Indigenous Experiences

From powwows to art galleries, wild rice harvests to waterfront walks, this guide highlights the rich and living cultures of Indigenous communities in Thunder Bay.

Anemki Wequedong

Where the Thunder Bird hugs the land in its wings; where Anemki Wajiw – Thunder Mountain welcomes all; where Nanabijou the Sleeping Giant rests.

Built on the traditional lands of the Ojibway People of Fort William First Nation and historic Metis settlements, Thunder Bay was originally known as Anemki Wequedong. Now called Thunder Bay, we are situated within the territory of the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850, an agreement between the Crown and Ojibway Chiefs of the Northern Shore of Lake Superior. In Anishinaabemowin, the lake is called Gichigami or Kitchigami, which means ‘large body of water’, ‘big sea’, or ‘huge water’. You are welcomed to learn more at fwfn.com.

When visiting this place where the Thunder Bird hugs the land in its wings, where Anemki Wajiw – Thunder Mountain welcomes all, and where Nanabijou the Sleeping Giant rests, we invite you to tread lightly and with acknowledgement and respect to all our relationships: Relationships to the Land, to the Water, to the Plants, to our relations, be they four legged, hooved, winged; ones that swim, walk, and crawl; relationship with Mother Earth and our Ancestors.

Today, the city is a gathering place for Indigenous culture, food, and art.

Cultural Experiences and Learning

Just outside the city, Niibing Tribal Tours at Little Trout Bay offers land-based learning such as sweetgrass and cedar harvesting, drum songs, and smudging ceremonies. They also guide visitors through landmarks like Kakabeka Falls and the Sleeping Giant, or seasonal retreats for the solstice and equinox. At SOIL (School of Indigenous Learning) near Little Pigeon Bay, groups can join programs in beading, survival skills, and medicine wheel teachings. In late summer, visit Anishinaabe Experiences at Whitefish Lake to learn about the harvesting, preparation, and cultural significance of wild rice.

One of the largest powwows is the powwow at Fort William First Nation, held annually in late June or early July at the Powwow Grounds on Anemki Wajiw (Mt. McKay).

History and Heritage

At Fort William Historical Park, experience an 1800s fur trade fort with costumed interpreters and an Anishinaabe encampment. Every August, the free Anishinaabe Keeshigun weekend celebrates Anishinaabe culture, language, and tradition with music, food, and a community powwow. Paddle a voyageur canoe with Such A Nice Day Adventures or Parks Canada to experience the waterways that shaped the fur trade.

Art and Makers

See and shop for Indigenous art at Ahnisnabae Art Gallery, Wolf Tracks Gallery, and the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, home to works by Norval Morrisseau, Benjamin Chee Chee, and other acclaimed artists. Visit the Spirit Garden and Jiigew installations along the waterfront, or shop at Goods & Co., where Indigenous-owned businesses like 21 Creek Creations, Cree Stevens Designs, and Mamakeesick Roots showcase local talent—and don’t miss Dene Cree Designs Inc across the street. Keep an eye out for pop-up events throughout the year too, such as the summer Indigenous Artist Market. In December, don’t miss Ontario’s largest Indigenous art market, the Indigenous Christmas Market, hosted by Aboriginal Artworks Group of Northern Ontario.

Entershine Book Shop in the popular Bay & Algoma neighbourhood carries a selection of books by Indigenous authors. Wazison Arts is an Indigenous-owned venue that hosts art workshops and carries beautiful items by Indigenous artists such as Angela Jason.

Food and Community

Sample bannock and Indigenous-inspired fare at the Indigenous-owned Cottage Time Public House. Baabaashi Gibichii (which means “a person who stops for a quick break”) is Confederation College’s coffee shop in the Shuniah building and offers baked bannock made in-house and Birch Bark Coffee Co. beans, a fair trade and Indigenous-owned company.