The Naskapi Nation is excited to welcome everyone to the 2nd Annual Caribou Festival, happening from September 10 to 14, 2025 in Kawawachikamach!

This five-day celebration will be filled with cultural activities, traditional food, music, and community spirit.

Festival Highlights:

  • 🎶 Live Performances – Enjoy music from tribute band Innu Pishum, Niimuk, Dan George Mckenzie, Albert Pinacho, and Freddy.
  • 🍲 Traditional Food Every Day – Feasts, bannock, and snacks for kids.
  • 🥳 Games & Prizes – Bingo, target shooting, portage and bow & arrow contests, plus many more activities for all ages.
  • 🧶 Workshops & Cultural Activities – Beading, crocheting, moccasin making, and sewing.
  • 🛶 Outdoor Fun – Bouncy castles, portage, canoeing, and grocery runs for adults and Elders.
  • 👗 Best Traditional Outfit Contest – Celebrate Naskapi style and heritage.
  • 🚌 Daily Bus Service – Transportation available to and from events.

Daily Schedule

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

  • 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. — NDC AGM meeting & Celebration of the Naskapi Lexicon (at NCC)
  • 4:00 p.m. — Bus service to Cultural Site
  • 5:00 p.m. — Grand Opening of the Cultural Site, ribbon cutting, and Feast

Thursday, September 11, 2025

  • 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — Cookout (Traditional Food)
  • 10:00 a.m. — Learn how to make donuts & bannock (for adults)
  • Afternoon — Beading & crocheting (Cultural Building), grocery runs for adults and Elders, Rez Car rides
  • 6:00 p.m. — Gift Bingo (Big Tent)

Friday, September 12, 2025

  • 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. — NRF Youth Activities: Donut & “punakin” making, hot dog lunch, kids’ snack run
  • Afternoon — Continue activities, beading & crocheting (Cultural Building)
  • Supper — Men’s Night: portage, bow & arrow, and more games

Saturday, September 13, 2025

  • 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. — JSMS Planning Activity Day Cookout
  • Afternoon — Recreation activities, bouncy castles (kids), target shooting, beading & crocheting/moccasins(Cultural Building)
  • Supper — Tribute Concert to Innu Pishum

Sunday, September 14, 2025

  • Morning — Breakfast & prayers led by Silas and Susan Nabinacaboo
  • 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — Cookout featuring Nishkitch
  • Afternoon — Women’s Shelter activities, beading & crocheting/moccasins (Cultural Building)
  • Evening — Closing Feast with band Dan George Mckenzie

This festival is all about bringing our community together, honoring traditions, and celebrating Naskapi culture. From Elders to youth, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

📅 Mark your calendars: September 10–14, 2025
📍 Cultural Site, Kawawachikamach

We hope to see you there for another year of fun, laughter, and cultural pride!