What’s happening across the NWT for National Indigenous Peoples Day?

Friday is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to celebrate and honour the history and resilience of Indigenous people around the territory.

Events are happening across the NWT throughout the day and into the weekend, including community dinners, fish fries, canoe races, and traditional games and ceremonies.

Below, find a guide to events happening in the NWT. Entries refer to events on Friday unless otherwise stated.

Are we missing an event or is there an amendment we should make? Tell us by email or add an event to our events calendar.

Behchokǫ̀

The Tłı̨chǫ Government is hosting multiple events, starting at 1pm with a community BBQ, traditional activities, and adult, youth and kids’ events at the baseball field.

Other events include a mini hand game tournament at the Culture Centre at 1pm, a mini carnival at the Sportsplex Gymnasium from 1-5pm, and Dene Games at the Sportsplex Gymnasium at 6pm.

Fort Simpson

Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation is running canoe races from 1pm at the ferry crossing (if you need a ride to the ferry, meet in front of the old band office at 12:20pm). There are men’s, women’s and coed races, with cash prizes.

Fort Smith

Powwow Times will be putting on two free, interactive performances at 10am and 7pm, inside the Centennial Arena.

The Fort Smith Métis Council, Smith’s Landing First Nation, Salt River First Nation and Town of Fort Smith have partnered tohost a celebration from 1-9pm at the Centennial Arena and MacPherson Park. The event includes a traditional games showcase at 2:30pm, a community dinner at 4:30pm and more.

Hay River

The NWT Métis Nation Healing & Wellness Program will be hosting a Sunrise Ceremony at the Pumphouse Beach in Hay River, starting at 7am, for women, girls and two-spirit people.

From 11am-3pm, join the celebrations at the Hay River Arena. There will be food, door prizes, children’s games and a community talent show.

At 6:30pm, the NWT Métis Nation Healing & Wellness Program will host a Full Moon Ceremony at Castaways for women, girls and two-spirit people.

Inuvik

The Town of Inuvik, Gwich’in Tribal Council, Nihtat Gwich’in Council, Inuvik Native Band and Parks Canada have teamed up to host this year’s National Indigenous Peoples Day event in Inuvik.

Held at Jim Koe Park, food will be served from 12pm, including a fish fry, potatoes, soup and bannock, hamburgers, hotdogs, smoked tea, water and juice. The Arctic Market will go from 12-6pm.

If you want to participate in the Traditional Dress Parade, meet at the Special Events Pavilion at 3pm. Participants are encouraged to wear as many pieces of traditional clothing as they have, and will be asked to share about each piece.

After the parade, each participant will be registered to receive a $50 credit to Stantons for healthy food (there’s also a grand prize of $300 credit up for grabs).  

Whatì

There is a community barbecue starting at 12pm at The White Cross, hosted by the Tłı̨chǫ Government. Games start at 1pm, with games for kids (15 and under) as well as youth/adult (16 and over).

Yellowknife, Dettah and Ndılǫ

The North Slave Métis Alliance will host its annual fish fry at Somba K’e Civic Plaza from 12-5pm. Food is served at 12pm, with locally caught whitefish from Great Slave Lake and homemade bannock. Performers and artists will showcase their culture and history throughout the afternoon.

The Yellowknives Dene First Nation is hosting a celebration from 4-10pm at the Wıìlıìdeh Site. Events include a feed-the-fire ceremony, adult canoe races, a hand games demo, kids’ area and more.  

Fred Henne Territorial Park will offer celebration kits on Friday and Saturday to create art or make your own medicine bag. Kits are available at the gatehouse and throughout the park. Visitors can also enjoy bannock made by Nora Mackenzie.

A Saturday 8pm gathering at Prelude Lake Territorial Park will include a bonfire, bannock, tea and juice. Meet at the Loop C Playground. Bring your lawn chairs and stories.