National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
Ìý
Date:ÌýThursday, June 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: BMH Green, University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ
Join the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) and the À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) on June 19 in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day — a time to recognize and honour the diverse cultures, voices, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
The day will begin with ceremony and reflection, followed by a community gathering filled with music, art, and lunch around the new Indigenous Outdoor Gathering Space!
*Registration is required to receive a free "taco in a bag" lunch. Please register below.
Event Schedule (all times approximate)
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10:00 a.m. | Sacred Fire Lighting & Indigenous Arts Market Opens
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10:30 a.m. | Pipe Ceremony
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10:45 a.m. | Elders’ Prayer and Welcome from OIR and WUSA
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11:00 a.m. | Free Lunch ("Taco in a Bag"), Live Music by Indigenous Student MusiciansÌýand Indigenous Art Market Continues
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1:00 p.m. | Event End
All are welcome to attend this inclusive celebration of Indigenous joy, pride and community.
Ryan MacTavish
Ryan MacTavishÌýis a Mohawk from the Six Nations of the Grand River and a student here at UW in the BSW program. He has been singing and songwriting since the age of 15, with his music driven by a deep emotional connection to sound and storytelling. Ryan’s performances are marked by heartfelt energy, inviting listeners to connect on an emotional level. His unique voice and style create an intimate and powerful experience, grounded in authenticity and reflection.
“Music is my way of expressing what words sometimes can't.â€
Ryan has performed at various community events and local venues, sharing his music with audiences across the region. He is currently working on new material and looks forward to sharing more with his listeners soon.
Ethan Gardner
Ethan is a multi-instrumentalist and singer songwriter from Oshawa, Ontario, who has played music for over 13 years. He uses his music as a means of cultivating connections with others, his spirit, and all of creation. Though he is mostly of settler discent, his Mi'kmaq heritage is an important part of who he is and where his family comes from, and greatly informs his relationship with his art and the world around him. He is currently studying Psychology at UW, where he has connected with other Indigenous students through WISC, including the Indigenous Student Drum Group. Along with this Drum Group, he will be performing a set of earthy, folksy songs with his friend Liv Rolston in celebration of Indigenous People's across Turtle Island!
