Anishnawbe Keeshigun, taking place at the Fort August 18th and 19th, is an enhanced version of Ojibwa Keeshigun - a celebration the Fort has hosted for many years.  

"Where Ojibwa Keeshigun focsed on the culture of the group that worked with fur traders at Fort William in the early 1800s, Anishnawbe Keeshigun will commemorate and celebrate the culture of all First Nation people in the region and for the benefit of all," said FWHP General Manager Sergio Buonocore.   "The new festival will share the same important goal as the previous, which is to be inclusive of all cultures regardless of origin and to ensure festivities are accessible and engaging to residents and visitors to Northwestern Ontario."

The first of its kind in Northwestern Ontario, a competition Pow Wow will welcome dancers from across the country.  In addition to crafter and art markets, Anishnawbe Keeshigun will feature internationally-renowned aboriginal entertainment, including headliner artists Buffy Sainte-Marie and Tom Jackson, as well as Aboriginal Peoples Television Network personality Chef David Wolfman and comedian Don Burnstick.

"It's great to include a more well-rounded celebration of the culture and traditions of Nishnawbe Aski territory," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy who represents 49 Ojibway, Cree, and Ojicree communities across Ontario.  "Anishnawbe Keeshigun will provide an opportunity not only to bring these cultures together in celebration, but to educate the general public of the history and traditions of our people and the positive contributions we've made in the history of the region and surrounding territory."

By incorporating traditional and modern musical and demonstrative entertainment from across the country, Anishnawbe Keeshigun will highlight the significant contributions of First Nation people to the development of Ontario and Canada as a whole. 

The festival has received contributions from the Government Ontario's Celebrate Ontario initiative.