National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day honours the diverse cultures, traditions and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. This year’s celebration includes a ceremony, performances, workshops and storytelling. Presented by the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest with support from the City of Kingston.

Admission to this event is free.

When and where? 

Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Confederation Park (216 Ontario St.), from 1 to 6 p.m.

What's happening

• Opening Ceremony
• Music, storytelling and dancing
• Workshops
• Kids zone
  
  • Corn Maze Inflatable
• Food vendors
• Vendor market

Main Stage

On Ontario St. at Brock St. Schedules subject to change.

• 1  p.m. Opening
• 1:30 p.m. Ollin Drum with St. Pierre Singers and Dancers
• 2:15  p.m. Billie the Kid: Spoken Word Poet
• 2:30  p.m. The Ward Brothers: Traditional Grass Dancing
• 3  p.m. Noelle  
• 3:45  p.m. Billie the Kid: Spoken Word Poet 
• 4 p.m. Tocani: Traditional Danza and Music
• 5 p.m. Kchi Tolba Two Spirit Drum
• 5:30  p.m. Drumming with Kewaywin

Workshops

• 1 p.m. Four Sacred Medicines and Smudging with Lynda and Tracy
• 2  p.m. Mural, Red Dress & Orange Shirt Community Art with Yessi 
• 3  p.m. Braiding Sweetgrass with Clair and Courtney
• 4  p.m. Dreamcatchers with Grandma Deb and Jade
• 5  p.m. Community Arts with Laura 

Getting there

You can walk, bike, ride Kingston Transit or drive and park downtown.

Transit

Confederation Park is accessible via Kingston Transit. Visit the Trip Planner to plan your route. Kids 14 and under ride for free!

Parking

There is limited street parking around Confederation Park and Ontario Street will be closed. Attendees can use public transit or use paid street parking on adjacent streets. Accessible parking is available in the Ontario Brock lot (enter off of Ontario Street) and on Brock Street next to Confederation Park.

What to bring

• A reusable water bottle to fill up at the Water Buggy courtesy of Utilities Kingston
• Cash or card (ATMs are available nearby and several vendors accept debit/credit)

 Accessibility information 

• Confederation Park is fully accessible. Some activities will take place on the grass.
• Accessible restrooms are available inside the Visitor Information Centre. Additional accessible restrooms are located inside City Hall where there is one single-stall non-gendered restroom. 

There is construction on-site. The park remains accessible, but some of the inner-pathways are partially obstructed by fencing. Our team on-site will be helping with way-finding. If you have any specific accessibility needs, please email specialeventsoffice@cityofkingston.ca.   

Weather

This event happens rain or shine. The event will only be cancelled if it becomes unsafe to be outside. Some activities may need to stop temporarily if it is raining but will restart after conditions allow.