Indigenous ceremony in the Sault cancelled over ‘safety risk’ – SooToday.com
November 5, 2025
‘I think a real good thing was stopped’: Anishinaabe artist Isaac Murdoch calls off Painted Hand Ceremony, which faced criticism from First Nations leadership over involvement by Métis Nation of Ontario political figures
An Indigenous gathering set to take place in Sault Ste. Marie this weekend has been cancelled in the midst of ongoing tensions between the Métis Nation of Ontario and First Nations.
The Painted Hand Ceremony — a two-day event organized by high-profile Anishinaabe artist and speaker Isaac Murdoch — was described as a gathering aimed at uniting people to “protect the lands and waters for future generations,” while acknowledging historic alliances between Indigenous Peoples, according to the event’s website.
It was set to be held at the Delta Waterfront Hotel.
