The 3rd Annual Art of Visiting
National Indigenous Presenters Gathering
October 5th- 8th, 2026
Wolfe Island & Ka’tarohkwi (Kingston), Ontario
A gathering of Indigenous and Treaty-partner presenters, artists, agents, and arts sector leaders from across Canada.
The Art of Visiting National Indigenous Presenters Gathering returns for its third year from October 5-8, 2026, bringing together Indigenous and Treaty-partner (non-Indigenous) presenters, artists, agents, and arts sector representatives from across Canada.
Hosted on Wolfe Island and in Ka’tarohkwi (Kingston), Ontario, the Gathering creates space for meaningful relationship building, cultural exchange, and professional development. Set against the backdrop of the harvest season, participants will experience a program rooted in connection to the land, respectful reciprocity, and the sharing of Indigenous knowledge, creativity, and leadership.
Over four days, attendees will take part in engaging conversations, workshops, artistic performances, shared meals, and opportunities to build lasting relationships across the arts community. Whether you are attending to learn, collaborate, or deepen existing partnerships, the Gathering offers an opportunity to connect with others who are committed to supporting Indigenous arts and culture across the country.
What to Expect This Year
Each day of the Gathering offers a balance of learning, cultural exchange, networking, and celebration. While the detailed schedule will be released closer to the event, attendees can look forward to a diverse program that includes:
Opening Circle & Shared Gatherings
Begin the week together through welcoming protocols, opening ceremonies, and opportunities to connect with fellow participants before diving into the week’s programming.
Workshops & Learning Sessions
Participate in interactive workshops, presentations, and discussions designed for both Indigenous and Treaty-partner participants. Sessions will explore topics ranging from Indigenous knowledge and storytelling to arts leadership, relationship building, and creative practice.
Meaningful Conversations
Hear from Indigenous authors, artists, and cultural leaders through book launches, readings, keynote presentations, and facilitated conversations that encourage dialogue and shared learning.
Networking Opportunities
Build new relationships during dedicated networking activities, including our popular Speed Visiting sessions, informal gatherings, and shared meals throughout the week.
Indigenous Arts & Marketplace
Browse a marketplace featuring Indigenous artists, makers, and vendors while supporting Indigenous businesses and connecting directly with creators.
Performances & Cultural Experiences
Evenings feature live music, artistic performances, and cultural experiences that celebrate the diversity of Indigenous storytelling, creativity, and performance.
Land-Based Experiences
The Gathering embraces the beauty of Wolfe Island and the surrounding region through outdoor activities, reflection, and opportunities to connect with the land and water throughout the week.
Community & Connection
From morning wellness activities to shared meals and evening celebrations, every aspect of the Gathering is designed to foster meaningful relationships and strengthen connections within the Indigenous arts community.
Schedule for 2026
Find the full schedule for the week below. Please note that some workshops and timings are subject to change in the upcoming weeks. Chi Miigwetch! Nya’kó! Mârsi! Thank you!
7:00 am to 8:00 am – Yoga at the Wolfe Island Community Hall led by Christine (Full Circle and open to the public)
8:00 am to 9:00 am – Registration and Breakfast at the Hotel Wolfe Island (Full Circle)
9:30 am to 11:00 am – Opening Circle at Wolfe Island Park (Full Circle)
11:15 am to 11:30 am – Mino Bimadziwen ~Break~ at the Hotel Wolfe Island (Full Circle)
11:30 am to 1:30 pm – The Art of Listening at the Hotel Wolfe Island (Treaty Partners)
11:30 am to 1:30 pm – Creation Stories at the Wolfe Island Park (Indigenous Circle)
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm – Lunch at the Hotel Wolfe Island (Full Circle)
2:30 pm to 4:30 pm – Book Launch with Jesse Wente at the Hotel Wolfe Island (Full Circle and open to the public)
The evening events will take place in the Hotel Wolfe Island dining room and will be open to the Full Circle and VIP ticketholders
5:00 pm to 5:45 pm -Speed Visiting
5:45 pm to 6:00 pm – Dinner Speeches
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm – Kaswentha Dinner
7:30 pm to 9:00 pm – Live music
7:00 am to 8:00 am – Yoga at the Wolfe Island Community Hall led by Christine (Full Circle and open to the public)
7:30 am to 8:15 am – Continental Breakfast at the Stone’s Throw Café (Full Circle)
8:30 am to 8:50 am – Travel by ferry from Marysville to Kingston for Workshops (Full Circle)
(9:30 am to 9:50 am – Second ferry from Marysville to Kingston)
9:00 am to 10:00 am – Travel to morning workshops at Lemoine Point Farm and Centre Cultural Frontenac (Full Circle)
10:00 am to 12:30 pm – Workshop with ElizaBeth Hill at Lemoine Point Farm (Indigenous Circle)
10:00 am to 11:10 am – Workshop #1 at Théâtre Le Sésame (Treaty Partners)
11:15 am to 12:30 pm – Workshop #2 at Théâtre Le Sésame (Treaty Partners)
12:30 pm to 1:00 pm – Treaty Partners travel from Théâtre Le Sésame to Lemoine Point Farm
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm – Lunch will be prepared and served by renowned Mohawk Chef Carol Anne Maracle (Full Circle)
2:30 pm to 3:00 pm – Trolleys to Kingston Grand Theatre (Full Circle)
3:30 pm to 5:00 pm – Conversation with Shelagh Rogers, Ray Johnson & Harmony Johnson Harder in the Davies Lounge, Grand Theatre (Full Circle and open to the public)
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm – Free time to explore downtown Kingston
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm – An Evening of Cabaret, featuring various artists at The Baby Grand (Full Circle and open to the public)
9:15 pm to 10:00 pm – Travel to the Wolfe Island Ferry Dock in Kingston to catch the ferry to Wolfe Island
7:00 am to 8:00 am – Yoga at the Wolfe Island Community Hall led by Christine (Full Circle and open to the public)
7:45 am to 8:30 am – Continental Breakfast at the Stone’s Throw Café (Full Circle)
9:00 am to 11:00 am – Embodying Creativity at the Community Centre (Indigenous Circle)
9:00 am to 10:15 am – Discussion in the Hotel Wolfe Island Dining Room (Treaty Partner)
11:00 am to 12:00 pm – Mini Birch Bark Canoe Workshop at the Community Centre (Indigenous Circle)
10:30 am to 12:00 pm – Art of Showing Up with Rachel Marks
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm – Lunch buffet at the Hotel Wolfe Island (Full Circle)
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm – Self-Determined Spaces moderated by Philip Geller (Full Circle)
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm – Small group discussion opportunity (Full Circle)
3:15 pm to 4:30 pm – Joint Gathering Circle
5:00 pm to 6:30 pm – Dinner buffet at the Wolfe Island Hotel (Full Circle)
6:30 pm to 7:00 pm – Sharing
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm – Closing Circle ( Full Circle)
7:00 am to 8:00 am – Yoga at the Wolfe Island Community Hall led by Christine (Full Circle and open to the public)
7:45 am to 8:30 am – Continental Breakfast at the Stone’s Throw Café (Full Circle)
9:00 am to 12:00 pm – CINASO Meeting with light refreshments and lunch
Kaswentha Dinner
Kick off the National Indigenous Presenters Gathering by joining us for our Opening Dinner. This special evening brings participants together to celebrate the beginning of the Gathering through shared food, welcoming remarks, and an opportunity to meet fellow attendees before the week’s programming begins.
Whether you’re reconnecting with colleagues or attending for the first time, the Opening Dinner offers a relaxed and welcoming environment to build relationships and set the tone for the days ahead.
Date: Monday October 5th, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Tickets for the Opening Dinner will be available separately and may be purchased in advance.
Thank You to Our Funders and Partners!
