Family Sunday: Celebrating National Indigenous People Day

Join us for a full day of storytelling, music, outdoor learning, and hands-on artmaking for all ages in recognition and celebration of the history, heritage, and living cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Explore Indigenous knowledge of the land through interactive workshops and gallery experiences inspired by the natural landscape of the Humber River Valley. The day culminates with Walking Through the Fire, a powerful multimedia performance featuring acclaimed world music ensemble Sultans of String alongside Indigenous artists and special guests from across Turtle Island.

Create a mixed-media pouch inspired by Indigenous botanical knowledge and traditions of carrying medicines.  

Using oil pastels and collage materials, participants will make artwork celebrating a favourite medicinal plant. 

Not sure which plant to choose? Visit the outdoor demonstration table to learn about plants native to the Humber River Valley and their traditional medicinal uses—or explore the botanical specimens on display in the workshop space. 

Discover the medicinal properties of plants native to the Humber River Valley and learn the story behind the McMichael’s Minokamik Garden.

This interactive gallery experience invites children and families to discover works by Indigenous artists currently on view at the McMichael. Through guided looking and conversation, participants will explore what makes certain artworks memorable, meaningful, and personally inspiring.

Enjoy a guided walk through the McMichael grounds as you explore outdoor artworks and the plants and wildlife of the Humber River Valley. Visit the historic Tom Thomson Shack and Artists’ Cemetery and learn how the Gallery’s relationship with art and the natural landscape continues to evolve.

From Métis fiddling to an East Coast Kitchen Party, rumba to rock, to the drumming of the Pacific Northwest, experience the beauty and diversity of music from Turtle Island with Alyssa Katrine of the Métis Fiddler Quartet, Ojibwe/Finnish Singer-Songwriter Marc Meriläinen (Nadjiwan), Coast Tsm’syen Singer- Songwriter Shannon Thunderbird, Jingle Dress dancer Robin Rice, plus virtual guests joining in on the big screen including the Northern Cree pow wow group, Inuit Throat Singers and more!