For thousands of years, the waterways, forests, and rocky shorelines of what we now call French River Provincial Park have been a place of movement, gathering, teaching, and ceremony for Indigenous peoples.
Today, visitors to the park and the park’s visitor centre are invited to learn from that enduring presence through Indigenous-led programming supported by long-standing partnerships rooted in respect and relationship.
French River Indigenous Advisory Committee
Formed to advise and support Indigenous‑led education and cultural experiences, the French River Indigenous Advisory Committee (FRIAC) is a registered non‑profit organization and long‑term partner to Ontario Parks.
The FRIAC helps shape meaningful visitor experiences that center Indigenous voices — on the land, in community, and across multiple parks.
Committee members, Elders, and guest knowledge carriers involved in teachings and events include individuals with ties to Shawanaga First Nation, Dokis First Nation, Nipissing First Nation, Henvey Inlet First Nation, and other Indigenous communities of the Georgian Bay and French River region.
Voices of the River
Built in 2006, the French River Visitor Centre, home to the Voices of the River exhibit hall, was shaped through meaningful collaboration with the FRIAC whose insight and guidance were instrumental throughout both consultation and development.
Composed of local knowledge carriers, cultural leaders, and community representatives, the committee helped ensure that the stories shared by park staff in the exhibit are authentic, respectful, and deeply connected to the French River’s living heritage.
Through this collaborative process, the centre has become far more than just a building with a collection of exhibits. The committee helped Ontario Parks to ensure that the stories shared in the exhibit hall are authentic and reflect the people and cultures who have long shaped and continue to steward this spectacular river.
Sharing culture, knowledge, and stories
What began at French River has grown into a regional collaboration, with Indigenous‑led programming now supported at Killarney Provincial Park and Grundy Lake Provincial Park.
Across all sites, the emphasis remains the same: learning directly from Indigenous voices in ways that respect both cultural protocols and the diversity of Indigenous experiences.
Events and programming
First Peoples Teaching Series
Throughout the summer, the First Peoples Teaching Series welcomes visitors to gather with Elders and knowledge carriers for land‑based learning experiences at French River, Killarney, and Grundy Lake.
Teachings vary each year, but often explore:
- the medicine wheel and Anishinaabe teachings of balance
- the Tipi as a place of learning, responsibility, and relationship
- traditional ecological knowledge rooted in local landscapes
- teachings about living a good life grounded in respect for all beings
These gatherings take place outdoors, encouraging participants to connect teachings directly to the land and water around them.
Annual French River Pow Wow
One of the most anticipated events of the year is the Annual French River Pow Wow, held at the French River Visitor Centre.
This gathering brings together dancers, drummers, singers, Elders, youth, and families from Anishinaabe communities across the region.
Pow Wows are sacred cultural gatherings that celebrate community, resilience, and continuity. Visitors are welcome to attend, observe, and learn, while respecting the cultural significance of the event.
The Pow Wow reflects the French River’s long history as a place of gathering and continues to be a powerful expression of living Indigenous culture.
Planning your visit
Event dates and locations are updated annually and may change due to weather or other considerations.
For the most up-to-date information, visitors are encouraged to check:
- Ontario Parks event listings (French River, Killarney, Grundy Lake)
- The official French River Pow Wow website
- individual park social media channels
- the French River Visitor Centre
Looking ahead
From shaping the stories told at the French River Visitor Centre to coordinating teachings, workshops, and an annual Pow Wow across multiple parks, the French River Indigenous Advisory Committee continues to build relationships grounded in respect, trust, and shared learning.
Through these partnerships, visitors are invited not just to learn about Indigenous cultures, but to listen, reflect, and understand provincial parks as places of living culture, connection, and shared understanding.
If you are interested in lending a hand? The French River Indigenous Advisory Committee warmly welcome community members who would like to join or volunteer. Please visit French River Pow Wow for more information.
“For Ontario Parks, the Elders, educators, and volunteers who comprise the committee and make this Pow Wow possible are the Voices of the River, and I would like to thank them all again for the guidance they offer Ontario Parks as we continue to walk the path toward reconciliation.” – Assistant Park Superintendent Shawn Spencer, 17th Annual French River Pow Wow, September 2023
