Celebrating Indigenous Culture Day 2025 in Neepawa

Indigenous Culture Day is an annual event in Neepawa that honours the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation while also celebrating the diversity, resilience, and traditions of Indigenous peoples. This year, the gathering was held on September 26, 2025, at The Flats, and was organized by ArtsForward in collaboration with the Town of Neepawa. The day-long event created a space where learning, reflection, and celebration could come together in meaningful ways.

The program featured an impressive lineup of presenters, dancers, and speakers representing a range of Indigenous communities across Manitoba and beyond. Their performances and teachings offered attendees a rich and immersive cultural experience that balanced education with celebration. Organizers estimate that this year’s event welcomed approximately 2,000 participants, the majority of whom were students from schools in Neepawa and surrounding areas, alongside educators, parents, and members of the wider community.

Proceedings began with a formal opening ceremony led by Manitoba Government representatives and community leaders. Remarks were given by MLA Robert Loiselle (NDP), MLA Jodie Byram, and several leaders from local Indigenous communities, who spoke about the continuing importance of reconciliation and the need for cultural understanding in building stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Their words set a reflective tone for the day, encouraging students and attendees to approach the experience with respect, openness, and curiosity.

After the opening, students were invited to circulate through a series of interactive learning stations, each designed to showcase a different aspect of Indigenous culture. Workshops included beading sessions, where participants learned traditional techniques and patterns, as well as Indigenous art displays that highlighted both contemporary and traditional forms of expression. Drum-making demonstrations gave students the chance to see the care and meaning that goes into crafting an instrument that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. Bannock-making stations provided a sensory and hands-on opportunity to connect with traditional foods, offering both taste and story.

In addition to the workshops, performances from dancers and drummers brought energy and vibrancy to the day. Elders and knowledge keepers were also present to share stories, teachings, and perspectives on Indigenous history and resilience. These moments provided powerful opportunities for students to hear directly from those who carry cultural knowledge and lived experience, adding context to what they may have previously only encountered in classrooms or textbooks.

The impact of Indigenous Culture Day extends well beyond the single day it is held. For many students, it represents one of their first opportunities to engage directly with Indigenous culture in such an immersive and respectful way. Teachers and community members frequently note how valuable it is for young people to witness living traditions, interact with cultural leaders, and take part in practices that emphasize creativity, connection, and respect for the land and for one another.

As the event continues to grow each year, it has become a vital platform for cultural exchange and education in the community. Organizers believe it plays a significant role in advancing reconciliation by creating meaningful experiences that build bridges of understanding. By combining celebration with education, Indigenous Culture Day ensures that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not only acknowledged but is also actively lived out through dialogue, participation, and the honoring of Indigenous voices.