What’s Happening? Indigenous Events
June 2, 2023
Experience the authentic Indigenous culture with these events in Ottawa’s Original Downtown! Celebrate Indigenous Culture with these incredible events in June!
Zoon & Status/Non-Status
National Arts Centre
June 2nd
In the Ojibway language, the word Zoongide’ewin means bravery, courage, the Bear Spirit. On Zoon’s debut album, Bleached Waves, Zoon paints a message of hope and fortitude. Lessons he learned studying the Seven Grandfather teachings after experiencing the lowest point of his life.
Status/Non-Status exists because of a desire to connect communities, particularly Indigenous communities, through art and healing. Putting forth an Indigenous voice in Canada’s musical culture is an essential motivation for Status/Non-Status.
Catch Zoon & Non-Status perform on the Fourth Stage at the National Arts Centre on Friday, June 2nd at 8:30 PM.
For more information: https://bit.ly/41Q9cdp
Capital Sessions with DJ Pøptrt and Makhena Rankin Guerin
National Arts Centre
June 3rd
Capital Sessions offers free house dance workshops to everyone! Learn basic house dance steps from some experienced dancers. If you are a dancer, bring your dancing shoes and come join the session!
Capital Sessions is bringing a special Indigenous edition featuring two incredible Indigenous artists, DJ Pøptrt and Makhena Rankin Guerin.
DJ Pøptrt is an Indigenous DJ and visual artist from the Mohawk Nation of Kahnawà:ke. She creates art with the influences of both Kahnawà:ke culture and contemporary Pop-art.
Makhena Rankin Guerin is a two-spirit Anishinaabe and Franco-Ontarian artist from Ottawa, and member of Abitibiwinni First Nation. Makhena is a traditional hoop dancer mixing traditional and contemporary styles.
Capital Sessions will take place on Saturday, June 3rd at 12:00 PM in front of the Glass Thorsteinson Staircase.
For more information: https://bit.ly/45p4q9I
Willows
National Arts Centre
June 3rd
Willows’ work is fiercely authentic, a delicate folk blend of acoustic instruments and French, English and Michif vocal harmonies. As an experienced singer-songwriter you may recognize her on stage with electro-pop group CHANCES, as one of the founding members.
Now with her new album, Maison Vent, showcases a collection of her own personal songs with theme of women, whether the women in her life, women in her past and her own experience and her experience being a woman as a Franco-Manitoban Red River Métis who is now living in Montréal.
For more information: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/33879
#ReconcileThis Art Build
National Arts Centre
June 4th to June 5th
#ReconcileThis is a social media initiative to uplift and amplify Indigenous voices online by activating and sharing stories, languages, culture and perspectives through provocative digital performances and conversations in response to this hashtag.
Head down to the National Arts Centre for a Community Art Build to create and paint screen-print banners supporting the movement. Join this workshop and have the opportunity to learn about the initiative while engaging with other participants.
All materials will be provided, and feel free to bring a T-shirt to print as well!
Be creative and paint in the Atrium O’Brien theatre at the National Arts Centre from June 4th to June 5th at 11:00 AM.
For more information: https://bit.ly/3BzpzAl
Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards
National Arts Centre
June 6th
The Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards (SSIMAS) celebrates the artistic excellence and accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit and Metis musicians.
The SSIMAS are spanned through 16 categories, including honouring solo artists, duos and groups fron across Canada. The live award show will be hosted by Anishinaabe activist, broadcaster and content creator Sarain Fox, featuring six live performances.
There are a limited number of VIP tickets that are available which include a reception attended by artists, presenters and sponsors with an Indigenous-inspired menu by NAC Chef Chris Commandant.
For more information: https://bit.ly/3ImDehQ
Iskew Singers
National Arts Centre
June 8th
Head down to the National Arts Centre on Thursday for their springtime programming, Jukebox Lunchtime Concerts. The perfect midday break with great music selections is a perfect way to refuel for the rest of the day!
On June 8th, the Jukebox artists will be the Iskwew Singers from Vancouver. The Iskwew Singers are a trio of First Nations women who create and perform songs that tell stories of the connection to the earth, the Creator and one another. Through Iskwew, these powerful singers bring the songs and sounds of their vibrant culture to the ears of the world.
After the show, join the NAC for a workshop to learn more about the music and instruments by learning a song.
For more information: https://bit.ly/435ZZyC
Got Land?
National Arts Centre
June 8th
Got Land? is a stand-up comedy variety show where First Nation, Inuit, and Metis entertainers tell jokes and share individual life stories. So keep your ear to the ground and your eyes to the skies, as Got Land? brings its unique style of comedy to National Indigenous History Month! Tell your cousins!
Featuring Don Kelly, Janelle Niles, Nicole Etitiq, Vance Banzo, and Denise B McLeod.
For more information: https://bit.ly/3MkchN2
Summer Indigenous Art Market
National Arts Centre
June 17th
Looking for something to do on a Saturday? Gather at the Gail and David O’Brien Atrium at the National Arts Centre as they host the Indigenous artists and artisans for the Summer Indigenous Art Market on June 17th at 10:00 AM.
The Indigenous Art Market features diverse and fantastic work of Métis, Inuit and First Nations makers. From jewelry, beadwork, paintings, sculptures, mittens, moccasins, coffee and crafts, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
For more information: https://bit.ly/3pQUQfl
Worried about where you are going to park? Click here for a handy tool to find all the parking options and rates in the downtown!