Looking to explore First Nations culture this summer? The Hamilton Halton Brant region is situated within the traditional lands of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, making it the perfect close-to-home destination to discover authentic Indigenous experiences.
From hands-on art workshops to cultural tours and vibrant celebrations, we’ve rounded up some great ways to learn, explore, and celebrate Indigenous heritage right here, in the heart of Ontario this summer.
Discover Living History in the Heart of Six Nations Territory
Step into living history and take a guided tour through Six Nations in Oshweken where you’ll get an authentic look at Haudenosaunee culture and history.
Here’s what you can explore:
- Chiefswood National Historic Site – Visit the childhood home of renowned Mohawk Poetess E. Pauline Johnson. She started writing at just 10 years old and beautifully blended her English education with stories from her First Nations grandfather.
- Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks – Check out Ontario’s oldest surviving church (over 250 years old!) and admire the stunning stained-glass windows that tell the church’s story from 1785 to today.
- Woodlands Cultural Centre – Take a self-guided tour through the recently renovated centre and explore over 600 years of Six Nations history at your own pace.
Want the full experience? A Six Nations tourism coordinator can put together the perfect itinerary for you, mixing cultural experiences, historic site tours, and bus tours.
Book your tour today and see history come to life!
Join the Celebration: Indigenous Pow Wows Come Alive
Experience the heartbeat of First Nations culture in Hamilton Halton Brant at two incredible celebrations. Check out the Soaring Spirit Indigenous Festival and Pow Wow in Hamilton’s Battlefield Park this June then head to the Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow at Ohsweken Speedway, Ohsweken in July. Both events welcome visitors from across Ontario and offer a great chance to connect with living Indigenous culture.
Soaring Spirit Indigenous Festival and Pow Wow in Battlefield Park, Hamilton
Don’t miss Hamilton’s biggest Indigenous celebration! Mark National Indigenous People’s Day at the incredible Soaring Spirit Indigenous Festival and Pow Wow in Battlefield Park from June 20 – 22, 2025.
Get ready for these incredible experiences:
- Witness the Pow Wow happening Saturday and Sunday, featuring sunrise ceremonies that welcome the day, thunderous drumming that echoes through your chest, mesmerizing dancing, and artistic displays that showcase generations of talent.
- Explore the Native Arts, Craft, Trade and Food Show where you can taste authentic Indigenous cuisine, discover handcrafted treasures, and support Indigenous artisans and entrepreneurs.
- Participate in traditional ceremonies and learning opportunities that offer deeper understanding of Indigenous spirituality and customs.
Keep up-to-date with all the festival excitement through their Facebook page.
Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow at Ohsweken Speedway, Ohsweken
Witness dance history in the making as elite performers battle for the ultimate title of “Champion of Champions,” on July 26 & 27, 2025. Watch an electrifying weekend showdown where the most talented dancers from across the continent compete across multiple categories, with every performer battling it out to be crowned the Champion of Champions.
Expect to enjoy:
- Dance battles spanning every age group – watch future stars and seasoned champions compete
- Drum group singing competitions that will give you chills
- 30+ authentic food vendors offering flavors you’ve never tasted
- 100+ artisan booths packed with unique handcrafted treasures
- 400+ top dancers from across the continent connecting for this epic celebration
Mark your calendar and start planning your ultimate pow wow experience; discover ticket info, schedules and insider tips on their website.
Everyone is welcome to join these meaningful gatherings that celebrate community, culture and heritage. Bring your loved ones to share in this enriching cultural experience with free parking available for all visitors.
Get Creative: Indigenous Art Experiences
Choose your own artistic adventure with these hands-on and visual art experiences across the region.
Urban Art Walk in Burlington
Experience Bimose Agaming | Walking along the Lake, where electrical boxes throughout Spencer Smith Park showcase artwork by First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists from across Turtle Island. Walk to the Orange Crosswalk – a vibrant symbol of Truth and Reconciliation – and visit the Joseph Brant Museum to experience David General’s powerful sculpture Conversations and Stories.
Hands-On Art Experience at Crawford Lake Conservation Area
On June 21 (10am-4pm), craft your own traditional pinch pot using techniques passed down for thousands of years at Crawford Lake Conservation Area in Halton Hills. While you’re there, explore the reconstructed longhouses and join a guided village tour with Indigenous Education Coordinator Leeanne Doxtator and learn about the day-to-day lives of the people who lived here over 600 years ago.
From art installations to pottery workshops, these activities showcase how Indigenous artists carry forward ancestral techniques while embracing modern creative expression.
Discover Ancient Wisdom on Two Incredible Plant Medicine Journeys
Step into a world where every plant tells a story. Discover First Nations plant knowledge through two extraordinary experiences: the Indigenous Plant Medicine Trail at Royal Botanical Gardens and the traditional Nature Trail through Canada’s largest Carolinian forest at Six Nations. Walk in the footsteps of the Anishinaabe and Six Nations of the Grand River peoples, learning healing relationships with the natural world passed down through generations.
Indigenous Plant Medicine Trail – Royal Botanical Gardens
Discover the profound relationship between the Anishinaabe people and the natural world on this captivating 1.1-kilometer journey. Through the shared wisdom of plant educator Joseph Pitawanakwat from Wikwemikong Unceded Nation and Elders from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, you’ll experience a living classroom where every plant tells a story. Follow the historic Captain Cootes route and pause at waterside teaching stations to absorb plant teachings and stories passed down through countless generations.
Six Nations Carolinian Forest Nature Trail
Venture deep into Canada’s largest stand of Carolinian forest, where ancient trees whisper stories of the vast woodlands that once blanketed all of Southern Ontario. Join knowledgeable community guides who’ll reveal the secrets of Indigenous plant species – from traditional medicines to food sources – that have sustained communities for countless generations.
Ready to learn about traditional plant knowledge? Plan your visit through the Royal Botanical Gardens website for the Medicine Trail or contact Six Nations directly to discover the rich botanical traditions and practical knowledge that have been carefully preserved for generations.
