Indigenous Celebration 2025

Join us for this free, family-friendly community event celebrating Indigenous ways of knowing

Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2G8

Saturday, June 7, 2025
11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Join the Ontario Science Centre team and our Indigenous partners at Harbourfront Centre for a free, family-friendly event on Saturday, June 7. Explore Indigenous ways of knowing through interactive workshops, performances and activities. Connect with members of the Indigenous community to learn about and celebrate their heritage.

Register for this free event now

Registration is open until Saturday, June 7, and is not required for entry but encouraged to help with event planning.

Reading & Drawing Activity with Maika Harper

Join us for a special book reading and drawing activity with acclaimed author and performer Maika Harper (star of CBC/Netflix series North of North). Listen as Maika reads from her book, The Walrus and the Caribou, which is based on a traditional Inuit story passed orally for generations. Then, participate in a fun drawing activity with Maika that is inspired by the book.

Stick around after the reading and activity—Maika will be signing copies of The Walrus and the Caribou. Books are available for purchase from Inhabit Books.

Une femme âgée en jupe métisse et un garçon en sarrau jouent du violon ensemble / An elderly woman in a colourful skirt and a boy in a lab coat play the violin together

Métis Nation Fiddling & Jigging Experiences

Learn about Métis culture with a fiddling lesson or a Jigging experience—or both! Enjoy the lively sounds of the fiddle while you explore the rich musical traditions of the Métis Nation. You can also watch and try Métis Jigging. Discover how the dance and music are woven together in Métis celebrations.

Des jeunes explorent des médecines présentées au comptoir d'un aîné. / Young people explore medicines presented at the counter of an elder.

Exploring the Four Sacred Medicines

Explore Indigenous sacred medicines such as sage, cedar, sweetgrass and tobacco with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Learn about the significance of these traditional medicines and create a communal healing salve.

Une main d'enfant applique un rouleau de peinture jaune sur un pochoir. // A child's hand applies a roll of yellow paint on a stencil.

Learning & Painting with Moccasin Identifier

Join in an interactive, Indigenous-led experience for the whole family. Learn about Treaty history and the land you stand on through a moccasin stenciling activity while you reflect on your Treaty relationship and responsibilities.

Schedule

Time	Performances (Lakeview Terrace)
11–11:30 a.m.	Opening Remarks with Grandmother Kim Wheatley and Paul Kortenaar, CEO, Ontario Science Centre Followed by Learn Métis Jigging
12–12:45 p.m.	Book Reading & Drawing Activity with Maika Harper (The Walrus and the Caribou)
1–1:30 p.m.	All Nations Jrs. Drum Group
2–2:30 p.m.	Learn Métis Jigging
2:30–3 p.m.	The Springcreek Dancers of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
3:30–4 p.m.	Learn Métis Jigging

Activities, Workshops & Vendors (11 a.m.–4 p.m.*)

- Animal Pelt and Medicine Garden Displays
- Canadian Multicultural Inventors Museum Exhibition
- Dots Craft and Hide Exhibit with TMU SciXchange
- Indigenous Artisans’ Crafts
- Inhabit Media Books
- Make Your Own Inuit Snow Goggles with the Ontario Science Centre
- Medicine Table
- Métis Fiddling Lessons
- Okichitaw Indigenous Art and Education
- Ozobot Activity with TRACKS
- Painting with Moccasin Identifier
- Salves with Roots + Raven
- Snapshot Photobooth
- Beading Workshop with the Secord Family of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (11 a.m.–1 p.m.)
- TELUS Raffle and Giveaways
- Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre

*Activities, workshops and vendors are subject to change and may not be available at certain times.