About Flotilla
25 years of friendship, connection, and reconciliation between Indigenous communities and public service institutions in Ottawa.
Flotilla for Friendship 2026: Celebrating 25 Years
The Flotilla for Friendship 2026 marks a powerful milestone, celebrating 25 years of friendship, connection, and reconciliation between Indigenous communities and public service institutions in Ottawa.
Taking place on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, this annual gathering brings together Indigenous youth, community organizations, and police and first responder services for a full day of shared experiences rooted in culture, respect, and relationship-building.
Originally founded 25 years ago by the late Lynda Kitchikeesic, the Flotilla was created with a clear and meaningful vision: to foster healing and strengthen relationships between Indigenous communities and institutions through time spent on the land and water.
"You’ll find that as soon as you put somebody in a canoe, it takes away all of the trappings, all of your extra; your cellphone, they’re actually talking or maybe not - but there’s definitely some communicating going on."