Igniting the Spirit Gala Save the date!

Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala has become one of Ottawa’s most significant and sought-after social events of the year, bringing people together to celebrate National Indigenous People’s Day as we raise funds for Wabano’s essential services.

This high-profile event attracts over 600 corporate and community leaders who are committed to reconciliation with Indigenous people. Wabano’s last gala featured more than 200 silent auction items and raised $200,000!

Inspired by traditional teachings of the constellations, this year’s theme “Starwalkers” will honour the beauty of Indigenous cultures as we look to skies on our journey.

From the awe-inspiring cultural performance to the stunning live and silent auction items, Wabano’s gala has everything you need for your starwalking journey. We invite you to experience the magic of summer solstice with us.

When you become a sponsor, purchase tickets, or donate auction items, you are helping Wabano provide essential health services for our community. Beyond just our medical clinic, Wabano provides counselling and mental health support, outreach to those experiencing homelessness, parenting support for families, and care to isolated seniors.

We invite you to become an important part of the Wabano Gala for the following reasons:

• Put reconciliation into action
• Celebrate National Indigenous People’s Day by supporting a local Indigenous charity
• Engage your employees with a cause that builds healthier communities
• Build your professional and community networks

Sponsorship Opportunities

Purchase your sponsorship online and a Wabano team member will contact you directly to finalize the sponsorship deliverables. If you’d prefer to speak with someone directly, please contact Shelagh Mills, Event Lead at 613.612.5482. 

Individual Tickets

Individual tickets are $375.

There are many ways that you can support Wabano’s work.

• Donate to Wabano.
• Donate an auction item: These items are popular with our event guests:
  • Travel or vacation packages
  • Electronics
  • Ski/golf passes
  • Gift cards for restaurants, spas, retail outlets
  • Movie/event/concert/game tickets

Wabano is happy to pick up your donation item(s) and provide a tax receipt for the value of the donation.

Over 200 incredible items!

Bidding starts June 12, 2026 and closes June 18, 2026.

This year’s online auction includes artwork and handcrafted goods by First Nation, Inuit and Métis artists and craftspeople. You will see beautiful, detailed artwork and sculptures from award-winning artists such as David General, Leland Bell, and well-known Inuit carvers. Check out the handmade jewellery, moccasins, mitts, décor items for the home and themed gift baskets for every age and personality — and so much more!

MobilBid Tips

Here are some helpful tips on how to use the MobilBid auction app:

• Scroll down the list of items to review. You will see the starting bid or highest bid amount displayed.
• At the bottom of your screen is a countdown timer – keep your eye on it!
• Review details on any item by tapping on the item photo or title.
• Tapping the heart symbol adds items to your ‘favourite’ list. To see your list, tap on the heart on the top menu.
• Place a bid on an item from within the item detail screen – you can accept the offered minimum bid, or raise it higher.
• As you go to place your very first bid, you will be prompted to enter a credit card. This is for contactless payment and will help to eliminate the line up at the end of the event.
• You can set an “auto-bid”, up to a maximum amount you are prepared to pay for a specific item. The platform will bid incrementally on your behalf up to, but never beyond the maximum you set.
• If you are outbid, you will receive a text and/or email notification.
• Review the items for which you are the winning bidder by pressing the ‘trophy’ button on the top menu.
• At the end of the auction, winning bidders will receive a notification containing their invoice and payment confirmation, as well as item pickup instructions.

How to Pay

You will be asked to provide your credit card information when you make your first bid. When the auction closes, winning bidders will receive a notification containing their invoice, payment confirmation and item pick up instructions.

Pick up

Auction item(s) pick up will take place at the Wabano Gala on June 18, 2026.

For the winning bidders that are not attending the gala, items can be picked up at Wabano between June 22-26, 2026. Auction items will only be mailed at the cost of the successful winner.

Location: Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, 299 Montreal Road
Dates: Monday, June 22 to Friday, June 26, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Pick-up times can be arranged directly with Charmaine Akiwenzie at 613-748-0657 ext. 237  or ncakiwenzie@wabano.com

Enjoy the auction and happy shopping for a great cause.

Miigwetch for your support!