National Indigenous Peoples’ Day
National Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a celebration of the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and communities throughout Canada.
Huronia Historical Parks is proud to help highlight the accomplishments and innovations of Indigenous peoples through our educational celebration on June 19, our free online learning event launching June 20, as well as our lacrosse-focused celebration on June 21.
Day of learning
Educational celebration
Open to school groups and the general public, this celebration includes a full-day of hands-on learning about First Nations and Métis cultures. Watch large drum and dance performances by Red Spirit. Listen to traditional stories in the longhouse. Play Indigenous games and make crafts. Taste delicious three sisters soup. And so much more!
Free online program
Indigenous-led learning
Can’t make in-person events? Join our free online program to learn from First Nations experts and Indigenous allies speaking on a wide variety of topics from drum-making to reconciliation. Join us for a digital celebration starting with opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. on June 20, or watch on-demand videos from June 21 to 30.
Legends of lacrosse
For allies and sports fans
Check out this brand new event with lacrosse legend Jim Calder and pro player Chris Boushy of the Toronto Rock! Get hands-on instructional training from some of the world’s best lacrosse players, and learn the fascinating history of the Creator’s Game – and Sainte-Marie’s place in it.
About National Indigenous Peoples’ Day
For generations, many Indigenous 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. Sainte-Marie has been marking National Indigenous Peoples’ Day since its official inception.
Day of Learning: An educational celebration
Thursday, June 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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.
Timed activities
- Large drum and dance group “Red Spirit”
- Hand drumming with Neil Monague
- Hand drumming with Chris Walser
- Gathering ceremonies
- Waterway demonstrations
- Storytelling in the longhouse
- Daily presentations (fire starting and canoe arrival)
All-day activities
- Survival in the Bush skills
- Interactive giant treaties map
- Blacksmithing demonstrations
- Lacrosse speed net challenge
- Indigenous crafts and games
- Tasting of the Three Sisters soup in the cookhouse
- Georgian Bay islands display and information
- Métis games and display, presented by Discovery Harbour
- Sainte-Marie historical video in the theatres
- Indigenous & Métis Artisans
Tickets for the general public
- Admission is $12, tax included, per person.
- Children five and under are free.
- Indigenous persons are free with valid ID.
- Season pass holders get free admission.
- Ontario educators get free admission with Valid ID.
- Though this event is designed with school kids in mind, everyone is welcome! There is plenty to see and do for people of all walks of life.
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.
Image gallery
Please click each image below to see a larger version.
Free online learning program
Live on Friday, June 20 from 10 a.m.
On-demand from Saturday, June 21 to Monday, June 30
Discover this fantastic free online event and further your own learning about First Nations and Métis cultures! With workshops, seminars and demonstrations led by Indigenous experts, it’s a great opportunity to learn about Indigenous cultures virtually.
Stay tuned for registration information! This program is open to everyone.
Program highlights
- Opening Ceremonies
- How to make cedar leaf tea with Del Taylor
- Medicine bag construction with Chris Walser of Little Wolf Creations
- The story of the Three Sisters with Marilyn Hopkins
- Strawberry Teachings with Autumn Varley of the Treasury Board Secretariat
- Being an extraordinary ally with Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux
- Flint knapping with Shawn Corbière of Parks Canada
- Popped Wild Rice with Elliott Cromarty of Fort William Historical Park
- And so much more!
Educators welcome!
Teachers are welcome to stream this free online learning program into their classrooms! Simply register online as a educator and follow the email prompts to join.
Registration coming soon
Legends of Lacrosse
Saturday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On National Indigenous Peoples’ Day itself, Sainte-Marie is hosting a brand new event – Legends of Lacrosse – with lacrosse legend Jim Calder and pro player Chris Boushy of the Toronto Rock!
The game was developed and played by First Nations peoples long before European contact. It was more than just a sport; it was a ceremonial activity that held spiritual and social importance.
The Jesuit missionaries of Sainte-Marie were the first to write about lacrosse – sharing the Creator’s Game with the western world.
Learn about and practice the Creator’s Game with some of the best players in the world.
- Discover the origins and evolutions of the game from experts and historians
- Get hands-on instructional training from professional lacrosse players
- See how fast you can throw a lacrosse ball in the speed net challenge
Tickets
- Admission is $12, tax included, per person.
- Children five and under are free.
- Indigenous persons are free with valid ID.
- Season pass holders get free admission.
- Ontario educators get free admission with Valid ID.
Image gallery
Please click each image below to see a larger version.
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.
Please note:
- The restaurant will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Snacks and beverages will be available to purchase on the historic site and/or in our gift shop.
- Picnic areas are available.
- Season pass holders get free admission to this event.
Good to know:
Only service dogs will be allowed on-site during special events. Thank you for your understanding.
16164 Highway 12 East, Midland, ON, L4R 4K8
Parking Info
There is ample parking for visitors including those with RVs and buses. Please park in the parking lot provided and make your way to the admissions entrance. We also have bike racks available for cyclists coming from the Tay Trail.
Need more info?
Please contact us at hhp@ontario.ca or (705) 526-7838 if you have any questions.
Ontario’s first European Community, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons was the headquarters for the French Jesuit Mission to the Huron-Wendat people. In 1639, the Jesuits, along with French lay workers, began construction of a fenced community that included barracks, a church, workshops, residences, and a sheltered area for Indigenous visitors. This community was abandoned and burned down in 1649.
After extensive archaeological and historical research, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is now recreated on its original site, where the mission’s compelling story is brought to life with costumed historical interpreters, demonstrations and hands-on activities.
Located near Midland, on the Wye River, this world-renowned reconstruction offers visitors a unique opportunity to see the earliest Canadian pioneer life through self-guided visits, group tours, interactive education programs, and special events. Complete your experience by exploring our interpretive museum and themed gift shop.
