The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (SSIF) helps Canadians of all walks of life to recognize the enormous contributions that Inuit, First Nations and Métis peoples have made to Canada. With input from Indigenous Peoples’ national organizations, the Government of Canada designated June 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD) to celebrate Indigenous peoples’ culture and heritage. This date was chosen because it is near or on the date of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, many Indigenous communities have celebrated their culture and heritage at this time of year. For over twenty years, NIPD events in the National Capital Region have created an opportunity for all residents to celebrate the culture and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival is a family-oriented multi-disciplinary arts festival that attracts over 40,000 visitors a year. SSIF is an annual event that truly represents the cultural diversity of our urban Indigenous community, with full participation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists. This diversity within our own cultures is reflected in all elements of the event, from leadership to the selection of artists representing each of the Indigenous communities. We stay true to diversity each year, as we include headliners and workshop leaders from the Métis, Inuit and First Nations communities.
