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 18, our free online learning program available until June 25, and our celebration of lacrosse 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 performances by the Eagle Flight Singers. 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? Check out our free online video series to learn from First Nations experts and Indigenous allies speaking on a wide variety of topics from drum-making to reconciliation.
Legends of lacrosse
For allies and sports fans
Check out this new event celebrating the Creator’s Game – lacrosse! Get hands-on instructional training from some of the world’s best lacrosse players, and learn the fascinating history of this tradition – 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
June 18 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
- Gathering ceremonies
- 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.
- Eagle Flight Singers drum group
- 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
- Smudge ceremony
- 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
- Drumming and storytelling
- 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
- Waterway demonstration (weather permitting)
- 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m.
- Traditional fire-starting demonstration
- 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
- Segmque Métis singers and drum group
- 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
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
- Georgian Bay Islands
- Indigenous ring & pin game
- Truth and reconciliation display in the indoor museum
- Leather bracelet making
- Discovery Harbour Métis display
- Sainte-Marie historical video in the theatres
- Indigenous & Métis Artisans market
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.
- * Martyrs’ shrine guests are not eligible for free admission to Sainte-Marie during special events like National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Lunch options
Order packed lunches for your class
Restaurant Sainte-Marie offers delicious and nutritious takeaway lunch options for school groups! Click below to contact the restaurant or view the lunch boxes menu.
Order lunch on the go on the patio
BBQ options offered on the restaurant patio: fries, chicken fingers, poutine, shakes and floats, and more!
Order from the regular menu in the dining room:
Image gallery
Please click each image below to see a larger version.
Indigenous artisans
- Inka’s Native Crafts
- Jaye’s Creation
- Runa Pacha
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 18.
There is no vendor fee for qualifying applicants. Email reservationshhp@ontario.ca or fill out our application form.
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.
Free online learning program
Available June 15 to 25
Discover this fantastic free online resource 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.
Video 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 view these videos in their classrooms. Links to more information coming soon.
Legends of Lacrosse
Sunday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On National Indigenous Peoples’ Day itself, Sainte-Marie is hosting Legends of Lacrosse – with professional lacrosse players! Join Brad Kri from Toronto Rock and Jim Calder, lacrosse historian and former lacrosse world champion.
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.
Hands-on fun for the whole family
- Discover the origins and evolutions of the game from an expert and historian (10 a.m. and 1 p.m.)
- See how fast you can throw a lacrosse ball in the speed net challenge (10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.)
- Register to join skills training sessions led by Brad Kri of the championship-winning Toronto Rock (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.)
- Learn about and participate in other traditional Indigenous games using rocks, sticks and bowls (noon)
- Enjoy traditional crafts: make a corn husk doll, try Métis dot painting, and fashion your own miniature clay pot (all day long)
- Plant the three sisters – corns, beans and squahs – for your garden (all day long)
- Explore a giant map of North America highlighting the treaties that shape our nation (all day long)
- Participate in historical learning sessions like firestarting (2 p.m.), storytelling (3 p.m.), and 17th-century medicine (11 a.m.)
- Taste delicious three-sisters soup and roast bannock over a fire, available all day in the cookhouse
Indigenous-focused guided tours
Step into the world of the Wendat people with an immersive tour exploring their traditions and daily life. Tours are one hour in length and begin at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Event 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
- Members of the Canadian Armed Forces get free admission with valid ID
BBQ dinner at Restaurant Sainte-Marie
Finish your adventure with live music and a delicious BBQ dinner on the beautiful patio at Restaurant Sainte-Marie! Kids’ meals available for $10.
Skills sessions with championship winning Brad Kri!
Level up your lacrosse game with hands-on, practical training from Brad Kri of the Toronto Rock!
Admission to skills sessions is $6 plus tax, in addition to your event ticket. Registration is highly recommended as space is limited to 60 spots per session.
Morning Skills Session
- 11 a.m. to noon
- Ages 11 and below
- U7 to U11
Afternoon Skills Session
- 2 to 3 p.m.
- Ages 12 and above
- U13 to U22
Image gallery
Please click each image below to see a larger version.
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.
