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Media Release

Two Days of Culture, Connection, and Celebration: National Indigenous Peoples Day Returns to Huntsville

(Huntsville, ON)Once again, the Town of Huntsville is coming together with community partners to offer a special two-day celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD). Join us on Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21 for a weekend filled with music, learning, storytelling, and connection—highlighting the vibrant cultures, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. 

The expanded two-day format reflects the growing importance of this community event and offers more opportunities for residents and visitors to learn, reflect, and engage. 

Friday, June 20 – Walk Through Culture at Muskoka Heritage Place 
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Rain or Shine 

In partnership with Hope Arises Project Inc., Muskoka Heritage Place (MHP) is hosting a free immersive educational experience for local schools and the general public. Visitors can explore a variety of learning stations that highlight Indigenous culture and traditions which include: 

  • Lacrosse skills demonstration 

  • Two Row Wampum beading 

  • Drumming Workshop   

  • Orange ribbon rolling 

  • Screening of the short documentary, Poplar River, The Lake Winnipeg Project by Anishinaabe/Cree director Kevin Settee. 

For a full list of activities and updates to scheduled programming, please visit muskokaheritageplace.ca 

Please note that regular MHP programming will be paused for the day. 

Saturday, June 21 – Music, Makers, and Market at River Mill Park  
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
Rain Location:
Algonquin Theatre  

River Mill Park will come alive with Indigenous artisans, crafts people, educators and entertainers in a second day of celebration marking National Indigenous Peoples Day. Bring your blanket or lawn chair and settle in for an evening of song, story, and community.  

Opening the event are back to back performances by drummer, Jared Big Canoe, and his stage persona, rapper J-rez. Headliner Julian Taylor, presented in association with the Mariposa Folk Festival, then takes the stage to wrap up the night. Break up the evening at the vendor market where you can discover unique artistic techniques and learn more about Indigenous traditions and contemporary culture. 

This free event is open to the public and offers residents and visitors alike a chance to gather together, support Indigenous entrepreneurs, and experience the richness of Indigenous culture in the heart of Huntsville. 

In the event of inclement weather, plans for these events may change, with the June 21 festivities moving to the Algonquin Theatre. Follow the @townofhuntsville and @muskokaheritageplace for updates. 

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada 

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For more information, please contact:
Jacqueline Surette  
Manager of Recreation, Culture and Heritage  
Town of Huntsville 
Jacqueline.Surette@huntsville.ca 
(705) 789-6421 ext 3021   

About the Event Organizers 

This community celebration has been organized in collaboration with the Town of Huntsville, Huntsville Festival of the Arts, Hope Arises Project Inc., and Huntsville Public Library. The collaboration between the four organizations includes many hours of volunteer time, friendship, consultation and learning, funding support, and exemplifies allyship.  

About the Town of Huntsville 

Located in Ontario’s cottage country, the Town of Huntsville is the largest community in the District Municipality of Muskoka. From May to October the Town receives a significant influx of visitors, doubling if not tripling the permanent resident population of over 21,000. The combination of Muskoka’s scenic beauty, rugged landscape, extensive waterfront, and close proximity to the world-famous Algonquin Park has made Huntsville a popular retreat for year-round residents, seasonal residents, and tourists alike. In addition to 68,000 hectares of unparalleled natural environment, Huntsville has a vibrant downtown, dynamic arts and culture scene, and world-class restaurants, shopping and recreation facilities. The Town’s economy is primarily based on tourism, recreation, and the service sector, with a strong construction industry. 

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