Indigenous Student Events

June is National Indigenous History Month
It's a time for everyone - Indigenous, non-Indigenous and newcomers - to reflect upon and learn the history, sacrifices, cultures, contributions, and strength of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. It’s important to keep in mind that First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples each have their own unique histories. And within each group, there are distinct histories.

Indigenous Peoples Day: June 21st
The summer solstice is a day that Indigenous peoples around the world have celebrated for thousands of years. The Earth’s northern hemisphere is tilted as close as it gets toward the sun, and we enjoy the longest day of light in the year.

Across the land, First Nations will gather and share in ceremonies and traditions that have been carried out for thousands of years. We gather to celebrate and to thank Mother Earth for her gifts. And we gather to celebrate our languages, cultures and ceremonies, which have persevered and prevailed.

In Canada on June 21st, the summer solstice celebration has become National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day of celebration for the contributions and cultures of Indigenous peoples.

Looking to get involved in Indigenous Peoples Day events? Here’s a look at some of the events going on in the community:

Soaring Spirit Festival & Pow Wow (multiple dates)
Friday June 21st, 6pm - 9pm | Sat. June 22nd & Sun. June 23rd, 10am - 6pm | Battlefield House Museum & Park 77 King St. E., Stoney Creek
•    26th Annual Soaring Spirit Festival & Pow Wow honouring all our relations and Indigenous Peoples Day! Featuring dancers, drummers, vendors, food & live music at this all nations family event - FREE attendance.
•    For more information, visit: Soaring Spirit Festival and Pow Wow
•    Indigenous Student Services staff will be in attendance. Volunteer opportunities available, if interested please reach out to kayla.jenkins [at] mohawkcollege.ca (kayla[dot]jenkins[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)

Six Nations Solidarity Day
Friday June 21st | 12pm - 5pm | Parks & Recreation, 1738 Fourth Line Ohsweken, ON
•    Interested in volunteering or want more information? Contact: Leigh Thompson at sncec [at] sixnations.ca (sncec[at]sixnations[dot]ca)

Grandmothers Voice: National Indigenous Peoples Day
Friday June 21st | 10 am – 8 pm | 2700 Bristol Circle Oakville, ON
•    Grandmother’s Voice invites your organization to join us on June 21st, 2024, to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. Hosted right in your neighbourhood, we have a full day planned of influential speakers, performances, food, and activities. Learn about Indigenous worldviews and perspectives that are to be shared with all people, connecting us to the natural world and each other.
•    Take part in hands-on activities, singing, dancing, and speaking with Indigenous Grandmothers and Residential School Survivors.
•    FREE - $10
•    For more information, visit: event page

National Indigenous Peoples Day: A Celebration with Music, Culture, Film & Conversation
Friday June 21st | beginning at 7:30pm | The Westdale
•    Join The Westdale on National Indigenous Peoples Day for an evening of music, dance, culture, and film as we celebrate our Indigenous community. The evening will be capped off with a discussion panel about Indigenous art, identity, and the difficulties faced working towards the goal of Reconciliation. Hosted by Cher Obediah, the celebration features James Wilson, Spirit Vision Drum & Dancers, The Mohawk Singers, and the premiere screening of the short documentary film “Tecumseh”.
•    For more information, visit their event page

Indigenous Poets Society: Creators' Corner, Market & Social
Friday, June 21st | 6:30pm - 9:30pm | Willow River / Victoria Park Pavilion, 80 Schneider Ave. Kitchener, ON
•    Bring your crafts, stories poetry and hand drums. Use the night to be Creative Natives! Good conversation, creativity catchup time, food and visiting, and storytelling. Bring any projects (beading, writing, songs) you need to complete for future shows. 
•    For more information, visit the event post

Oakville Festivals of Film & Art (OFFA):GALA For National Indigenous Peoples Day 
Friday, June 21 @ 7:30 pm | Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. 

• OFFA has consistently appreciated the opportunity to show films by Indigenous filmmakers on an annual basis over the past ten years. Our audience enjoys the diversity of film and cultures represented through the OFFA Official Film Selections and through our collaborations and partnerships with Indigenous organizations.  The Eastern Canadian Premiere of the One-of-a-Kind Indigenous Comedy, The Great Salish Heist !
• For more information visit: https://offa.ca/offa-2024/

Woodland Cultural Centre: National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
Sunday June 23 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm | Woodland Cultural Centre
•    Join the Woodland Cultural Centre for live contemporary and cultural performances, interactive demonstrations including traditional dance and sports, hands on workshops for all ages, shopping with local vendors and artisans, Indigenous foods and more. Tours of our museum and galleries will be available with our knowledgeable guides throughout the day. FREE event.
•    For more information visit: https://woodlandculturalcentre.ca/events/national-indigenous-peoples-day-celebration/

Programming & Services 

The Indigenous Student Services team continues to create events, programming and activities to support our students and community. Please continue to reach out to our team for support, and utilize the events to engage with peers and staff. 

Reminder: Mohawk College, is meant to be a safe and respectful environment for our Indigenous students to gather and stay connected. 

For Indigenous learners looking to stay up-to-date with what's happening in Indigenous Student Services, please be sure to complete the Voluntary Self-Identification Form to opt-in to the monthly Indigenous Student Services newsletter. The Indigenous Student Services Newsletter is a great source of information including upcoming events and programming, awards and bursaries, satellite spotlight, important academic dates, community news, and more!

Have an event idea? We welcome your feedback, contact: iess [at] mohawkcollege.ca (iess[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)

Resources from previous programming: 

Mohawk College’s Indigenous Student Services, McMaster’s Indigenous Student Services and Indigenous Students Health Sciences Office partnered to offer Virtual Drop-in Elder Sessions with a series of Elders. All sessions are available to current Mohawk College and McMaster Indigenous students.