Celebrate Indigenous culture in Ottawa

Beandigen Café

Beandigen Café is an Ojibwe coffee shop located in the heart of Lansdowne, in the trendy Glebe neighbourhood. Entrepreneurs Paula Naponse and daughter Jayde — Anishinabe Kwe from the Atikameksheng Anishinawbek First Nation near Sudbury, Ontario — created the unique space as a community for both Indigenous people and their supporters. Beandigen Café is warm and inviting, with a menu that features a variety of ethically sourced and locally roasted coffee, tea and baked goods. Here, you’ll find an emphasis on Indigenous culture, from the decor to the menu items that incorporate traditional ingredients like maple, cedar and sweetgrass at the café. Beandigen Café is more than a coffee shop — it's a space where people can come together to learn about Indigenous culture and support a thriving Indigenous-owned business.

Makatew Workshops

Are you looking for team building activities? Makatew Workshops is an Indigenous-owned business in Carp, just 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa, that offers craft workshops to corporate, government and not-for-profit businesses. These 60-minute to 3-hour workshops celebrate Indigenous culture, traditions and craftsmanship. Makatew Workshops also offers events and custom products made by different Indigenous artists and artisans, such as beadwork and leatherwork, among other things. The products are made using locally sourced and sustainable materials, and each piece is crafted with care and attention to detail. Makatew Workshops is committed to providing employment and training opportunities to Indigenous youth, helping to build a stronger and more vibrant Indigenous community.

Adaawewigamig

Adaawewigamig has a storefront in Ottawa’s ByWard Market neighbourhood, that specializes in authentic Indigenous products created by a variety of Indigenous-owned brands. Here, you can also experience jewellery making and painting workshops. Adaawewigamig also provides a wide range of services to support Indigenous communities and businesses across Canada. It’s owned by a team of Indigenous professionals with extensive experience in economic development, community engagement and governance. Adaawewigamig offers a weekly youth gathering, and land-based learning for Urban Indigenous youth.

Beaded Dreams

Located on Bank Street, Beaded Dreams specializes in traditional Indigenous beadwork and jewellery. The store offers a wide range of products, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets and accessories, all of which are handmade using traditional techniques and locally sourced materials. Each piece is a unique work of art, featuring intricate designs and vibrant colors that reflect the beauty and richness of Indigenous culture. In addition to selling products, Beaded Dreams offers workshops and classes that teach the art of beadwork to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

Masters Indigenous Games

Experience the Masters Indigenous Games in Ottawa in 2025, with more than 1,500 Indigenous athletes from across North America competing in 10 contemporary and traditional sporting events. Adults 20 years and older come together to celebrate Indigenous wellness and showcase the Indigenous cultures from around the world. Taking place in August next year in Canada’s capital city, this is both a sport and cultural event like none other!

Asinabka Festival

Founded in 2012, the Asinabka Festival is an annual event that provides a platform for Indigenous filmmakers, artists and storytellers to share their perspectives and voices through film, video and new media. The festival, taking place August 6-11, 2024 features a wide range of films, including feature-length narratives, documentaries and short films, as well as panel discussions, workshops and exhibitions. The Asinabka Festival aims to foster Indigenous culture and arts while raising awareness of Indigenous issues and experiences.

NAC Indigenous Theatre

Established in 2019, the NAC Indigenous Theatre is the first national Indigenous theatre department in the world. The company aims to showcase Indigenous theatre in all its diversity and complexity while providing a platform for Indigenous artists, playwrights and performers to share their stories and perspectives. The company's productions often explore Indigenous themes and issues, including cultural identity, residential schools, reconciliation and healing. With shows taking place year-round, there’s always something incredible to experience here.