National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025 celebration at Spencer Smith Park

Press Release

June 05, 2025

The Urban Indigenous Community with support from the City of Burlington is honoured to welcome residents to the Solstice Ceremony in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon at the west end of Spencer Smith Park.

June 21 marks the summer solstice and is an opportunity for the community to gather in celebration of Indigenous culture, knowledge, and artistry. The ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring presence, strength, and contributions of Indigenous People in our region.

Program Highlights:

• Intentions and Fire Ceremony with WhiteEagle Stonefish; Opening remarks with Stephen Paquette; Emcee: Kate Dickson

• Live performances by Indigenous artists: Kate Dickson, Shannon Thunderbird, Amber Kakiishiway, Matt Bergman, and Jaimie Lindsay

• Interactive activities: Smudging with Stephen Paquette, drumming on two big drums with Shannon Thunderbird, Indigenous-led dance instruction with Jaimie Lindsay, and children’s activities with Laura Suthers. Vendors, storytelling and lots of laughter

Location: Spencer Smith Park, west end
Date: Saturday, June 21
Time: 9 a.m. – noon

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a happy, fun-filled free event. All are welcome to join in the festivities.

All residents are encouraged to learn more about First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples with their unique cultures, traditions, communities and histories. Resources can be found on the Government of Canada’s website here to support your learning journey.

Burlington is a city where people, nature and business thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.

Quote

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward

“National Indigenous Peoples Day, which falls on the longest day of the year, is a vibrant celebration of the strength, artistry, and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. This special day is an opportunity for all of us to come together to honour the richness and diversity of cultures that have shaped our land for generations. Burlington is proud to stand in partnership with the Urban Indigenous community to support the Solstice Ceremony celebration, and I encourage everyone to join us at Spencer Smith Park to experience the live music, performances, stories, and shared joy that make this day so meaningful.”

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Media contact:
City of Burlington
Corporate Communications
communications@burlington.ca

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