Commemoration Day – September 30th 

Starting at 7:30am with a sunrise ceremony and a 9:00am official welcome, come and take part in the Grand Opening of Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG University). 

Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG) is an Anishinaabe post-secondary institute that will preserve the integrity of Anishinaabe knowledge and understanding in cooperation with society to educate the present and future generations in a positive, cooperative and respectful environment. SKG aims at providing and developing academic programs, workshops and seminars which reflect the Anishinaabe worldview, distinguished by Anishinaabe ways of learning and knowing. SKG is one of nine Indigenous institutes of higher learning that are legally recognized. Also, home to the National Chief’s Library, SKG is a teaching and research centre of excellence in Anishinaabe Education.

Location: 1491 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, P6A 2G5

Experience: 

Join us for a day of recognizing truth and healing. Creating a strong path forward uniting students, community, Indigenous organizations and community leaders to support the growth of Anishinaabe cultural education.

• Guest Speakers
• Panel discussions
• Water Ceremony
• Blanket Exercise
• Workshops throughout day

AND

• Guided tours of:
  • SKG building and architecture
  • National Chiefs Library
  • Medicine Garden

The days events will conclude at 4:30pm

At 8:30 pm, experience a spectacular Drone Show at  Silver Creek Golf Course.

Location: 104 Belleau Lake Road Garden River, ON P6A 5k9

A story about Truth and Reconciliation will be illustrated through an intimate drone show with over 200 drones over the night sky. The Drone Show story will be told in Anishinnabemowin and English. Please bring your blankets, pop up chairs and dress warm to enjoy the show outdoors 

Please note that there is limited parking onsite.  If parking is full we are happy to provide a written copy of the story so you can enjoy the show from your vehicle in safe locations across the region -please do not stop on the highway.

• 8:30 pm Arrival
• 8:55 pm  Welcome by Storyteller and Language Keeper Barbara Nolan 
• 9:00 pm Drone Show and Story in Anishinnabemowin
• 9:10 pm Intermission in Club House with passed nibbles 
• 10:00 pm Drone Show and Story in English 

Intermission:

Join us in the Clubhouse from 9:15 – 9:45 pm for free passed foods & entertainment by Everett Morrison. Bring your blanket, pop-up chair, and dress to enjoy the show outdoors.

Everett Morrison is an Aboriginal (Cree) bass-baritone. Everett is originally from Moosonee, Ontario and now resides in Wikwemikong, Ontario. Everett is a band member of The Crees of Waskaganish Quebec. He is a graduate of Cambrian College’s Music Program (Voice) and a Graduate of Laurentian’s Music Program (Voice).

Everett has studied with Marion Harvey-Hannah and Dr. Robert Hall. He has performed throughout Northern Ontario and Northern Quebec. Everett also facilitates Voice Workshops for Aboriginal Youth. Everett made his professional debut spring of 2017 with the Canadian Opera Company. He sang the role of the Wandering Spirit war chief of the Crees in the Canadian Opera Company’s production of the Canadian opera Louis Riel. Everett also sang at the National Arts Centre in their production of Louis Riel in June of 2017. Then in July of 2017 in Quebec City for Opéra de Québec / Festival d’opéra de Québec in Louis Riel. Everett made his Opera in Concert debut singing the role of David Joe in Victor Davies world premiere of the opera The Ecstasy of Rita Joe March 2018. Everett sang the bass solos for unsettled scores. Contraries a requiem which was based on Residential school. It was in partnership with The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto June of 2018. Everett has been writing and exploring on the piano during the pandemic. Everett made his first tv appearance on Canada's Got Talent in the spring of 2022. He works as a skilled labourer at the Cote Gold Mine near Timmins, ON. Everett still sings actively and continues to write his own original music.

Celebration Day October 1st 

Starting at 12pm Come celebrate Indigenous culture at the vendor marketplace and concert at the Agawa Train Station/ Machine Shop

Located at 83 Huron St.

Experience

• Shopping the Indigenous vendor marketplace with over 25 Indigenous makers from across Northern Ontario you are guaranteed to find the perfect souvenir and support small Indigenous businesses.
• Indigenous Culinary experiences – in season and locally sourced including Thrive & Feast Indigenous Food Sharing. Bring your own feast bundle and save $.
• Learning about Indigenous tourism experiences in Ontario
• Thrive & Inspire – Indigenous Arts and Creatives. Professionally framed Norval Morrisseau prints and handcrafted drums.
• TD Family Fun zone with Mega Mural and Jenga games
• Thrive Tours Cultural Events Tent
  • 12-2 pm Barbara Day -drum demonstrations and teachings 
  • 2-5 pm Create woodland-style art with Lucia Laford Science North STEM Indigenous Ingenuity Activities 
  • 5-7 pm Learn to Pow Wow demonstration with dancers, drumming, and local guest speakers

Celebration Stage presented by OLG 

Stage Emcee Joel Syrette will welcome you to enjoy a full day of cultural celebration from 12:30 and 2:30 pm

Bear Creek Singers and Dancers, who are a talented grammy nominated local drum group will introduce traditional pow wow drum and dance styles. 

5-8 pm Nish Corner Returns with the Dusty Roads Country Band and guests 

John Laford, a well-known artist and musician Jamie Neveau did a coffee house at the Friendship Center in Sault Ste Marie.  For 4 years they gathered weekly and when COVID came along they wondered where the urban nish community could still gather before they started to go to the waterfront outside the mall, a beautiful spot they decided to call Nish Corner. Nish Corner even landed on google maps.  All thanks to the late and missed John Laford.  We are thrilled to create this space for the many talented local artists.  The performance will be led by the Dusty Roads Country Band with Jamie Neveau who would ride around in those big ‘ol cars with his uncles on Manitoulin Island.  The country music was always blaring on those dusty roads and inspired their band “Dusty Roads Country Band”.  

At 8 pm, Live local music at the OLG Stage onsite featuring Adrian Sutherland.

Adrian Sutherland is a roots-rock artist with heart from Attawapiskat First Nation on James Bay. He’s a singer, songwriter, speaker, author, advocate, entrepreneur, and the fascinating founder and frontman of all-Cree rockers Midnight Shine. He’s also a traditional knowledge keeper and respected cultural leader, fluent in Mushkegowuk Cree. After constructing his own recording studio inside a shipping container during the pandemic, Adrian worked remotely with Colin Linden (Nashville) and Tim Vesely (Toronto) to record his debut solo album When The Magic Hits – earning him his first-ever JUNO nomination.

Adrian is presently writing a book for Penguin Random House Canada about his life in the Far North. He cares deeply about many causes, with a first-hand perspective about issues like contaminated water, housing shortages, food insecurity, and mental health. At this time of growing awareness around Reconciliation, Adrian is hopeful for Canadians to better understand one another, and take further steps together.

Book your stay at our hotel partner the Delta Hotels SSM Waterfront through our special event rate. 

Location: Delta Hotels Waterfront
208 St Mary’s River Drive
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Must reserve by Sep 23rd.

STAY the Weekend in the Soo.  It is Outside of Expected!

For more than 2000 years, Indigenous peoples settled on the shore at Baawaating meaning, “the place of the rapids”. The French, arriving in the area in the 1600s, called the Anishinaabe Saulteaux and the settlements on both sides of the river became known as Sault Ste. Marie. 

Today you can discover unique and exciting attractions, events and activities in and around Ontario’s best adventure town. Rugged Great Lakes coastlines, ancient Canadian Shield mountains, countless rivers and lakes, pristine beaches provide a world-class outdoor backdrop for all kinds of adventures. Visit a city that pushes the boundaries outside of expectations. Start planning your other exciting discoveries on the Weekend for Truth and Reconciliation. 

Plan your weekend now! 

Tourism Sault Ste. Marie – Ontario’s Best Adventure Town

Stay & Enjoy the Fall Colours! 

Sault Ste Marie is well-known for its breathtaking beauty during the fall season. Nothing can compare to the vivid colours of the leaves, the numerous trails that can be explored, along with views that will never be forgotten that capture Mother Nature’s true-beauty. On the Weekend for Truth & Reconciliation you can find so many reasons to stay and enjoy the best of fall in our northern community. Come to Sault Ste. Marie and experience Ontario’s awesome fall colours as you’ve never seen them before!

RIDE THE AGAWA CANYON TOUR TRAIN

This attraction is a bucket-list adventure and a big tourist favourite when it comes to seeing the fall colours in its prime. Hop on this day-long journey that starts in our Canal District and travels 114km into the Agawa Canyon; along the way you will be immersed by wilderness and its array of oranges, reds and yellows.

HIKE ROBERTSON CLIFFS

To escape to this beautiful scenic lookout, you only need to travel about 20 minutes north of the City. This intermediate hike will not only get your blood flowing but will guide you through the colourful brush and trees. A helpful tip is to make sure you dress accordingly and be prepared to be in awe once you reach the top! When you have completed this 5km hike on Ila’s Trail, you will come upon the breathtaking fall scenery of the boreal forest. 

Hiking Robertson Cliffs – Tourism Sault Ste. Marie

HIKE OR BIKE HIAWATHA HIGHLANDS / KINSMEN PARK

You don’t have to venture far to experience what Fall is all about in Sault Ste Marie. Located just north of the city you will find bridges and paths in Kinsmen Park that will take you through a network of trails, such as the Crystal Creek System, where you will see Fall in all its perfection. You can also explore and visit Crystal Falls at one end of the park and then follow the trails to Minnehaha Falls at the other end.

CHECK OUT FORT CREEK CONSERVATION AREA ON THE HUB TRAIL

Enjoy fall in at its best right here in the heart of Sault Ste Marie! The John Roswell Hub Trail is a 22.5km trail that surrounds our beautiful city, with paved paths that you can walk or bike on. One of our favourite parts of the hub trail in the fall specifically, is the Fort Creek section. You can park at the Fort Creek Conservation Area and take the trail through the forest where you will come upon some incredible bridges that overlook the stunning ravine. This simple trail system is nice laid-back one hour walk from the Conversation Area to the Third Line section and back

After such a great weekend of family fun and activities, the whole family will want to come back and do it all again! Sault Ste. Marie is the perfect place to visit year round. 

Whitefish Island and Attikamek Trail

“Attikamek” (or adikameg) – for which this trail is named – is the Ojibwemowin word for whitefish and means “caribou of the waters.” Ojibwe fishers came from miles around to harvest this bountiful food source. Fishing was done by dipping nets in the rushing waters while skilfully maneuvering birchbark canoes among the eddies and pools of the rapids. Whitefish Island has been designated a national historic site. In 1980, the Batchewana First Nation became the stewards of the land once again.

Address: Whitefish Whitefish Island, Sault Ste. Marie, ON

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Thrive Tours

An Indigenous-owned and operated Eco-Cultural touring experience in the Sault Ste. Marie and Northern Ontario region, Thrive Tours are designed to connect people with each other and Mother Earth’s offerings with respect for the land, water, and all living things.

1. Guided Canoe/Kayak Tours
2. Guided Tent Camping Tours

Address: 18 McPhail Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 3K4

Phone: (705) 862-1558

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Agawa Crafts and the Canadian Carver

The Serpent River First Nation Economic Development Corporation has recently purchased a Northern Ontario favourite stop North of Sault Ste. Marie. Agawa Crafts and the Canadian Carver – come visit us for your chance to explore our businesses with Indigenously inspired products, Canadian Carvings, art and the Camper’s Grocery Store with an LCBO Agency Store!

Address: 12502 HWY-17

Phone: (705) 882-2311

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Serpent River First Nations Gas Bar & Trading Post 

The Serpent River First Nation Gas Bar & Trading Post (SFRN) is located approximately halfway between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie on the North Shore of Lake Huron in Northern Ontario. The SRFN Trading Post offers a selection of Authentic Indigenous Art, Crafts, and several other Indigenously inspired products for all. Stop in for fuel, shopping, our art gallery, and more!

Address: 479 Hwy 17, Spanish ON, P0P1B0

Phone: (705) 844-2119

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Ojibway Inspired

Address: 462 McBabb Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Phone: 249-878-7211

One page to find my creations. Things I’ve made already, things I’m working on now, things that have been on the go ….there’s so many options I love making and creating.  Click here to learn more.

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Stackburger

Our burgers are made with locally sourced Angus beef that we grind fresh in-house daily. We smash our patties into a searing hot griddle to get that Stackburger taste you know and love.

Address: 71 Spring Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Phone: 705-575-2874

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Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig

The Centre of Excellence In Anishinaabe Education. Our vision in creating Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (University) will preserve the integrity of Anishinaabe knowledge and understanding in cooperation with society to educate the present and future generations in a positive, cooperative and respectful environment.

Address: Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada

Phone: 705-998-2496

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Walk Among the Trees

Address: 780 Landslide Road, Sault Ste. Maria, ON

Phone: 705-975-3086

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Rubys Art Metal Decor

I am a welder located in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. I have a new business creating hand-fabricated works, shaping metals to create one-of-a-kind metal art pieces that will introduce Aboriginal culture into decor. The items I have focused on so far are handmade, carved copper dreamcatchers. Stay tuned for more items made of steel. Click here to learn more.

Address: Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Phone: 705-575-2452

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Judy Binda

Healer, Spiritual Counsellor, Energy Worker at Judy Binda. The Renaissance of Native Spirituality, the Journey of the Spiritual Seeker and Traditional Healing.

Address: 22 Wemyss St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Phone: 705-206-8772

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TMS Woodland Art

Woodland Art is a key that helps people wake up the spiritual being that lays sleeping within. Represented by Canvas Gallery in Toronto, Ontario, Butter Gallery in Collingwood, Ontario, and Hansford and Sons Fine Art Emerging Artist Platform in London, England.

Address: 76 Irwin ave, Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Phone: 705-971-8294

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Chummy’s Grill

Chummy’s Grill, home of the “All Day Breakfast” (except Friday 4-8 pm), the Thursday and Friday “Fish Fry”(Thursday & Friday 2 pm until close), and renowned burgers and home cut fries.

Address: 262 Frontenac Street, Rankin Reserve 15D, Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Phone: 705-575-3449

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 R Smokin Store, Noels Place

R Smokin Store is open 7 am to 12 am, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Smokes, OLG, snacks, drinks, and Indigenous-made items.

Address: 262 Frontenac Street, Rankin Reserve 15D

Phone: 705-575-3449

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