National Indigenous Peoples Day
JUNE 19, 2025
National Indigenous Peoples Day is a national celebration of the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis throughout Canada. Huronia Historical Parks is proud to be a part of highlighting these achievements through our educational-focused celebration each year. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year. It has been a nationally recognized day since 1996.
Please contact us for more information. To book a school or group visit, please send an email to:
Day of Learning: An educational celebration
Thursday, June 19 – 10 am to 5 pm
Sainte-Marie has been hosting this dynamic, education-focused celebration of Indigenous cultures for decades. Come and learn directly from First Nations and Métis experts and allies! Open to school groups and the general public.
This event will encompass a wide variety of unique Indigenous cultural and historical demonstrations such as music, art and traditional teachings.
Timed activities
- Gathering ceremonies:
- 10:30 am and 12:30 pm
- “Eagle Flight Singers” drum group:
- 11 am, 12 pm, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm
- Hand drumming/storytelling with Neil Monague & Angie:
- 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm
- Waterway demonstration:
- 11 am and 2 pm
- Storytelling & fire starting demonstration:
- 12 pm, 1 pm and 3pm
- Smudging ceremonies with Chris Walser:
- 11:30 am and 1:30 pm
- Hand drumming with Chris Walser:
- 11 am, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm
All-day activities
- Lacrosse speed net
- Three Sisters Soup tasting in the cookhouse
- “Survival in the Bush” outdoor survival skills
- Métis games and display, presented by Discovery Harbour
- Display presented by Parks Canada & Beausoleil Island National Historic Site
- Indigenous Ring & Pin game
- Corn husk figures craft
- Interactive giant treaties map
- Truth and reconciliation display in the indoor museum
- Indigenous Ingenuity Exhibit in the indoor museum
- Sainte-Marie historical video in the theatres
- Indigenous & Métis Artisans market
- Scavenger hunt
Admission Fee:
- Admission is $12, per student (tax included)
- Chaperones are free
School group registration
If you’re a teacher interested in bringing a class to this dynamic learning event, please complete our booking request form or contact our tour coordinator at reservationshhp@ontario.ca or 705-427-2983 for more information.
Order packed lunches for your class
Restaurant Sainte-Marie offers delicious and nutritious takeaway lunch options for school groups! Learn about menus and rates by contacting our tour coordinator or our restaurant.
Indigenous artisans
We invite First Nations, Inuit and Métis artisans and crafters to contact us to apply for a vendor space during our school-focused National Indigenous Peoples Day event on June 19.
There is no vendor fee for qualifying applicants. Email reservationshhp@ontario.ca or fill out our application form.
Image gallery
Please click each image below to see a larger version.
Anishinaabewin Maamninendimowin: Pane Gii-Bite
Indigenous Ingenuity: Timeless Inventions
A travelling exhibit presented by Indigenous Tourism Ontario and Science North
This captivating exhibit blends science and culture to ignite pride and appreciation for the incredible innovations of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Come and celebrate the diversity, interconnectedness, and resourceful ways of knowing and being that inform Indigenous invention. Learn how Indigenous ingenuity supports our global community.
The cost of this exhibit is included in your Sainte-Marie admission.
Discovery Harbour, our sister site located in nearby Penetanguishene, also offers enhanced education programs.
Visit: www.discoveryharbour.on.ca for more information or contact: reservationshhp@ontario.ca