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Incorporated in 1972, the Algoma Arts Festival Association (AAFA) was created with the mandate to enhance life for the community by providing the experience of excellence in the visual and performing arts. AAFA is the presenter of the Algoma Fall Festival, a multi-disciplinary arts celebration held every October in Sault Ste. Marie since 1972. The Association also delivers the Festival of Learning, an extensive regional arts outreach and education program.

This application is for “Algoma Fall Festival – Indigenous Celebration” taking place from October 1 to October 31, 2026, in Sault. Ste. Marie. The Festival offers a range of programming, including music, theatre, dance, literature, culinary arts, and visual arts. Events will be hosted across multiple venues in Sault Ste. Marie, including the Machine Shop, the Water Tower Inn, the Art Gallery of Algoma along with community spaces and outdoor locations suitable for markets and public programming. The programming includes: (1) Secret Path Week – Indigenous Celebration (Oct 17-22): This new component will prominently feature multiple Indigenous and Métis artists of national standing, working with local Indigenous leaders to identify and promote opportunities to showcase Indigenous and Métis artisans, makers, and leaders through learning and exhibitor programs; (2) Headline Concert: A ticketed performance featuring multiple nationally recognized Indigenous and Métis artists. Artist contact is underway, with a performance hold for Susan Aglukark for early October 2026; (3) Indigenous Visual Arts Exhibition: An exhibition at the Art Gallery of Algoma based on a publication authored by a residential school survivor, designed specifically for children and youth. The exhibition will combine visual imagery and accessible text to educate audiences on the history and legacy of residential schools in an age-appropriate and impactful way; (4) Artisan Market featuring artists, makers and learning stations; and (5) Festival of Learning: an extensive regional arts outreach and education program. This program is supported in part by both the public and the separate school board and impacts students across the entire Algoma region.