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Anishinaabe Keeshigun

August 16 and 17, 2025

Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free Event

Celebrate First Nations culture at Fort William Historical Park! Join us for a free weekend filled with entertainment, hands-on activities and demonstrations that highlight Anishinaabe culture, traditions, language, and technology. This year’s event will also include a Pow Wow highlighting regional dancers and drum groups and a community feast. The community feast will be held on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and is open to all visitors.

Quick Links

Participant Registration

Pow Wow

Activities

Contests

Craft Vendors

Information Booths

Food & Beverages

Admission - Free

Visitor Information

Join Us

Interested in being a dancer, craft vendor, or hosting an information booth?

Use the corresponding button below to learn more and complete the Application Form. If you require a different application format, please contact us. Registration for drum groups is day of. The first three registered drum groups that day will receive an honorarium.

Dancers

Applications will be accepted in advance and during the event. All dancers who register and attend the pow wow will receive an honorarium.

Register Now

Craft Vendors

Completed applications are due by 4 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025. There is no cost to be a craft vendor.

Apply Now

Information Booths

Completed applications are due by 4 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025. There is no cost to host an information booth.

Apply Now

Pow Wow

Experience a Pow Wow on the historic site, where all visitors are welcome to immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions of Indigenous cultures. Watch the rhythmic drumming, captivating dances, and colorful regalia that define this celebration. Come learn, celebrate, and connect at this unforgettable gathering.

Grand Entry

Saturday at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Sunday at 1 p.m.

Master of Ceremonies: Rheal Twance

Arena Director: Orville Councilor

Spiritual Advisor: Louis Councilor

Host Drum: Fox Island

Cohost Drum: Hope Lake Singers

Invited Drum: White Wolf

Male Head Dancer: Adam Hubbard

Female Head Dancer: Tanis Faulconer

Activities

Explore historic Fort William

Explore the historic site and visit the Anishinaabe Encampment, Apothecary, Great Hall, Wintering House, Trades Square, and Dairy, and visit with the farm animals.

Paddle a Canoe

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Explore the historic Kaministiquia River by canoe while voyageurs entertain you with songs and stories.

Woodland Era Pottery

Saturday only

Uncover the artistry of Woodland era pottery with archaeologist Clarence Surette. Visitors of all ages are invited to participate, and young visitors can create their own small pottery pieces.

Paddle a Canoe

10:30 to 12:30 p.m. and 2 to 4:15 p.m.

Explore the historic Kaministiquia River by canoe while voyageurs entertain you with songs and stories.

Food Samples

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sample and learn about traditional Indigenous foods.

  • Bakwezhigan (Bannock)
  • Corn
  • Smoked Fish
  • Manoomin (wild rice)
  • Strawberry Drink

Artisan Demonstrations

These artisan demonstrations honour the heritage and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples.

  • Birchbark canoe building
  • Fishnet weaving
  • Paddle carving
  • Quillwork
  • Snowshoe weaving with Darren Lentz

Indigenous Sports

  • Atlatl (spear throwing)
  • Baggataway (lacrosse)
  • Double Ball

Contests

Explore historic Fort William

Explore the historic site and visit the Anishinaabe Encampment, Apothecary, Great Hall, Wintering House, Trades Square, and Dairy, and visit with the farm animals.

Paddle a Canoe

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Explore the historic Kaministiquia River by canoe while voyageurs entertain you with songs and stories.

Napawagan (Bone and Pin Game)

12 p.m.

This game of Indigenous origin will test your hand-eye coordination, and although it requires precision and accuracy, is accessible to everyone who wishes to compete. The rules of the contest have been developed based on historical sources and references.

Bannock Making

3 p.m.

Sign-up as a team or individual, whether you’re a newbie or an expert. Registration opens at 2:45 p.m., with a maximum of 4 teams per day.

Craft Vendors

Discover beautifully handcrafted jewelry, clothing,  blankets, beadwork, metal work, and more.

Beadlife Creations

Little Bear Trading

My Heart Your Hands

Princess Heart Designs

Two Feathers Metal Art

White Owl Unique Crafts

Information Booths

Red Sky Métis Independent Nation (RSMIN)

RSMIN protects and celebrates their distinct origin, culture and spirituality. They offer various services including counselling services, employment resources, and safety education for hunters. They will be providing clover, fireweed and mullein tea samples for visitors to enjoy.

Ontario Ombudsman

Meet the Ontario Ombudsman’s Indigenous Circle Team to learn about the Office’s role and services, and its commitment to supporting Indigenous communities and individuals.

Food and Beverages

The Cantine Restaurant

Anishinaabe Keeshigun Menu Special Feature:

  • Bison stew with smoked tomatoes and stone bread

Now catered by The Chanterelle, the Cantine offers a delicious assortment of meals and snacks.

Community Feast

Saturday at 5 p.m.

Join us for a free community feast, open to all visitors.

The Bannock Lady

  • Baked Bannock $2

    Plain, Blueberry, Raisin

  • Fried Bannock $3
  • Bannock Burger $8
  • Indian Taco - Small $10
  • Indian Taco Deluxe - Large $15
  • Beverages $2.50

Visitor Information

Admission Fees

Anishinaabe Keeshigun is a free event.

What to Bring

Weather-appropriate clothing, bug spray, sunscreen: This is an all-weather program and takes place indoors and outdoors.

Cash: There are no ATMs available on site.

Getting Here

Car: Fort William Historical Park is located at 1350 King Road, Thunder Bay. Parking is free.

Bicycle: Cyclists are welcome. Bike racks are available to use free of charge.

Thunder Bay Transit: Fort William Historical Park is accessible by the 4 Neebing bus route. Please visit the City of Thunder Bay Transit website for specific bus route information.

Boats & River Access: Boats cannot dock at events. There is no admissions entrance via the Kaministiquia River.
RVs: Camping is permitted at our campground with a reservation. RVs are not permitted in the parking lot for overnight stays.