Building on the growth and success of the last two years, Reconciliation Through Art returns this fall bigger and better, at new family-friendly times: September 27 and October 2–4. Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, it offers even more opportunities to discover and celebrate the art, music, food, culture, and history of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Conveniently scheduled for the first time as weekend events, the added and back-by-demand programs aim to inspire all ages through connection and awareness.
Start the excitement early! The Sunday before the main program, join Riley McKenzie from the acclaimed Métis dance troupe Prairie Fire for a lesson in traditional Métis dances the whole family will enjoy.
Then, on Friday, get ready to revel at a Traditional Métis Kitchen Party—a dinner and dance you won’t forget! You will begin with a feast of boulette y bang (meatball stew and bannock). Witness an amazing performance by the Edmonton Traditional Métis Dancers. Then find yourself swept up by the foot-stomping tunes of Juno-nominated Amanda Rheaume (performing songs like “Come on Down to Flossie’s” and the “Red River Jig”), alongside the old-time fiddling of Jason Lepine & Lionel Desjarlais. Experience a special evening of exhilarating music, jigging, and line dancing while savouring the famous Bear Paws from the Frybread Queen. Fête all night long!
The following day, check out the diverse showcase and sale of Indigenous art featuring over two dozen notable artists eager to share the stories and techniques behind their work. For the first time at Reconciliation Through Art, you can learn and create Indigenous beadwork and make your own porcupine quill earrings under the guidance of Knowledge Keeper Patsea Griffin. Visitors to the Art Showcase can also enter a raffle for special gifts from exhibiting artists and local businesses.
On Sunday, participate in the ceremonial Water Walk in the morning, then explore Indigenous narratives, culture, and knowledge through select teachings, presentations, and storytelling. Experience traditional drumming and jingle dancing, journey through the history of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and the Métis Nation of Ontario, learn from Residential School and 60s Scoop survivors, and more.
Concluding these diverse opportunities of discovery is a special screening of The Apology: A Search for Justice with acclaimed Métis filmmaker and CEO of Indigenous Geographic, Matt LeMay, whose film crew was granted exclusive access to the history-making delegation to Pope Francis.
Don’t miss this rich weekend of exploration, engagement, and honouring. With the support of an incredible team of volunteers and the continuing leadership of The Honourable Tony Belcourt, O.C.—trailblazing Métis Elder, founding president of the Métis Council of Ontario, and first president of the Native Council of Canada—Reconciliation Through Art 2026 brings together standout artists, performers, and educators for memorable moments of sharing and connecting.
Event Registration & Admission Details
With the exception of the meal at the Traditional Métis Kitchen Party, all events are free.
For planning purposes, registration is required for the film screening as well as select workshops and presentations. Space for these programs is limited, so register early to avoid disappointment. Tickets and registration details are available through TicketsPlease.ca. All events are open to the public; donations are welcome.
Watch for event and participant updates at ReconciliationThroughArt.ca.
Event Schedule & Locations
- Sunday, September 27: Learn Traditional Métis Dance (2:30 PM – 4:30 PM)
- Featuring: Riley McKenzie from Prairie Fire
- Location: Almonte Old Town Hall (Bridge St, Almonte)
- Details: All ages. Register at TicketsPlease.ca. Donations welcome.
- Friday, October 2: Traditional Métis Kitchen Party: Dinner & Dance (6:00 PM – 11:00 PM, or later)
- Featuring: Amanda Rheaume Mâmawin’towin Band, Edmonton Traditional Métis Dancers, Jason Lepine & Lionel Desjarlais
- Location: North Lanark Agricultural Hall (Water St., Almonte)
- Details: Open to the public. Tickets required for the dinner. Space is limited! Book at TicketsPlease.ca.
- Saturday, October 3: Indigenous Art & Artisan Showcase (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
- Featuring: Beading & Earrings Workshops; Frybread Queen open all day.
- Location: Mississippi Valley Textile Museum (Rosamond St E, Almonte)
- Details: Register for workshops only at TicketsPlease.ca. Donations welcome.
- Sunday, October 4: Culture, History & Film Day
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Water Walk (From Almonte Old Town Hall to Metcalfe Geoheritage Park)
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Indigenous History & Culture (Mississippi Valley Textile Museum)
- 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Film Screening & Talkback: The Apology: A Search for Justice (Mississippi Valley Textile Museum)
- Details: Register for specific History/Culture sessions & Film screening at TicketsPlease.ca. Full details at ReconciliationThroughArt.ca. Donations welcome.
