Where to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent

People across Windsor-Essex can enjoy free access to Museum Windsor and Art Windsor-Essex on Saturday so they can take in exhibits by Indigenous artists and about Indigenous history.

The initiatives are part of a series of activities marking National Indigenous Peoples Day across Canada.

The annual celebration of the traditions, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people was originally proclaimed as National Aboriginal Day in 1996 by then-Governor General Roméo LeBlanc, according to a history posted on the government of Canada website. 

In 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the event would be renamed National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Here's some of what's taking place in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025.

Free admission to Art Windsor-Essex 
Part of its National Indigenous People's Day Festival, running June 19 to 21

Visitors can check out exhibits by Indigenous artists, including the new exhibit Ndishnikaaz | Nugwa'am | My name is by artist Mary Anne Barkhouse. The exhibit invites viewers to reflect on history and on the future in light of the demise of the Hudson's Bay Company.

Free admission to Museum Windsor

Visitors can explore the museum's new Original Peoples Culture and Legacy Gallery and new temporary exhibition, The Witness Blanket, developed by the Canadian Museum of Human Rights. 

The Witness Blanket was created by master carver Carey Newman to recognize the atrocities of the residential school era, honour the children and symbolize ongoing reconciliation.

Inspired by a woven blanket, the cedar-framed replica artwork features hundreds of items from residential schools, survivors, churches, governments and other cultural sites across Canada. 

Windsor Indigenous Solidarity Day
Presented by the Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre
June 21, noon to 3:30 p.m. at Mic Mac Park on Prince Road

Includes lunch, entertainment and games for kids.
Organizers are asking people to bring a refillable plastic water bottle to reduce plastic waste

Events taking place on Friday, June 20

Sunrise Celebration and Networking Breakfast
Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. at the Deshkan Ziibi Indigenous Hub in Chatham

Local Indigenous vendor sales 
Every Monday and Friday in June, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Chatham Kent Health Alliance 

School programs at Art Windsor-Essex
Part of its National Indigenous Peoples Day Festival, June 19 to 21

Youth from across Windsor-Essex will visit the gallery to create a habitat inspired by the works of Mary Anne Barkhouse and enjoy a dance performance by hoop dancer Melissa Greenbird.

They will also discover works by Indigenous artists featured in SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS and a new exhibition featuring the works of Mary Anne Barkhouse.

Bkejwanong Summer Solstice Celebration 
Friday, June 20, all day at High Banks Park, Walpole Island First Nation

Includes a barbeque, music and pontoon rides.