Indigenous cultural programs
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Anishinaabe cultural programs on Beausoleil Island
The Nokomis (Grandmother) in Residence program offers visitors, staff, and community members an opportunity to learn about Anishinaabe culture, traditions, and ways of understanding the world.
Through ceremonies, teachings, sharing circles, and cultural activities led by an Anishinaabe Elder, participants can build a deeper connection to the land while learning about the importance of respect, gratitude, and care for all living things. The program also helps pass traditional knowledge on to younger generations and supports meaningful learning and reconciliation.
Join us for special cultural programs and activities taking place throughout the summer and fall.
Nokomis programming takes place at Cedar Springs on Beausoleil Island with no additional cost; however visitors much first reach the island via Landmark transportation, a water taxi service, or personal watercraft.
Please note that all programs are weather dependant and subject to change.
July 18, 2026
Rekindling our Relationship with the Nibi minwa Aki
(the waters and land)
Led by Nokomis Mskokii (Red Earth Woman), this workshop explores our relationship to the lands and waters. The workshop begins with a Sage smudge to align our intention, physical and metal selves.
Nokomis Mskokii leads through group through self exploration and reflection on the power of the human voice and what we can give back to the natural world.
Time: 1 pm
Location: Cedar Spring Campground, Beausoleil Island
July 25, 2026
Nokomis (Grandmother) in Residence: Island Archeology
This land based-learning workshop brings the ancient history of Beausoleil Island (Bimadinaagogi) National Historic Site to life.
Participants will learn about cultural artifacts that have been uncovered on the island. A live flint knapping demonstration will show how these tools are manufactured. Participants will also learn to throw an arrow using an AtlAtl (spear throwing tool).
Time: 1 pm
Location: Cedar Spring Campground, Beausoleil Island
August 1, 2026
Lifting of the Water Ceremony
Water is the foundation of all life on earth. As living beings, it is our responsibility to honor and protect the water that sustains us.
Join Nokomis Trish in ceremony to honor the waters of Mnidoo Gamii (Georgian Bay) that surround Beausoleil Island (Bimadinaagogi) National Historic Site. The ceremony will begin with a sage smudge and include the presentation of an offering of food and semaa (tobacco) to the water.
Time: 1 pm
Location: Beach in front of the Cedar Spring Visitor Centre, Beausoleil Island
August 8, 2026
Medicine Pouch Workshop
Join Nokomis Trish Giizhgondokwe (Cedar Woman) to make your own medicine pouch - a small leather bag worn close the to body.
The medicine pouch carries sacred traditional medicines such as mashkodewashk (sage), giizhik (cedar), wiingashk (sweetgrass), and semaa (tobacco), as well as meaningful personal tokens to provide spiritual protection and strength.
Time: 1 pm
Location: Beach in front of the Cedar Spring Visitor Centre, Beausoleil Island
August 15, 2026
Changing of the Seasons Ceremony
Each season has associated activities. Niibin (summer) is a time of long days, abundance of food and flowers, and rain. As Niibin comes to an end, it is a time of change and transition to Dagwaagi (fall), the time to prepare for the coming winter. Dagwaagi is a time to fast, let go of the past, and focus on inner growth.
At the changing of the seasons, we come together with Nokomis Trish Giizhgondokwe (Cedar Woman) to celebrate the natural world and remind ourselves to not take any of the gifts we are given by Mother Earth for granted.
Time: 1 pm
Location: Beach in front of the Cedar Spring Visitor Centre, Beausoleil Island
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