Reconciliation Through Art 2026
Indigenous-led celebration of art, culture, and truth — Almonte’s multi-day commemoration
Dates
Sep 28–30
Cost
🎉 FREE
Where
Almonte, ON
Access
👥 All welcome
A free, multi-day celebration of Indigenous art, music, storytelling, and cultural teachings. Organized by Métis Elder Tony Belcourt to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Over 20 Indigenous artists from across Ontario showcase work, perform, teach, and engage in community dialogue about truth, healing, and reconciliation.
🎨 20+ Indigenous artists
🎶 Live performances & music
🎓 Cultural teachings
🍽️ Indigenous cuisine
💡 This is a meaningful cultural event centered on truth and reconciliation. Open to all — Indigenous and non-Indigenous visitors. Donations support the Kooshkopayiw Métis Artists Collective. Check the official website for exact 2026 dates and programming details.
What to Experience at Reconciliation Through Art
🎨 Indigenous Art Exhibition & Sales
Over 20 Indigenous visual artists from across Ontario showcase their work at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum. Visitors meet artists directly, learn about their creative processes, and support Indigenous arts by purchasing pieces. A silent auction also features selected works, with proceeds benefiting the Kooshkopayiw Métis Artists Collective.
🎶 Live Performances & Music
Traditional and contemporary performances throughout the event. Expect drumming, dancing, Métis fiddle music, Jingle Dress dancing, Inuit throat singing, and storytelling. Live music creates an immersive cultural atmosphere celebrating Indigenous artistry and resilience.
🎓 Cultural Teachings & Workshops
Indigenous Educators lead talks, workshops, and storytelling sessions in the Museum’s Millworkers Learning Centre. Topics include traditional knowledge, history, and cultural practices. Workshops also extend to local schools, reaching students throughout the region with authentic Indigenous voices.
🎬 Film Screenings & Documentaries
Special film screenings featuring Indigenous filmmakers and documentaries exploring residential school experiences, reconciliation, and Indigenous history. Prior years featured works like “Inendi” (about residential school resilience) and documentaries by Cree filmmaker Jules Koostachin.
🍽️ Indigenous Cuisine & Vendors
Taste authentic Indigenous foods and traditional cuisine. The Frybread Queen from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and Turtle Lodge Trading Post provide food, ceremonial tools, and botanicals. This is an opportunity to support Indigenous food sovereignty and taste traditional flavours.
💬 Community Dialogue & Truth-Telling
Open, respectful spaces for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to engage in meaningful conversation about truth and reconciliation. The event honours survivors and families impacted by residential schools while celebrating Indigenous joy, love, and futures.
Essentials
🎟️ Admission & Tickets
Completely FREE. No admission fee. Open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous visitors. Donations are gratefully accepted and support the Kooshkopayiw Métis Artists Collective.
📍 Location & Hours
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, 3 Rosamond Street East, Almonte, ON K0A 1A0. Multi-day event, typically September 28–30 (dates TBA for 2026). Hours typically run 2 PM – 9 PM or later depending on programming.
🚗 Getting There & Parking
Almonte is located approximately 50 km southwest of Ottawa, about a 50-minute drive. Street parking available near the museum. The Textile Museum is centrally located in downtown Almonte. No public transit directly to the venue; personal vehicle or rideshare recommended.
👥 Who Should Attend
Everyone. This event welcomes Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members. Families, adults, students, and people of all backgrounds interested in learning about Indigenous culture and reconciliation are encouraged to attend.
💳 Budget Tip
Admission is free, but you may want to budget for artwork purchases (varies by artist), food from Indigenous vendors ($10–20 for meals), and donations to Kooshkopayiw Collective. Donations are voluntary but encouraged.
📅 Mark Your Calendar
Reconciliation Through Art commemorates the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30). The 2026 event is expected late September. Check the official website for exact dates and full programming in 2026.
Questions Answered
Why Go to Reconciliation Through Art
Because this is more than a festival — it’s a meaningful cultural experience and an opportunity to learn directly from Indigenous artists, educators, and knowledge keepers about truth, history, and reconciliation. It’s free, welcoming to everyone, and deeply rooted in celebration of Indigenous joy, love, and artistry. You’ll support Indigenous artists by purchasing their work, taste authentic Indigenous food, witness powerful performances, and engage in conversations that matter. The Almonte community has embraced this event, and it draws people from across the region and Ottawa. It honours residential school survivors while celebrating Indigenous resilience and culture. If you’re looking to genuinely understand reconciliation, support Indigenous artists, and participate in a culturally significant event, Reconciliation Through Art is essential. The 2024 inaugural event drew over 1,000 visitors; 2025 expanded to three days. Plan to spend several hours exploring the art, attending performances, and engaging in the community dialogue.
Details may change — always confirm on reconciliationthroughart.ca for 2026 dates, programming, and details before heading out.
Location
Get DirectionsMississippi Valley Textile Museum, 3 Rosamond Street East, Almonte, ON, K0A 1A0
