Discover Indigenous culture in Ottawa

Ottawa is built on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation, with deep ties to the community of Pikwàkanagàn. This land has been cared for and travelled across for thousands of years, especially along the Kichi Sibi, or Ottawa River. The name Ottawa itself comes from the Algonquin word adawe, meaning “to trade”—a reflection of the river’s long history as a meeting place and trade route. Today, the capital is home to a diverse and growing Indigenous population that includes First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people from across Turtle Island. It's also a place where generations have gathered to speak truth, stand up for rights, and shape the path toward reconciliation. 

As you explore what the city has to offer, you’ll find opportunities to engage with Indigenous cultures in meaningful ways. From festivals and food to artwork and ceremony, Indigenous presence is woven throughout the capital. Let these experiences guide you, spark curiosity, and offer new ways of understanding the place you're visiting—and the stories that have always been here.