‘Tell the truth’: Algonquin poet urges ‘Ottawa 200’ to fully acknowledge Indigenous history before colonization
Ottawa’s former poet laureate is urging the city to acknowledge the “oppression” suffered by the Indigenous inhabitants of the region — where they have lived for thousands of years — during this year’s 200th anniversary of the founding of Bytown. Albert Dumont, the city’s English-language poet laureate from 2021 to 2023 and a spiritual guide from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg —...
Heritage Ottawa talk highlights Indigenous influence at Kìwekì Point
A recent Heritage Ottawa lecture on Kìwekì Point — the National Capital Commission’s reimagining of what was once called Nepean Point in downtown Ottawa — showcased the central role of reconciliation-oriented design and Indigenous collaboration in the $45-million project. Garry Meus, a senior landscape architect with the NCC, guided attendees through the vision for the landmark during his Jan. 21...
As Lansdowne 2.0 becomes the new reality, Beandigen Café and other affected shops left without answers
Small businesses in Lansdowne are unsure how they will cope with new construction plans and relocation.
For the first time, a safe haven for Inuit women is being built south of Nunavut
Ottawa's Hunt Club neighbourhood will house the city's first shelter devoted to Inuit women and children escaping violence.
From identity to initiative: Jennifer San works to make Ottawa safer for Indigenous people
Jennifer San, an Indigenous well-being worker, details how her journey inspires her work as coordinator for the Indigenous Women's Safety Table.
‘A trailblazer’: Trina Mather-Simard shows the way for Indigenous tourism
Trina Mather-Simard's career has involved horses, festivals and workshops — but through it all, growing Indigenous tourism has always been at the heart of her work.
Ottawa photo exhibit captures moments in the iconic Zapatista movement for Indigenous rights in Mexico
In 1994, the Zapatistas began an armed uprising against the Mexican government as a protest against the North American Free Trade Agreement. Many important moments from the movement are preserved in photographs now on display at the Mexican embassy in Ottawa.
Ottawa artist Ciaran Head-Smith brings his Indigenous voice to Casa Loma exhibit
Ottawa-based artist Ciaran Head-Smith’s artwork is featured in Red Visions, a first-of-its-kind Indigenous art exhibition at Casa Loma, celebrating cultural heritage.
The 25th Hour: Beadwork – Buying with purpose
Journalist Ely Pittman wants to discover what gets lost when consumers don't buy authentically sourced Indigenous beadwork.
Carleton University provides historical context on issues about Indigenous identity
Last month, Carleton adopted two policies focused on verifying Indigenous identity for hiring, admissions and awards.
State of Indigenous languages worse than it appears, but hope is not lost, expert says
Data from Statistics Canada paints a bleak picture of Indigenous languages in Canada but a linguistics professor says the picture is even worse than it appears, due to the self-reporting nature of the Census.
Aboriginal Coalition hopes to secure funding soon for Ottawa’s first family healing lodge
The Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition (OAC) says it’s hopeful it will soon obtain the funding for Ottawa’s first family healing lodge, one key project that’s part of Ottawa’s 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan.
Indigenous homelessness plan ambitious but needs to succeed, Ottawa councillors told
The Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition (OAC) gave city councillors an update on its plan to address Indigenous housing and homelessness, which the coalition acknowledged is ambitious and requires systemic changes.
City Builder: Cody Coyote is a powerful Indigenous voice on the Ottawa music scene
Ottawa musician Cody Coyote is a prominent city builder, seeking to inspire future generations with his art.
Walking tours on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation offer a window into Canada’s colonial past
The Assembly of Seven Generations is marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with guided walking tours to shed some light on Canada's colonial history.
City Builder: Gabrielle Fayant supports Ottawa’s Indigenous youth
Gabrielle Fayant is an award-winning co-founder of the Assembly of Seven Generations, an Ottawa-based non-profit that works to empower the city's Indigenous youth.
The 25th Hour: These Aunties offer care for Indigenous youth in need
As an Indigenous full spectrum doula, Jackie Tompalski considers herself and other 'aunties' to be 'agents of transformative' justice by culturally supporting young Indigenous families.
Bear Grease: An Indigenous take on an American musical classic comes to the NAC
As Bear Grease comes to Ottawa, the audience is not just Indigenous people. However, for those who do come from Indigenous communities, the show's meaning is palpable.
Indigenous sisters hopeful for a better future on National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
Marie and Laura Mapachée, two sisters and Indigenous people of the Abitibiwinni First Nation from the Pikogan reservation in Quebec, drove more than five hours to attend the event.
Orange Shirt Day offers a way for Canadians to reflect on truth and reconciliation
With the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation or Orange Shirt Day taking place on Sept. 30, local grassroots and government organizations are preparing activities to commemorate the day.
City builder: Kevin Loring is revolutionizing Indigenous theatre in Canada
Loring is best known as the Artistic Director for Indigenous theatre at the National Arts Centre. Recently, he had his term extended into the 2026-2027 season. The Indigenous theatre program at the NAC provides a platform for Indigenous artists to have their work staged and produced.
City builder: Paula MacDonald builds cultural connections in her role as a deaf Indigenous advocate
Paula MacDonald, who is half Cree from Treaty 4, is a deaf Indigenous youth advocate, who is working hard to help deaf Indigenous connect with their communities.
Games to highlight ‘long, rich history’ of Indigenous sport
The Masters Indigenous Games will be held in Ottawa in August giving the community a chance to learn more about Indigenous culture and sport.
The 23rd Ottawa Indigenous Children and Youth Pow Wow welcomes everyone back to celebrate First Nations culture
The annual Ottawa Indigenous Children and Youth Pow Wow is back after a three-year hiatus brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Event organizers stress the importance of fostering community between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
A view from the Arctic: Indigenous film festival opens a window on northern culture
The seventh Unikkaatuarniq: Snowscreen hosted by the Asinabka Film Festival returned to in-person screenings with Winterlude for the first time in three years.
See something say something: Akwesasne wellness team uses conference to raise awareness and combat sex trafficking
The Akwesasne Family Wellness Program hosted an anti-trafficking conference to raise awareness about human trafficking.
‘What can I leave behind for generations to follow me?’ Algonquin mural unveiled at New Edinburgh Park
Entitled “Miskwi” or “Bloodline,” the mural commemorates many parts of Indigenous life. Made up of mixed media, the mural features five ceramic panels made by Doreen, each telling a different part of a larger story, with a painted piece just underneath done by Charlotte.
Ottawa’s Black and Indigenous communities hope mourning of Queen’s death will spark new era of apologies and social change
On a dreary Monday in downtown Ottawa, mourners recently gathered to mark the death and commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II. Members of the RCMP marched down Elgin Street to the steady beat of drums and the piercing timbre of bagpipes. While many are saddened by the Queen’s passing, Ottawa’s Black and Indigenous communities are grappling with complicated emotions...
Two new healing forests aim to promote reconciliation in Ottawa
Navan and Blackburn Hamlet will be home to two new healing forests after successfully receiving grants from the David Suzuki Foundation and the National Healing Forests Initiative.
Celebrating Indigeneity in person: The Asinabka film festival returns to roaring applause
The 11th annual Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival launched with a cheering audience.
Col. By Day proves to be a time to remember the founding of Ottawa and also those who have been here for millennia
Monday's Col. By Day was a chance to remember the history of Ottawa and the people who have been here for thousands of years.
Climate change and children’s rights: Canada urged to take bigger steps in the right direction
Children are calling for Canada to include them in climate policy decisions.
Remembering a hero: The first Chief Pinesi Day honours life of Algonquin leader
The Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation celebrated their first ever Chief Pinesi Day on July 1st.
Welcome to Adaawewigamig: New store in Byward Market offers a cultural touchstone for Indigenous youth
The Assembly of Seven Generations hosted celebrations in Byward Market for National Indigenous Peoples Day and their new store front.
Back in person, the NAC Indigenous Art Market fosters a sense of community
The NAC Indigenous Art Market allowed culture and community to meet during National Indigenous History Month.
Pressure mounts to put Indigenous languages on federal election ballots
The push is on to include Indigenous languages on federal election ballots.
Bad vibes: Critics decry the cultural appropriation of Indigenous plant medicines and smudging
It’s a sunny day inside the Garden of Light spiritual shop and magic is in the air. Rays of light bounce off the glinting crystals stationed by the window, brightening the room and entrancing passersby. Past the glimmering crystals, a customer circles the display of metal sound bowls. She picks up a wooden mallet, or ‘striker,’ and gently taps the...
Group opposes Ryerson University rebrand and aims to restore namesake’s reputation
As Ryerson University prepares to announce a new name, a group called The Friends of Egerton Ryerson is working to help restore the reputation of the 19th century educator.
Algonquin elder, Muslim women build bridges through ‘experiences of racism’
Ottawa Muslim Women’s Organization and Algonquin elder Claudette Commanda are building bridges of understanding among marginalized groups.
Winnipeg scraps adult-business licences as sex workers, anti-trafficking advocates unite — for different reasons
Sex workers and anti-human trafficking advocates urge Winnipeg city council to end licensing of sex work.
No revisions planned for Canadian coat of arms despite calls for changes to reflect diverse nation
Some support revising Canada's coat of arms to represent Indigenous peoples. Canadian Heritage says there are no plans to do so.
New scholarship aims to support uOttawa’s Black and Indigenous student athletes
A fund created by two former uOttawa Gee-Gees aims to help Black and Indigenous student athletes who are juggling school, work and sport.
As Canada’s coat of arms turns 100, Nunavut MP urges redesign to include Indigenous Peoples, Arctic Ocean
As Canada's coat of arms turns 100, some say it's worth revising to be more inclusive of Indigenous peoples..
Ottawa police boardroom, city park renamed to honour ground-breaking Inuit artist Annie Pootoogook
A boardroom at Ottawa Police headquarters and a park in the Sandy Hill neighbourhood have been renamed to honour the legacy and life of Inuit artist Annie Pootoogook.
Tagwàgi Festival a first event for new Indigenous cultural attraction in Ottawa
The 2021 Tagwagi Festival at Mādahòkì Farm brought dozens of individuals and families alike together to enjoy some autumn indigenous traditions. Attractions included Ojibwe Spirit Horses, a reconciliation rock station, local artisans and a traditional pow wow dance.
Updated Dark Side of Sandy Hill walking tour acknowledged the role played by politicians in creating residential schools, Indian Act
The walking tour is back for its second year, this time with a stronger emphasis on the federal government's historic mistreatment of Indigenous peoples.
Hundreds commemorated lives lost at Indian residential schools on National Day
Though hundreds attended the Remember Me event on Sept. 30, a deafening silence filled Ottawa’s downtown core.
Lansdowne offers pop-up space to Indigenous-owned, mother-daughter café and art shop
An Indigenous mother-daughter team will soon open a cafe and art shop in a pop-up space at Lansdowne Park. Capital Current talked to the owners of Beandigen Café.
Truth and Reconciliation in focus: Marking a solemn national day of remembrance and hope
Indigenous Peoples and allies gather in Ottawa for a day of reflection and education.
In focus: The first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Photo story from the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation taken by the Carleton School of Journalism's fourth-year photojournalism students.