Experience Authentic Indigenous Culture in Ottawa

Canada’s capital is an ideal place to explore the history, culture, and heritage of Indigenous Peoples. Long before French explorer Samuel de Champlain arrived in what is now Ottawa, the region was a place for hunting and trade, with people traveling along the Ottawa River in birch bark canoes to hunt, fish, and exchange goods. Deriving from the word adawe, meaning “to trade”, the Ottawa region is home to 40,000+ Indigenous peoples.

Ottawa is home to a variety of ways to discover the stories of Indigenous people from cultural experiences, museums, and monuments to authentic handmade items from the many local Indigenous-owned shops. Highlights include:

Indigenous Walks - Indigenous Walks was launched in May 2014 and is an active, educational, and fun way to learn about Indigenous peoples’ experiences in Ottawa. This guided walk and talk brings an Indigenous lens to Canada’s capital through art, culture, history, and landscape. Guests will walk away with a renewed understanding of Ottawa and Gatineau, carrying forward a contemporary Indigenous perspective. More information.

Makatew Workshops - Explore authentic Indigenous workshops and ceremonies hosted at Makatew’s beautiful facility in Carp. Events offer something new each time – from moccasin workshops, mitten-making, or cooking bannock around the fire. Stop by for a tour of the facility or book a unique experience for small groups. makatew.ca

Ottawa Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (21-22 June) - taking place during National Indigenous History Month, coinciding with National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD). This multi-disciplinary arts festival brings together Indigenous artists, performers, educators, and communities to celebrate Canada’s diverse Indigenous cultures. For over 20 years, the festival has provided opportunities to honour the contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The festival is produced by Indigenous Experiences on behalf of the NIPD Committee. summersolsticefestivals.ca

Indigenous Theatre at the National Arts Centre - Embrace the richness of Indigenous stories, traditions and resilience. The 2025 season honours the heart of Indigenous communities – the matriarchs who raise their families with love, impart wisdom and hold communities in their caring hands. Celebrate their vibrant spirit as it resonates through each performance on stage. Explore an exciting lineup featuring cultural workshops, comedy shows and stories told through dance and music. nac-cna.ca/en/indigenoustheatre

Explore History Through the Land: Chaudière Falls - The waterfall located on the Ottawa River (north of the Canadian War Museum), is a sacred place of spiritual importance to the Anishinaabe Algonquin people of the region. It was a meeting place and trade route, where Indigenous travellers would make offerings of tobacco to ensure safe journeys. Visit the Chaudière Falls to connect with the past, take in a breathtaking view and explore this historically significant site. Currently under the stewardship and management of Hydro Ottawa, it produces hydroelectricity that powers over 20,000 households in the region. chaudierefalls.com

For more information visit: https://ottawatourism.ca/en/ottawa-insider/celebrate-indigenous-culture-ottawa