Event Details

The Wikwemikong Heritage Organization (WHO) is a not-for-profit organization that is part of, and located in, the Wikwemkong Unceded Territory First Nation on Manitoulin Island. The WHO’s programming services the general band membership of the Nation and is committed to the preservation and enhancement of Anishinabek culture through education and the participatory cultural opportunities with both Native and non-Native people. Since 1960, the WHO has been producing the Wikwemikong Annual Cultural Festival, a three-day event that features Anishinaabe song and dance, Anishinaabe cuisine, and traditional arts and crafts. The Wikwemikong Annual Cultural Festival was awarded the Indigenous Tourism award from the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario in 2019.

This application is for the “Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival” (WACF), taking place on the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Territory from July 31 to August 3, 2026. Programming will include: (1) July 31: small exhibit presentations and workshopping events; (2) August 1: Friday Night Wiikwemkoong Arts and Music Festival (WAMF) programming featuring both local and emerging as well as professional and established artists; and (3) August 2 and 3: the Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival, including (i) cultural, arts, history, and other presentations in a large 100 x 40 ft tent, (ii) a competition Powwow, (iii) land-based teachings, cultural sharing, traditional practice sessions, and Powwow etiquette, (iv) a fashion show and runway presentation by Little Feather Designs, and (v) “Taste From the Land” food demonstrations.