N3W 2G9
When: August 12th, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Admission: Free
Applications Status: Open. Send them a message here.
August 19th- Pop-up Market by Grand River Artisan Market
Grand River Artisan Market hosts a pop-up market featuring vendors selling crafts, food, baked goods, and more.
Where: 1008 Brant County Hwy 54, Caledonia, ON N3W 2G9
When: August 19th, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Admission: Free
Applications Status: Open. Send them a message here.
Ottawa
August 26th – Indigenous Summer Market by Adaawe Indigenous Business Hub
Support Indigenous entrepreneurs, vendors and discover unique finds in this illustrious and vibrant market in the nation’s Capital. There will be captivating performances showcasing Indigenous cultures and heritage, many vendors to shop from, and fun activities.
Where: Adaawe Indigenous Business Hub 338 Somerset Street West #1 Ottawa, ON K2P 0J9
When: August 26th, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
Tours
Brantford
August 12th- Bike Ride & Tour Of H.M Royal Chapel of the Mohawks by Brant Waterways Foundation
Join Brant Waterways for a bike ride and walking tour of the historical H.M. Royal Chapel of the Mohawks. This bike ride event begins in the rear parking lot of the Brantford & District Civic Centre. For more information on the event, click here.
Where: Mohawk Chapel, 301 Mohawk Street, Brantford, ON N3T5LN
When: August 12th, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here
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