London 
Events Description
Celebrate Canada Day by dropping in for an afternoon of free, family-friendly activities at Museum London. From interactive art activities and performances to educational nature walks and cultural ceremony, we invite you to join us in honoring community, culture, and connection across all areas of the Museum and our grounds.
Canada Day Program
Center at the Forks | Main Level
Welcome & Opening Smudge Ceremony
12:00 – 12:15 pm
Begin your day with a traditional smudging ceremony led by Melissa Deleary and elder Mary Lou Smoke, who will share teachings on Ojibwe language and culture.
The Adventures of Jay and Gizmo: Pow Wow Edition
12:15 – 12:45 pm
Join author Kristi White (Oneida Nation of the Thames, Bear Clan) as she introduces her children’s book series following Jay and his cat Gizmo as they explore Indigenous culture and tradition.
Fancy Dance Performance by DJ White
12:45 – 1:30 pm
Experience the power and pride of Fancy Dance in a live performance by DJ White. This expressive and energetic display is followed by an audience Q&A.
Anishinaabe Language and Song with Melissa Deleary
1:15 – 1:45 pm
Immerse yourself in traditional Anishinaabe storytelling through song and language in this special cultural performance.
The Adventures of Jay and Gizmo: Hoop Dance Edition
1:45 – 2:15 pm
Join Kristi White for another storytime adventure with Jay and Gizmo, this time exploring the art and significance of hoop dancing!
Hoop Dance with River Christie-White
2:15 – 3:00 pm
Join River Christie-White for a moving and accessible hoop dance performance followed by an audience Q&A. This performance is interwoven with advocacy, disability awareness and inclusion.
Closing Smudge Ceremony
3:00 – 4:00 pm
Close the day in reflection and celebration with a final ceremony featuring traditional drumming and teachings by Melissa Deleary and elder Mary Lou Smoke.
Drop-in Activities
Exhibition Tours
12:00 – 2:15 pm | All levels
Enjoy guided tours of our current exhibitions departing from our Atrium every 30 minutes. Each tour runs for approximately 45 minutes.
Hydration Station & Strawberries
12:00 – 4:00 pm | Atrium, Main Level
Stay refreshed with complimentary water and strawberries.
Kids’ Collaborative Weaving Activity
12:00 – 4:00 pm | Atrium, Main Level
Participate in a tactile, creative weaving activity celebrating connection and community.
Lecture Theater Screenings
12:00 – 4:00 pm | Lecture Theatre, Lower Level
Celebrate Canada’s diverse stories with a curated selection of short films from the National Film Board. These cinematic works reflect tradition, innovation, and identity across generations. Runtime: 1hr 13min (looped):
- The Land – Rex Tasker & Jean-Claude Labrecque (1969, 8 min)
- First Stories – His Guidance (Okiskinotahewewin) – Duane Linklater (2007, 6 min)
- Trans-Canada Express – Stanley Hawes (1944, 9 min)
- Momentum – Colin Low & Tony Ianzelo (1992, 20 min)
- The Magic Quilt – Bettina Maylone (1985, 12 min)
- Losing Blue – Leanne Allison (2023, 16 min)
- Instant French – Andre Leduc (1979, 1 min)
- The Maple Leaf – Paul Bochner (1978, 1 min)
London Bicycle Café Bike Valet
12:00 – 4:00 pm | Front Lawn
Arrive by bike and leave it worry-free with our complimentary Bike Valet, courtesy of our friends at the London Bicycle Café! Just like a coat check, you’ll receive a ticket, and your bike will be securely watched by volunteers. When you’re ready to leave, exchange your ticket and ride home in style. All bikes must be collected by 4:00 pm or they will be returned to the London Bicycle Café (320 Thames Street).
Pattern Play: Textile Print Pop-Up
12:00 – 4:00 pm | Front Lawn
Experience hands-on textile printmaking inspired by our current exhibition Fashion: Grit, Glamor and Guts . Create unique patterns using stamping, stencils, and Gelli plate printing in a vibrant pop-up tent.
Nature Walk with Bluebird Environmental
2:00 – 3:00 pm | Front Lawn
Explore the land, water, and wildlife of the nearby Thames River with Bluebird Environmental. This guided walk includes engaging ecological activities and insights into local river assessments. Limited to 15 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Everyone welcome!
This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada
Celebrate Canada Day with an afternoon of free, family-friendly activities at Museum London. From interactive art activities and performances to educational nature walks and cultural ceremonies, we invite you to join us in celebrating community, culture, and connection in all areas of the museum and our grounds.
No registration required, everyone is welcome!
Canada Day Events
Centre at the Forks | First Floor
Welcome and Opening Ceremony
12:00 – 12:15
Join Melissa Deleary and Mary Lou Smoke for an opportunity to learn about the traditional welcome ceremony, Ojibwe language, and culture. Melissa Deleary is an Anishinaabe urban artist, language explorer, and musician who teaches basic words and phrases, as well as the cultural meaning behind them. Mary Lou Smoke, a proud member of the Ojibway Nation and Bear Clan from Blind River, Ontario, is a skilled educator, activist, writer, and broadcaster. She is deeply committed to the advancement of her community and advocating for social justice.
The Adventures of Jay and Gizmo: Jay and Gizmo Learn About Pow Wows
12:15 – 12:45
Meet author Kristi White, a member of the Bear Clan of the Oneida Nation of the Thames, as she presents The Adventures of Jay and Gizmo! This Indigenous children’s book series follows the journey of Jay, a First Nations boy, and his curious cat Gizmo, as they explore and celebrate Indigenous Culture together.
Fancy Dancer, DJ White
12:45 – 1:30 PM
After the story ends, the beat goes on! As the pages of Jay and Gizmo Learn About Pow Wows close, prepare for a special live performance. Fancy Dancer, DJ White, in traditional dress, will bring history to life before your eyes. Watch ribbons and feathers float through the air, each movement filled with energy, tradition, and pride. More than a dance, it’s a celebration of culture, spirit, and community. A Q&A with the artist will follow.
Melissa Deleary: Anishinaabe Language and Song
1:15 PM – 1:45 PM
Join Melissa Deleary as she shares the beauty and power of the Anishinaabe language through traditional songs. Experience a meaningful introduction to Anishinaabe culture and storytelling, brought to life through melody and language.
The Adventures of Jay and Gizmo: Jay and Gizmo Learn About Hoop Dancing
1:45 PM – 2:15 PM
Children’s author Kristi White, a member of the Bear Clan of the Oneida Nation of the Thames, presents The Adventures of Jay and Gizmo! This vibrant First Nation children’s series follows young Jay and his curious cat, Gizmo, on a heartwarming journey of discovery. Together, they explore and celebrate the richness of Indigenous culture through adventure, curiosity, and connection.
Hoop Dance by River Christie-White
2:15 PM – 3:00 PM
Join River Christie-White for a powerful hoop dance performance that weaves together tradition, advocacy, and inclusion—sharing meaningful messages of autism awareness, acceptance, and community. A Q&A with the artist will follow.
Closing Ceremony
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Join Melissa Deleary and Mary Lou Smoke for a meaningful closing ceremony, where we will come together to celebrate the teachings of the Perimer Nations cultures of Canada. Experience the powerful rhythms of traditional drumming, a symbol of unity and connection to the land.
Activities
Exhibition Tours
12:00 PM – 2:15 PM | All Floors
Free guided tours of the exhibition for all ages every 30 minutes from 12:00 PM to 2:15 PM. Meet in the atrium. Tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Hydration and Strawberry Station
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Atrium, First Floor
Children’s Collaborative Weaving
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Atrium, First Floor
Join us in a hands-on weaving activity that celebrates community, creativity, and connection with the delights of textiles!
Lecture Theatre Screenings
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Amphitheatre, Basement
Celebrate Canada Day with a collection of short films from the National Film Board of Canada that reflect the country’s rich cultural mosaic. Through stories of tradition, innovation, and identity, these films highlight the unity, resilience, and diversity of voices that shape Canada’s past and present, inviting us to connect, reflect, and envision a shared future together. Total running time: 1 hour and 13 minutes.
- The Land – Rex Tasker & Jean-Claude Labrecque (1969, 8 min)
- First Stories – His Guidance (Okiskinotahewewin) – Duane Linklater (2007, 6 min)
- Trans-Canada Express – Stanley Hawes (1944, 9 min)
- Momentum – Colin Low & Tony Ianzelo (1992, 20 min)
- The Magic Quilt – Bettina Maylone (1985, 12 min)
- Losing Blue – Leanne Allison (2023, 16 min)
- Instant French – Andre Leduc (1979, 1 min)
- The Maple Leaf – Paul Bochner (1978, 1 min)
London Bicycle Café Bike Valet
12:00 – 4:00 pm | Lawn
Keep your bike safe and secure at Bike Valet, courtesy of the London Bicycle Café. Bike Valet functions like a coat check: simply drop your bike off on the museum lawn, receive a ticket, and enjoy the event in peace. Friendly volunteers will be on hand to ensure your bike’s safety. When you’re ready to leave, exchange your ticket, and your bike will be ready for you. Be sure to check out some of the bikes donated by the London Bicycle Café while learning about its workshops, commuter consultations, and the Bikes for Businesses rental initiative. All bikes must be picked up and collected by 4:00 pm, or they will be stored at the London Bicycle Café (320 Thames Street).
Pattern Play: Textile Print Pop-Up
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Lawn
Experience hands-on textile printing inspired by our current exhibition Fashion: Grit, Glamour and Guts. Create unique designs using stamps, stencils, and screen printing in a vibrant pop-up tent.
Nature Walk with Bluebird Environmental
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Lawn
Join Bluebird Environmental for an interactive and educational walk along the Thames River that explores the dynamic relationship between land, water, and wildlife. This guided walk includes hands-on activities related to local ecology and an opportunity to learn how stream assessments are conducted in southern Ontario. Departure at 2:00 PM, first come, first served, with a maximum capacity of 15 participants. Suitable for all ages and the whole family.
HOW MUCH
Tickets:
Free
WHEN & WHERE
Date & Time:
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Venue:
Museum London, 421 Ridout Street North, London
More to Do:
This Weekend in and Around London
Family Fun Things to Do This Summer in London
