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 programming rooted in connection to the land, respectful reciprocity, and the sharing of Indigenous knowledge, creativity, and leadership. Programming will include dedicated sessions for Indigenous participants, sessions for Treaty Partners, and full-circle sessions where everyone comes together.
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. Nya:weh’ko:wa! Chi Miigwetch! Mârsi! Thank you!
7:00 am to 8:00 am – Yoga at the Wolfe Island Town Hall led by Christine Friday (Full Circle and open to the public)
7:30 am to 9:00 am – Registration and Breakfast at the Hotel Wolfe Island Café (Full Circle)
9:30 am to 11:30 am – Opening Circle at Wolfe Island Community Centre (Full Circle)
11:30 am to 12:00 pm – Mino Bimadziwen ~Break~ at the Hotel Wolfe Island Café (Full Circle)
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm – Being the Bowl (for someone else’s soup): A Conversation on Allyship at the Hotel Wolfe Island (Treaty Partners)
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm – Breath, Body and Voice at the Wolfe Island Community Centre (Indigenous Circle)
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm – Lunch at the Hotel Wolfe Island Café (Full Circle)
2:30 pm to 4:30 pm – Jesse Wente, Tough Lies Book Event hosted by Shelagh Rogers at the Hotel Wolfe Island (Full Circle and open to the public)
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Kaswentha Dinner at the Hotel Wolfe Island (Full Circle and VIP ticket holders)
8:00 pm to 10:00 pm – Live music performance featuring ElizaBeth Hill and Tom and Thompson Wilson
7:00 am to 8:00 am – Yoga at the Wolfe Island Town Hall led by Christine Friday (Full Circle and open to the public)
7:30 am to 8:15 am – Continental Breakfast at the Hotel Wolfe Island Café (Full Circle)
8:30 am to 8:50 am – Travel by ferry from Marysville to Kingston for Workshops (Full Circle)
9:00 am to 10:15 am – Travel to morning workshops via trolley to Lemoine’s Point Farm (Indigenous Circle) and the Centre Culturel Frontenac (Treaty Partners)
10:00 am to 12:30 pm – Embodying Creativity Part 1 at Lemoine’s Point Farm (Indigenous Circle)
10:00 am to 11:10 am – Hivumuuniaqtugut: We Are Going to Go Forward at the Centre Culturel Frontenac (Treaty Partners)
11:15 am to 12:30 pm – (The Art of) Respecting Refusal and Walking With at the Centre Culturel Frontenac (Treaty Partners)
12:30 pm to 1:00 pm – Treaty Partners travel from Centre Culturel Frontenac to Lemoine Point Farm
1:00 pm to 7:00 pm – Indigenous Maker’s Market at the Kingston Grand Theatre in the Whig Walkway (open to the public)
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm – Lunch will be prepared and served by renowned Mohawk Chef Carol Anne Maracle at Lemoine’s Point Farm (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 and the Johnson family in the Davies Lounge, Kingston 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 Homestead Baby Grand (Full Circle and open to the public)
9:15 pm to 9:40 pm – Make your way to the Wolfe Island Ferry Dock, base of Barrack/Queen Streets (Full Circle)
9:40 pm to 10:00 pm – Ferry back to Wolfe Island. Walk back to accommodations
7:00 am to 8:00 am – Yoga at the Wolfe Island Town Hall led by Christine Friday (Full Circle and open to the public)
7:45 am to 8:30 am – Continental Breakfast at the Hotel Wolfe Island Café (Full Circle)
9:00 am to 10:30 am – Embodying Creativity at the Hotel Wolfe Island (Indigenous Circle)
9:00 am to 10:15 am – Constellations of Co-Resistance at the Hotel Wolfe Island Café (Treaty Partner)
10:30 am to 12:00 pm – Make Your Own Rattle at the Hotel Wolfe Island (Indigenous Circle)
10:30 am to 12:00 pm – Art of Showing Up at the Hotel Wolfe Island Café (Treaty Partner)
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm – Buffet lunch at the Hotel Wolfe Island Café (Full Circle)
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm – Self-Determined Spaces Workshop at the Hotel Wolfe Island (Full Circle)
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm – Small group discussion opportunity at the Hotel Wolfe Island (Full Circle)
3:15 pm to 4:30 pm – Joint Gathering Circle at Hotel Wolfe Island (Full Circle)
5:00 pm to 6:30 pm – Dinner buffet at the Wolfe Island Hotel Café (Full Circle)
6:30 pm to 7:00 pm – Embodying Creativity Part 3 Sharing Circle at the Hotel Wolfe Island (Full Circle)
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm – Closing Circle ( Full Circle)
7:00 am to 8:00 am – Yoga at the Wolfe Island Town Hall led by Christine (Full Circle and open to the public)
7:30 am to 8:15 am – Continental Breakfast at the Hotel Wolfe Island Café (Full Circle)
9:00 am to 12:00 pm – CINASO Meeting with light refreshments and lunch (for CINASO Members only)
Kaswentha Dinner
Kick off the National Indigenous Presenters Gathering by joining us for our Kaswentha 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 Kaswentha Dinner offers a relaxed and welcoming environment to build relationships and set the tone for the days ahead.
Date: Monday, October 5th, 2026 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm
Thank You to Our Funders and Partners!
