Day 1: Welcome & Foundations of Indigenous Life in Ottawa

Begin the journey by grounding your group in the history, traditions, and continued presence of Indigenous Peoples in the Ottawa region. This day blends storytelling, landmark visits, and cultural interpretation to set the tone for the experience. 

Morning: Indigenous Walks

Start your day with a guided tour led by an Indigenous host, sharing stories of the land, landmarks and layered Indigenous presence in the capital. Indigenous Walks 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. 

Lunch: Beandigen Cafe

Enjoy a light meal at Beandigen Cafe, located a few minutes from downtown in Lansdowne/Glebe neighbourhood, for delicious coffee, tea, and bannock. This Indigenous-owned café’s name comes from the Anishinaabemowin word biindigen, meaning “welcome.” Guests are invited to enjoy espresso drinks and teas in a colourful, art-filled space that celebrates matriarchal leadership and cultural expression. The café also features a curated marketplace of authentic handmade items by local Indigenous makers, offering a meaningful way to connect with the community’s creativity and culture.

Afternoon: Canadian Museum of History

Enjoy a relaxing and invigorating afternoon while exploring Indigenous presence at Canada’s most visited museum, the Canadian Museum of History. Located just across the majestic Ottawa River in Gatineau, Québec, the beautiful, undulated structure designed by Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal features countless symbols that reflect Canada’s landscape. 

The museum’s Grand Hall is home to the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles (as well as spectacular views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River). Look up at the domed ceiling at the end of the hall to see Morning Star, a painting by Alex Janvier. Known as one of Canada’s great Indigenous artists, Janvier was a member of what was called the Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporation (commonly referred to as the “Indian Group of Seven”).

The massive Canadian History Hall presents the largest and most comprehensive exhibition about Canadian history ever created. Over 15,000 years of Canadian history is recounted through 1,500 artifacts, with Indigenous history integrated throughout. Don’t miss the First Peoples Hall’s extensive collection of artifacts and detailed dioramas which provide a compelling exploration of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and visit the Residential School Monument and learn about this dark chapter in Canadian history. 

Chief Tessouat 

Outside, at the Canadian Museum of History, pause for a moment to appreciate a statue honouring Chief Tessouat, an Algonquin Chief from the Kichi Zibi Anishinaabeg. 

Evening: Dinner and Indigenous Theatre at the National Arts Centre – Our Stories are Medicine

Follow your visit to the Canadian Museum of History with an evening at the National Arts Centre. Treat your group to dinner at 1 Elgin, the NAC’s on-site restaurant featuring contemporary Canadian cuisine, or explore nearby dining options in the ByWard Market or along Elgin Street. Then, take your seats for a powerful performance at the NAC’s Indigenous Theatre.

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.

Day 2 – Connection to Land, Animals & Storytelling

This day focuses on Indigenous relationships with land, animals, and each other. Guests will engage with living traditions at Mādahòkì Farm and explore Ottawa’s national museums that honour Indigenous presence and knowledge.

Morning to Early Afternoon: Mādahòkì Farm 

Start your day with a visit to  Mādahòkì Farm, an Indigenous-owned hub for celebrating cultural traditions in a natural setting. 

The team offers authentic experiences that showcase culture, history, food, music, art, fashion, dance and even entrepreneurship that is reflective and respectful of Canada’s diverse Indigenous heritage. 

Engage with cultural ambassadors, meet the rare Ojibwe Spirit Horses, and take part in hands-on programming that shares stories of seasonal heritage and sustainable practices. Groups can arrange for an on-site meal or head back into the city for a midday break.

Afternoon: Museum Hopping 

Explore one or multiple of Canada’s capital national museums or gallery that centre Indigenous perspectives and storytelling. 

Canadian Museum of Nature

The Canada Goose Arctic Gallery at the Canadian Museum of Nature presents interactive exhibits, multimedia and fascinating artifacts about the natural history and human connections with Canada’s North.

The museum consulted with Indigenous groups and individuals from the region, such as the Inuit, to weave their perspectives throughout the gallery. Some of the highlights include: the Northern Voices Gallery, a rotating special exhibition space curated by Northerners; a multimedia installation called Beyond Ice, a co-creation with the National Film Board of Canada, which features projections of Inuit art onto real blocks of ice that visitors can touch; and a giant mural designed by an Inuk artist which colourfully presents key aspects of Inuit culture.

National Gallery of Canada

The beautiful National Gallery of Canada is home to the world’s largest collection of Canadian art, including Indigenous and Inuit art. Visit the permanent Indigenous and Canadian Galleries to see the largest display of such art in the museum’s history. The items are presented side by side in chronological order, providing a complete picture of Canadian art. Inuit art is incorporated throughout the Indigenous and Canadian Galleries and more is on display in the museum’s Inuit gallery. 

Canadian War Museum

Learn about the history of conflicts and wars fought by the First Peoples before and after European contact at the Canadian War Museum, located just west of downtown in Lebreton Flats. 

Day 3 – Traditions and Souvenirs

Spend the day deepening your understanding of Indigenous craftsmanship and contemporary lived experiences through interactive workshops.

Morning: Cultural Workshop 

Choose between a tranquil rural setting in Carp or a dynamic downtown studio to explore Indigenous craft and culture.

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.  

Bougie Birch

Delve into the significance of dreamcatchers in Indigenous cultures and engage in open discussions about Indigenous lived experiences at Bougie Birch. Explore topics including reconciliation, cultural appreciation, decolonization, and Indigenous teachings. Bring your creativity and questions, and join a workshop for camaraderie, laughter, and new friendships. 

Afternoon to Evening: Wrap up your journey with meaningful finds and open-air reflections

As your time in Ottawa draws to a close, explore shops that celebrate Indigenous artistry and craftsmanship—perfect for finding unique keepsakes that tell a story. Then, step outdoors to take in striking monuments and public art that honour Indigenous histories, cultures, and contributions. It’s a chance to reflect, connect, and carry a piece of the experience home with you.

Indigenous-Owned Shops

Adaawewigamig

Adaawewigamig, meaning "a place to trade or sell," is a storefront and social enterprise supporting Assembly of Seven Generations. The shop features high-quality, expertly  crafted goods by Indigenous makers—beaded jewelry, candles, jams, jerky, apparel, and more—rooted in tradition and cultural knowledge. Every purchase uplifts Indigenous artists, businesses, and youth, making Adaawewigamig a vibrant hub of community and craftsmanship.

Beaded Dreams

Beaded Dreams, a multigenerational, family-run business since 1994, is a hub for Native arts and crafts. The shop offers beautifully crafted jewelry, moccasins, dreamcatchers, Indigenous art, smudge medicines like sage, and more. Rooted in tradition, Beaded Dreams is a cherished destination for authentic Indigenous craftsmanship.

ADAAWE Indigenous Hub

ADAAWE provides Indigenous entrepreneurs and creators with a safe and supportive space, community, helpful resources, programming and advisory services to build and grow thriving businesses. Stop in to visit their front-facing store that exhibits locally made Indigenous products including earrings, soaps, shawls, dreamcatchers, and much more!

Khewa Native Art Boutique 

Nathalie Coutou's boutique offers Indigenous products but also does traditional ceremonies on request. She is always eager to speak and teach about Indigenous culture and traditions. Khewa is in the small town of Wakefield, Québec, a half-hour’s drive north of Ottawa.

Monuments and outdoor reflections

The National Aboriginal Veterans Monument 

The National Aboriginal Veterans Monument stands on the west side of Confederation Park (along Elgin Street), honouring Indigenous war veterans: 

Anishinaabe Scout 

In Major’s Hill Park, the Anishinaabe Scout statue recognizes the role of First Nations people in the development of Canada.

The Valiants Memorial 

The Valiants Memorial in downtown Ottawa, immediately east of the National War Memorial, contains nine busts and five statues commemorating individuals who have played a role in major conflicts in Canada’s history. Thayendanegea (also known as Joseph Brant;1742–1807) was a notable Mohawk warrior and statesman, and principal war chief of the Six Nations. He led his people in support of the British during the American Revolution and, after the war, brought his people to Canada to settle near where Brantford now stands.

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.

Mâwandòseg Bridge 

On August 15, 2017, the National Capital Commission renamed the bridge on the Voyageurs Pathway over Leamy Creek, in Gatineau, Québec (just across the Ottawa River). The new name, Mâwandòseg Bridge, was chosen by young people from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinaabeg First Nation and means “land where we once gathered for celebration” in Algonquin. Interpretation panels explain the history of the site, which is home to some of the most popular archaeological digs in the region and nesting areas for the at-risk northern map turtle.

Pīndigen Park

In late June 2017, the National Capital Commission officially opened Pīndigen Park at the southeast corner of Wellington Street and Booth Street in Ottawa (at LeBreton Flats, not far from the Canadian War Museum). The new park, which celebrates Indigenous culture and heritage in the capital region, was created in partnership with the local Anishinaabe First Nation communities of Kitigan Zibi Anishinaabeg and the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn, with the support of Canadian Heritage. The park aims to introduce visitors to one of the guiding principles of the Anishinaabe people for which living well means finding harmony between the land, water, air, and people. Pīndigen means: “Come on in! All are welcome here!”

Attend Indigenous Events in Ottawa

Time your visit to experience celebrations of Indigenous life, art and culture throughout the year. 

February: Winterlude Indigenous events

Every February, the Ottawa-Gatineau region transforms into a three-week winter festival perfect for the whole family. There are hundreds of free and paid events to participate in, including workshops, performances and demonstrations by Indigenous artists. The festival lineup changes each year, so there's always something new to discover. Stay up to date with the official Winterlude website. 

May: Odawa Pow Wow

The Odawa Native Friendship Centre holds its’ Annual Traditional Pow Wow during the last weekend in May. For over 40 years, the Traditional Pow Wow has marked the beginning of the Pow Wow season. This celebration brings together dancers, drummers, singers, traditional food, craft vendors and entertainment. Participants, guests and spectators will come from far and wide to witness and take part in the true meaning of Indigenous culture during this two-day event.

June: Ottawa Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival

The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (SSIF) takes place in mid-June 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, SSIF 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.

September: Asinabka Film & Media Arts Festival

This annual event features a diverse selection of films, from shorts to full-length features, showcasing Indigenous cultures and nations from around the globe. Attendees can look forward to carefully- curated art exhibits, engaging workshops, insightful panels, industry events, and innovative music and performance showcases. Join Asinabka during Winterlude in an outdoor theatre made of snow to experience Indigenous films from the circumpolar North.