Indigenous Events
Connect, Learn, and Celebrate – Indigenous Events Await You Wherever You Are.
Virtual
Event: Cultural Solutions 101
Date: April 23–25, 2025
Location: Online
Details: Hosted by the ALIGN Association of Community Services, Cultural Solutions 101 is a virtual training program designed to provide professionals with an educational and experiential opportunity to expand their knowledge of working with Indigenous peoples. The training aims to deepen understanding and personal experience regarding Indigenous history and perspectives. Participants will engage in sessions that foster cultural competence and awareness, enhancing their ability to work effectively within Indigenous contexts. The event spans three days, with sessions scheduled from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. Registration is priced at $892.50, with an additional service fee applied at checkout. Interested individuals can register through the ALIGN Association's website.
British Columbia
Event: Indigenomics IMPACT 2025
Date: April 8–9, 2025
Location: HR MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia
Details: Indigenomics IMPACT 2025 is a transformative event dedicated to celebrating and advancing success within the Indigenous economy. Over two days, the conference will highlight stories of Indigenous economic reconciliation through partnerships, businesses, investments, initiatives, and policies. Attendees will engage with visionary leaders, collaborate on economic reconciliation, and celebrate Indigenous entrepreneurship and innovation. The event aims to empower and foster collaboration among Indigenous businesses, corporations, investors, governments, and allies to activate the potential of the Indigenous economy.
Event: ICCE National Conference 2025
Date: May 26–28, 2025
Location: The Westin Bayshore, 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia
Details: The ICCE National Conference 2025 is Canada's largest Indigenous gathering, bringing together community leaders, industry professionals, and partners to discuss and promote Indigenous economic development and entrepreneurship. The conference will feature a variety of sessions, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops, focusing on topics such as economic growth, community empowerment, and sustainable development. Attendees will also have the opportunity to experience Indigenous cultural performances throughout the event.
Alberta
Event: Indigenous Trailblazer Summit 2025
Date: April 29–30, 2025
Location: Edmonton Convention Centre, 9797 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, Alberta
Details: The inaugural Indigenous Trailblazer Summit 2025 is a grassroots event uniting First Nation, Métis, and Inuit entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and allies to promote Indigenous inclusion, innovation, and community-driven business growth. The summit features a 92-vendor tradeshow showcasing Indigenous businesses, consultants, tech professionals, and artisans. Interactive panel discussions will focus on fostering collaboration between industry and Indigenous communities, aligning with Call to Action 92. A gala dinner will highlight Indigenous culture and recognize outstanding entrepreneurs. Hotel group rates are available at The Westin Edmonton until March 29, 2025.
Event: Indigenous Network Summit 2025
Date: May 2, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM MDT
Location: Parkview Community League, 9135 146 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta
Details: The Indigenous Network Summit 2025, hosted by Indigenous Network Enterprise, is a dynamic gathering designed to bring together Indigenous professionals, entrepreneurs, and community members. The summit focuses on fostering meaningful connections and encouraging collaboration through networking sessions, community-focused discussions, and cultural engagement. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore shared challenges, celebrate achievements, and support initiatives that empower Indigenous communities. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
Event: Ben Calf Robe Traditional POW WOW
Date: May 10, 2025
Location: Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre 11000 Stadium Road Edmonton, AB, Canada, Alberta T5H 4E2
Details: Pow Wow
Event: Ermineskin Cree Nation Pow Wow
Date: May 30, 31, & June 1st 2025
Location: Maskwacis, AB T4J 1R2
Details: Pow Wow
Event: National Gathering of Elders 2025
Date: September 29, 2025
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Details: The National Gathering of Elders 2025, themed "Coming Home, Voices of Elders," is a significant event bringing together Indigenous Elders from across Canada, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. The gathering aims to provide a platform for Elders to share their wisdom, serve as advisors, teachers, and leaders, and to celebrate and sustain Indigenous environments, languages, identities, and cultures. The event will feature various activities designed to foster unity and cultural exchange among diverse Indigenous groups, as well as between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Attendees can look forward to engaging in discussions, cultural celebrations, and opportunities to build and strengthen educational gaps between communities.
Manitoba
Event: 2025 National Indigenous Diabetes Conference
Date: May 7–9, 2025
Location: Delta Hotels Winnipeg, 350 St Mary Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Details: The 12th Biennial National Indigenous Diabetes Conference, themed "Rooted in Wellness through Wholistic Health," marks the 30th anniversary of the National Indigenous Diabetes Association (NIDA). This event brings together individuals with lived experience, Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative Workers, Indigenous front-line workers, leadership, Community Diabetes Prevention Workers, diabetes educators, health managers, dietitians, nutritionists, nurses, researchers, industry professionals, and government representatives. The conference focuses on sharing knowledge and practices in diabetes prevention, self-management, and holistic health, grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing. Attendees will engage in interactive workshops, oral presentations, field trips, plenary sessions, and keynote addresses, emphasizing culturally relevant strategies for diabetes prevention and management within Indigenous communities. Registration is now open, with a fee of $500.
Event: National Gathering for Indigenous Education
Date: November 19–21, 2025
Location: RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Details: Hosted by Indspire, the National Gathering for Indigenous Education is a premier annual conference that brings together educators and partners dedicated to improving educational outcomes for K-12 Indigenous students. The 2025 conference will feature keynote speakers, workshops, and a student panel discussion where Indigenous students share their post-secondary experiences. The event offers both in-person and virtual attendance options, providing flexibility for participants across the country
Saskatchewan
Event: First Nations University of Canada Spring Celebration Powwow 2025
Date: April 19–20, 2025
Location: Brandt Centre, 1700 Elphinstone Street, Regina, Saskatchewan
Details: The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) invites everyone to its Annual Spring Celebration Powwow, the longest-running indoor powwow in Western Canada. This vibrant event showcases Indigenous culture through song, dance, and community gatherings. Attendees will experience Grand Entries on both days, featuring dancers in full regalia, and can explore the Indigenous Tradeshow with artisans and vendors. The powwow also includes dance competitions across various categories, a singing contest with significant prizes, and the crowning of the 2025 Miss FNUniv Ambassador.
Ontario
Event: Indigenous Walking Tour
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Please arrive by 9:45 am)
Location: Starts at Paul Martel Park, 10 Madison Ave., Toronto, ON; concludes at the Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Details: In celebration of Earth Month, the Bata Shoe Museum is collaborating with The Indigenous Peoples Garden Inc. for a unique walking tour of the Bloor-Annex neighbourhood. The journey begins at the Indigenous Botanical Garden in Paul Martel Park, where a local guide will share the rich ecological and Indigenous history of the area. Participants will pause to admire a vibrant mural by artist Joseph Sagaj from the Anishnaabe of the Sturgeon Clan, followed by a short walk to the Bata Shoe Museum. At the museum, Grandmother Vivian Recollet, in conversation with Justine Woods, Curator of Indigenous Collections, will present a selection of moccasin belongings from the museum’s collection, discussing the connections between Indigenous footwear and stories of the land. The tour concludes with a reflection on lost rivers and lakes at Philosophers Walk. Participants are then invited to continue their journey with a self-guided tour of the museum’s current exhibitions.
Tickets: $25 General
Event: TechNations 2025 Conference and Trade Show
Date: May 12–13, 2025
Location: Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Details: Hosted by the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC), TechNations 2025 is Ontario's premier technical conference for First Nations professionals in community infrastructure fields such as engineering, environment, fire and safety, fuel systems management, housing, infrastructure, operations and maintenance, and water and wastewater. The conference will feature a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at enhancing technical knowledge and capacity within First Nations communities. Following the conference, the "Student Award Classic" Golf fundraiser will take place on May 14 at Thundering Waters Golf Club to raise funds for Indigenous STEM students.
Event: 2025 OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Conference
Date: May 30 – June 1, 2025
Location: Sheraton Hamilton Hotel, 116 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario
Theme: Rising of Indigenous Women: Protecting the Land & Water
Details: Hosted by the OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle, this conference aims to unite members in learning and allyship, fostering collaborative relationships that honor and prioritize Indigenous rights. The event includes sessions with Indigenous community leaders and activists, focusing on building partnerships that support labor collaboration and Indigenous sovereignty. A significant portion of the conference will take place on the lands of the Six Nations of the Grand River, featuring teachings, workshops, and cultural activities. Participants will engage in discussions and experiences centered on environmental stewardship and the pivotal role of Indigenous women in protecting land and water. The conference agenda encompasses registration, opening ceremonies, keynote speeches, workshops, and a visit to 1492 Landback Lane for an evening session with a BBQ and Unity Jam.
Event: 25th imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
Dates: June 3–8, 2025 (In-Person in Toronto); June 9–15, 2025 (Online)
Location: TIFF Lightbox, Toronto, Ontario
Details:
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival is the world’s largest Indigenous film and media arts festival. This milestone event showcases a wide range of Indigenous storytelling through film, video, audio, and digital interactive media. The festival features screenings, exhibitions, special events, and industry programming that spotlight the creativity and perspectives of Indigenous artists from across the globe. With both in-person and online components, the festival ensures inclusive access and broad community engagement.
Event: Central Business Forum & Indigenous Women in Leadership (IWIL) Award Dinner
Date: June 5, 2025
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Details: The Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) is hosting the Central Business Forum, focusing on advancing Indigenous economic prosperity through collaboration, partnerships, and unity. The forum will feature speakers, panels, and discussions aimed at fostering meaningful connections and strategies for growth. In the evening, the IWIL Awards Dinner will honor the 2025 Indigenous Women in Leadership recipient, celebrating achievements and contributions of Indigenous women leaders. Early-bird registration opens on March 17.
Event: Indigenous Expo 2025
Date: July 19–20, 2025
Location: North Hastings Community Centre, 103 Newkirk Boulevard, Bancroft, Ontario
Details: The Indigenous Expo 2025 is a celebration of Indigenous art, culture, and music, bringing together communities to honor and showcase the rich heritage and traditions of Indigenous peoples. Attendees can expect a vibrant array of activities, including art exhibitions, cultural performances, traditional music, workshops, and opportunities to engage with Indigenous artisans and performers. This event serves as a platform for cultural exchange, education, and community building, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures. For more information and updates, please visit the official event website.
New Zealand
Event: World Indigenous Peoples' Conference on Education (WIPCE) 2025
Date: November 16–20, 2025
Location: Auckland International Conference Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
Details: WIPCE 2025 is a global gathering dedicated to Indigenous education, bringing together Indigenous representatives from around the world to share successes and strategies for culturally grounded education. The conference will commence with a pōwhiri (traditional welcome) by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the local tribe of central Auckland. Over four days, attendees will engage with national and international keynote speakers, participate in academic and community presentations, and join networking sessions, symposiums, panel discussions, seminars, and workshops. The event also features cultural excursions, a village marketplace, a parade of nations, and concludes with a closing ceremony and finale concert. The conference is based on the fundamental principle of Indigenous control of Indigenous education, aiming to protect, preserve, and develop Indigenous cultures through education.
New Mexico USA
Date: April 28 – May 2, 2025 (Student pre-conference on April 27, 2025)
Location: Tamaya Resort, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Details: Hosted by the University of Washington's Indigenous Wellness Research Institute (IWRI), the INIHKD RIEL 2025 Conference aims to elevate Indigenous voices and address critical health issues impacting Indigenous communities globally. The conference will focus on the healing impact of Indigenous ancestral love on physical, mental, and spiritual health, culture, and community prosperity. It will feature keynote speakers, oral presentations, panel discussions, and traditional experiences.
