Toronto/CMEDIA: As the City of Toronto prepares to celebrate Indigenous Arts Festival and other events including the return of the Na-Ma-Res Pow Wow across the city, June has been proclaimed as Indigenous Peoples Month in Toronto by Toronto Mayor Oilvia Chow.
“June as Indigenous Peoples Month in Toronto…we honour the histories and valued contributions of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island…advancing truth and reconciliation…learn about Indigenous histories in their own neighbourhoods…celebrating Indigenous arts and culture by attending events like the Na-Me-Res Pow Wow and Indigenous Arts Festival,.” Chow said.
With an opportunity to learn, Indigenous Peoples Month reflects on and celebrates the diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples across Toronto and all of Turtle Island.
As an annual free festival, Indigenous Arts Festival, the Na-Me-Res Pow Wow celebrates traditional and contemporary music, dance, artisanal and culinary experiences of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island.
Taking place on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 this year’s festival will be held at Garrison Commons outside Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Blvd).
“Indigenous Peoples were the first residents of the land we now call Toronto… celebrating Indigenous Peoples Month by participating in events across the city that celebrate Indigenous cultures and traditions…their own communities,” said Councillor Alejandra Bravo (Davenport), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee.
Taking place Saturday, June 15 from 12 to 5 p.m, traditional Pow Wow hosted by Na-Me-Res, with live concert curated by TKMF Productions featuring contemporary and traditional Indigenous musical performers (5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.)
On Sunday, June 16 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) full day of live music and dance performances would showcase some of Canada’s renowned and emerging Indigenous talent.
Visitors are encouraged throughout the weekend to explore the vibrant artisan and food market stalls featuring handmade creations, stunning artwork and delicious Indigenous dishes available for purchase.
To mark National Indigenous Peoples Day, a Sunrise Ceremony would also be hosted by the City of Toronto on Friday, June 21 at 5:30 a.m.at Nathan Phillips Square welcoming all Torontonians to attend this sacred ceremony to offer prayers and give thanks for all of creation and Mino Baamodziwin (The Good Life).
In partnership with founding partners, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Na-Me-Res, the Na-Me-Res Pow Wow and Indigenous Arts Festival, supported by the City of Toronto, the program is presented by TD Bank Group and made possible, in part, by the Government of Canada, with media partners APTN, CBC News Toronto, ELMNT FM and the Toronto Star.
More information about the Na-Me-Res Pow Wow and Indigenous Arts Festival is available on the City’s Festivals & Events webpage.
