We’ve received some inquiries as we adapted this festival for 21 days of online programming, and we thank you so much for your patience as we got things figured out in a short amount of time. Our team has created this list of FAQ’s to help make your #SSIF20 a great one!

Megwetch for all the love and support along this journey- we’re going to have an incredible virtual edition of the Summer Solstice Festival this year.

Where can I find out about your events?

You can head to our website https://staging.summersolsticefestivals.ca/ and/or follow us on facebook. By clicking the “events” tab on the left of the page, you’ll see a full listing of upcoming events. We also have an Instagram @solsticefestivals, and the link in our bio goes to a full listing of upcoming events. If you miss the “live” event, (with the exception of the rattle workshop and Orange Shirt Day) will continue to live on the site for the duration of the festival so you won’t miss out.

Why are you online this year?

Due to the COVID19 crisis, our Festival, like many others in the community, was required to pivot and adapt to these extraordinary circumstances. As large gatherings are not possible or legal at this time, we’ve brought the excitement and rich content of the festival online for everyone to enjoy.

How much do the events cost?

We are offering a wide array of programming this year including a Social Distance Pow Wow, Education Days, as well as Culinary and Crafting Workshops. Approximately half of our events are free of charge. For paid events, prices generally reflect the costs of materials only.

I saw someone online selling a ticket to your workshops that wasn’t you- is this legitimate?

We ask that you please purchase your tickets directly from the Eventbrite link in this listing, we have not authorized any third-party sellers.
Tickets and Registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Only tickets purchased directly from the Summer Solstice Indigenous festival will be honoured.

I can’t afford to attend the workshop I wanted. Do I have any options?

For paid events, prices reflect the cost of the materials and home delivery only to ensure we keep it as affordable as possible. All workshops that have a fee cover the costs of shipping the materials to your home. Everyone is welcome to watch the workshop online at no cost, and if you can source your own materials or supplies, please follow along! If you are part of our Indigenous community and find the cost of the workshop you want to participate in challenging at this time, we invite you to apply for support. Please email us at registrations@summersolstice .ca for more information.

Can I register to perform at the Festival?

Our curated list of performers and presenters for this year’s program is now firm. If you would like to be considered for our 2021 Festival, we will post application forms and information online soon after the end of June. Please touch base with us at: info@ottawasummersolstice.ca after this years event.

Can I sell my products in your Virtual Marketplace?

The Marketplace is one of the largest of its kind and expects to showcase over 50 authentic Indigenous artisans offering specialty food, fashion, jewellery and art by the time the Festival begins on June 1st. It has brought together First Nations, Metis and Inuit artists as well as food vendors from across Canada.

There may be additional opportunities for interested and qualified indigenous vendors to join our Virtual Marketplace. Please submit your information to registrations@ottawasummersolstice.ca and we will be in touch as soon as we better understand our capacity, resources, and timelines to add new vendors.

I don’t live in Ottawa- can I still partake in a workshop?

You absolutely can. The links will stay live after the workshops are over, and for our craft and tea workshops we can ship the products Canada-wide.
Please note that culinary workshop Meal Kits can only be delivered within the Ottawa area, due to the perishable nature of the ingredients involved. However, Once the recipes are posted you can source the same or similar ingredients and prepare the recipes at home, using the workshop video as your guide.

I’m at work when the events are on- am I out of luck?

The links to our events will still be available after they have completed streaming. Please click “interested” on the Facebook event of your choice, then check back the day-of to retrieve the link.

Are there opportunities for people to watch the culinary sessions (and craft workshops) without registering or participating?

For the workshops, (both craft & culinary), all except for David’s Traditional Rattle workshop will be available until the end of the month. Once the program has aired live, the link will remain for public access on our Facebook, Website and YouTube channel.

What happened to the Music Awards? Are they Cancelled?

The SSIMAs are on for this year! Submissions in 18 categories closed on April 7, 2021. Close to 250 submissions have come in from across Canada. Finalists are to be announced in early May with watch parties planned in various cities on June 12th when the Awards are held at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. https://staging.summersolsticefestivals.ca/music-awards/

I submitted materials for 2020 – do I need to resubmit for next year?

Are there new dates and deadlines for submissions?

The deadline for submissions has been extended to April 15, 2021 and eligibility dates have been adjusted to encompass both years. Eligible releases, performances and recordings must be between January 1, 2019 and March 1, 2020.
SSIMA submissions are open to Indigenous ensembles, solo artists, duos or groups from across Canada.

How do I find out about Sponsorship

Connect your business to our growing family demographic while demonstrating a commitment to sharing and broadening Canada’s colourful and diverse Indigenous heritage. Link to Contact page