National Indigenous People's Day
June 21st is National Indigenous People's Day, dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples all over Canada. National Indigenous People's Day takes place on the summer solstice which has traditionally been a time of year where First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities have celebrated their cultures and languages. This day is an opportunity for all people to engage in learning, reflection, and celebration while honouring Indigenous histories.
Activities
New Listing
Month of June
Celebrating Indigenous Storytelling
Throughout June, the Collingwood Public Library invites visitors to explore a curated display celebrating Indigenous voices in literature. The exhibit highlights works by Indigenous authors and storytellers, offering insight into diverse histories, cultures, and perspectives. Checkout the recommended reading list on the library’s website to continue learning and reflection beyond the display by clicking the button, below.
June 10, 2026
Medicine Garden Infusion
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Medicine Gardens
Join Tanya Gluvakov of Roots and Raven for an introduction to the Medicine Gardens and the plants growing within them. Participants will also be guided through the process of making a sweetgrass infusion.
June 20, 2026
Métis Culture: Harvesting, Trapping, and Connection to the Land
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Awen' Waterplay Splash Park
This interactive cultural presentation creates an opportunity for community learning, cultural sharing, and meaningful engagement with Métis history and traditions. Through storytelling, hands-on learning, and artifact exploration, participants will gain a deeper understanding of Métis culture, harvesting practices, trapping, and the important connection between land, identity, and community.
The presentation highlights the historical and cultural importance of trapping in Canada, with a specific focus on its role within Métis life, survival, trade, and land-based knowledge. Participants will learn how harvesting practices, including trapping, reflect a deep respect for the land, animals, natural resources, and the teachings passed down through generations.
Community members will have the opportunity to see, hold, and explore a variety of unique cultural and land-based items, including tools, furs, hides, traditional fire-starting materials, and other hands-on artifacts. The display is designed to be engaging, educational, and interactive, allowing participants to connect directly with the materials while learning the stories and teachings connected to them.
This presentation is designed to bring Métis culture to life by sharing knowledge, stories, and teachings in a respectful and accessible way. It celebrates the cultural contributions of Métis people while encouraging community members to learn more about harvesting, trapping, land-based learning, and the ongoing importance of cultural knowledge today.
Participants will learn about:
Métis culture, history, and cultural contributions
Harvesting practices and connection to the land
The history and importance of trapping in Canada and Métis culture
Traditional tools, furs, hides, and fire-starting materials
Safe, hands-on learning through interactive artifacts and demonstrations
Stories and teachings connected to land-based knowledge
Solstice Songs
5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Shipyards Amphitheatre
The Town of Collingwood invites the community to come together in celebration of National Indigenous People’s Day with a free concert down at the Shipyards Amphitheatre. Enjoy an evening filled with live performances from celebrated Indigenous artists while taking part in a meaningful celebration of culture, reconciliation, and community.
- Lisa Marie Naponse, 5:30 - 6:00 p.m.
- Red N' Blue, 6:00 - 7:15 p.m.
- J.D. Crosstown Band, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
July 1 - Oct. 3, 2026
The Ones We Met
Operating Hours
Collingwood Museum
For generations, the fate of Sir John Franklin’s 1845 expedition remained one of history’s great mysteries. Inuit Traditional Knowledge and the Franklin Expedition — explored through The Ones We Met exhibit — reveals how Inuit oral histories helped shape the search for answers. Developed by the Canadian Museum of History and the Inuit Heritage Trust, this travelling exhibition features photographs, illustrations, maps, and recorded stories that highlight Inuit knowledge, Arctic exploration, and encounters between Inuit and European explorers.
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