Throughout June, learn more about the histories and cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples with in-person and online activities for all ages and interests.
Join us for amazing performances and family activities at the Museum and online.
At the Museum
Live Performance: Mādahòkì
Activity
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Throat Singers: 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Pow-Wow Style Dances: 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.
Grand Hall
Sunday, June 18, 2023
Throat Singers: 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Pow-Wow Style Dances: 1 p.m.
Grand Hall
Experience the excitement of song, drum and dance with live Indigenous performances in the Museum’s beautiful Grand Hall. Join us for a special weekend at the Museum where performers from Mādahòkì Farm will bring you and your family closer to the cultural practices of Inuit throat-singing and pow-wow drum and dance, including hoop dancing. Mādahòkì Farm specializes in the production of immersive activities and performances that reflect and respect Indigenous wisdom and diversity.
This activity is offered in English and French and is included with Museum admission.
Coming Soon – New Museum Guides
As part of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum are proud to support and promote Indigenous languages in Canada.
To increase the visibility of Indigenous languages, three new Museum Guides will be available in Algonquin (Anishinaabemowin), Inuktitut and Michif. Guides in other Indigenous languages will be available soon.
This is just one of the many initiatives undertaken by the Museums to share with staff and visitors the richness and diversity of Indigenous languages across the country.
Self-Guided Family Activities
Drop by the Information desk, located in the Main Lobby at the Museum, and pick up one or more of these free handouts.
The Grand Hall… For Kids
Learn about the cultures, stories and peoples of Canada’s Northwest Coast while exploring the Grand Hall.
Outdoor Architecture Hunt
Take a walk around the Museum grounds and discover the fascinating symbolism of its architecture. Learn more about the inspiration that architect Douglas Cardinal drew from the Canadian landscape.
Outdoor Museum Quest
Go on an outdoor family adventure using the Museum Quest handout as your guide. Explore the Museum grounds and the surrounding environment to learn more about Indigenous art.
Exhibitions
See the diversity, creativity and resourcefulness of Indigenous cultures through archaeological discoveries, stories, art, images and thousands of historical and contemporary cultural materials on display.
Exhibition
Exhibition
Exhibition
CINÉ+
The Seven Sacred Laws
This colourful and imaginative animated film is presented throughout the month of June. Follow a young boy on an Indigenous rite of passage: a vision quest. Through his spiritual journey, he meets seven animals, each revealing a foundational value of Indigenous culture: Buffalo tells him how the essence of respect is the act of giving. Eagle, how to always act in love. Bear encourages him to listen to his heart, while Sabe (Bigfoot) to speak from it. Beaver teaches him to create a more peaceful world, and Wolf to be thankful. Finally, Turtle says that to live the Seven Teachings is to live in truth.
Using music and beautiful animation, The Seven Sacred Laws leaves audiences enlightened and more knowledgeable about Indigenous foundational values and beliefs. The film is presented in both English and French.
CINÉ+
Teepee Time
Teepee Time is an engaging animated preschool series following a curious little tipi as he explores the world around him. For Teepee, every experience involves learning something new, with lots of fun and adventure along the way!
Teepee Draws a Medicine Wheel
Teepee draws a Medicine Wheel for the very first time. He learns the meaning of each of the colours used and dances to a lively song. Then, before naptime, he listens to a story from the magic book.
Teepee Goes to the Museum
Mischievous little Teepee visits a museum for the very first time. Then, before naptime, he listens to a story from the magic book about prehistoric animal drawings and a cave of stalactites.
These episodes will be followed by a short Mi’kmaq language lesson.
CINÉ+
ARCTIC: Our Frozen Planet
At the very top of the globe lies a spectacular, frozen realm. But don’t be fooled by appearances… this place is not frozen in time. It’s a dynamic ecosystem and for thousands of years, its indigenous people and wildlife have found ways to survive and live in harmony with these extremes.
Embark on a year-long adventure across the seasons and three continents. Be immersed in the astounding world of narwhals, belugas and polar bears as they navigate ice floes. Hear the thunderous sound of stampeding caribou and muskox trying to escape hungry wolves. Be amazed by hooded seals that blow up red balloons and ice-covered bumblebees that emerge glorious from their winter lairs.
CINÉ+
CINÉ+ in Your Classroom
Give your students an immersive learning experience and watch a film from the comfort of your classroom. Educational resources are offered to enrich the experience.
Film Trailer
Wonders of the Arctic is a story of survival in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth — an environment dominated by a single element: ice.
Majestic yet dangerous, life-giving yet treacherous, ice affects the fortunes of every living thing in the Arctic. In this era of warming temperatures and melting ice, will plants and animals adapt or perish?
Follow scientists and Inuit Elders as they explore the changing landscape of this harsh and beautiful frontier.
Online
Exhibitions
Online Exhibition
Online Exhibition
Online Exhibition
Online Exhibition
Online Exhibition
The ultimate access to Canada’s national museum of human history. A unique virtual tour featuring Museum experts. Explores the Museum’s exhibitions, including favourites such as the Grand Hall, the First Peoples Hall, and the Canadian History Hall.
Video
Activities
Activity
Activity
Explore
Story
Story
Blog
Photo at top of page:
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