Performances, Stories and Ceremony: 2025 Kingston National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration is taking place June 21 at Confederation Park

In our original news release, we incorrectly stated that National Indigenous Peoples Day was taking place on Friday, June 21. This has now been updated with the correct date of Saturday, June 21.

On Saturday, June 21, the City of Kingston invites the public to commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day by joining Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest (KNCLN) celebrations from 1 to 6 p.m. at Confederation Park, located in downtown Kingston across from City Hall. This Day presents a meaningful occasion to come together, reflect on, and celebrate the unique heritage, traditions, culture and knowledge of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. 

This cultural event will include an afternoon of ceremony, performances, workshops and storytelling featuring the traditional Aztec group Tocani, Ollin Drum with St Pierre drummers and singers, traditional grass dancers The Ward Brothers, Kchi Tolba Two Spirit Drum, and Noelle Maracle, an emerging pop musician with a modern/vintage R&B edge raised on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.  

“We are thrilled on this day, and every day, to join with community and celebrate the ways the many Indigenous cultures on Turtle Island contribute to both a more vibrant and diverse Canada, and a more vibrant and diverse Kingston,” said Brandon Maracle, Executive Director, KNCLN. “We hope the 2025 Kingston National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration uplifts, educates, and unifies the communities where we all live, work, and play.” 

The Day will also feature: 

“We are proud to support and participate in National Indigenous Peoples Day, and we are deeply grateful to KNCLN for bringing community together on this day to learn, share and celebrate Indigenous cultures and heritage,” said Amber Bryant-Peller, Manager, Indigenous Initiatives, City of Kingston. “Mark your calendars and come join in this day of connection and celebration.” 

The City expresses its deep appreciation to the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat peoples who continue to care for and steward these shared lands. 

To learn more about the 2025 Kingston National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration by the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest, visit the City of Kingston’s event page.