The City of Thunder Bay is proud to celebrate many local cultural events. Learn more about some of these events in our listings below and how you can get involved.
We also recognize and celebrate citizens whose efforts contribute towards an inclusive community and significantly make Thunder Bay a better place to live, work, visit and raise families. Explore the recognition programs below and consider nominating a deserving citizen.
Upcoming events:
Indigenous Craft Fair: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Grand Entry: 1:00pm
Feast: 5:00pm
Giveaways: 7:00pm
The Family Day Powwow is an event that gives the community an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous Culture and Heritage and is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to gather in a good way. The Powwow is a great opportunity for collective action, and one that will benefit our community as a whole as well move forward in the spirit of reconciliation.
Annual events
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National Indigenous Peoples Day |
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June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples' Day. Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the cultural diversity of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples by participating in annual events and activities happening across the city. Watch for information coming soon about events in Thunder Bay. Please check back. Learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day |
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Maamawe Summer Festival & Showcase |
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Learn more about the City's Maamawe Summer Festival & Showcase held on June 24. |
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Orange Shirt Day |
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Get involved and learn about Orange Shirt Day.
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Treaties Recognition Week |
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Treaties Recognition Week takes place on the first week of November each year. Introduced by the Ontario government in 2016, Treaties Recognition week honours the importance of treaties and to help Ontarians learn more about treaty rights and treaty relationships. Discover more about Treaties Recognition Week.
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Louis Riel Day |
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Annually every year on Nov. 16, marks the anniversary of the execution of Métis leader Louis Riel. This day is used to celebrate the Métis culture and the contributions of the Métis people across Canada. To commemorate this day, events are held across the province to recognize the many contributions of the Métis to Canada, to celebrate Métis culture and to highlight the struggles that Métis continue to face.
2022Community eventLouis Riel Day Celebration: Tuesday, Nov. 15, 1 - 3 pm,Brodie Resource Library, 216 Brodie St. S. In partnership with the Thunder Bay Public Library, the Metis Nation of Ontario will be hosting a Louis Riel Celebration at the Thunder Bay Public Library. We will be celebratign Metis culture with a presenation, hand woven sah, Metis games, books, prizes and plenty of delicious foods! We look forward to seeing you there. Please register in advance, space is limited. Contact: Jerry Dampier, Community Action Plan for Children Coordinator, 807-356-3473, jerryd@metisnation.org
2021On Nov. 16, 2021, the Métis Infinity flag was raised in honour of Louis Riel Day at City Hall by Acting Mayor Rebecca Johnson, Philip McGuire - Captain of the Hunt and member of the Métis Nation Local Council, and Kerry McLaughlin - City of Thunder Bay Anishinaabe Elder and member of the Thunder Bay Métis Council.
2020On Nov. 16, 2020, the Métis Infinity flag was raised by Mayor Bill Mauro and Kevin Muloin, President, Métis Nation Local Council in honour of Louis Riel Day at City Hall.
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Indigenous Veterans Day |
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National Days of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls |
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A congressional resolution designated May 5, as a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). Nearly 200 Tribal, State, and National organizations supported this resolution. Annually on May 5, community events are held and the colour of red projects across the globe where people wear red to honour and remember the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls to help create awareness. Oct. 4, has also been recently marked as a Day of Action for MMIWG, where all across the province Sister in Spirit Vigils are held and Traditional Ceremonies are conducted to honour and remember the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Learn more about MMIWG initiatives at the Kairos Canada website.
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Culture Days |
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Learn about our City of Thunder Bay Culture Days activities. |
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City Recreation Events and Community Events Calendar |
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Visit the City's recreation events page for a listing of all annual City-run recreation events, and explore our Community Events Calendar for listings of what is happening in Thunder Bay. Residents are invited to add their submissions to the community events calendar.
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In the spirit of reconciliation, the City joins others across the country to honour the Indigenous children sent away to residential schools in Canada by recognizing Orange Shirt Day - Every Child Matters annually on Sept. 30.
Nov. 8, marks Indigenous Veterans Day. Annually on this day Indigenous Veterans are honoured for the important contributions and the sacrifices made by First Nations, Inuit and Métis in service to Canada. View photos and stories on our 
Culture Days is a national celebration that has become one of the country's largest participatory cultural events annually. Each year, millions of people participate in arts and cultural events across Canada. Culture Days is traditionally held each September.
Recognition programs
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Indigenous Youth and Achievement Recognition Awards (IYARA) |
| The Northwestern Ontario Indigenous Youth Achievement and Recognition Awards was formally known as The Niigaantige Career Fair. It began in 1987 when a need was identified to address the high attrition rates among Indigenous students studying at the secondary and post secondary level. Learn more about IYARA. |
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Woman's History Month |
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Each October the City of Thunder Bay celebrates Woman's History Month. Nominations are invited for notable Thunder Bay women who have made a significanat contribution to our community (both past and present). Selected women are featured on the City's virtual Woman's History Month exhibit. View the exhibit and learn more.
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Mayor's Community Safety Awards |
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The Mayor's Community Safety Awards recognizes individuals and community projects for their outstanding work in the community to make Thunder Bay a safer, healthier and more inclusive community. The Awards are typically held each fall. Learn more about the Mayor's Community Safety Awards.
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Respect Award |
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Nominate an individual, business or organization that exemplifies the principles of respect., and challenges attitudes, beliefs and behaviours that fail to recognize human dignity. Learn more about our annual Respect Award.
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All City of Thunder Bay Awards & Recognition Programs |
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Explore all of the opportunities offered by the City of Thunder Bay for Awards and Recognition.
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