Toronto/CMEDIA: National Indigenous Peoples Month with two days of free cultural programming at Biidaasige Park, featuring the Indigenous Arts Festival on June 20 and a morning ceremony in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 would reportedly be celebrated by the City of Toronto inviting residents and visitors
“Biidaasige Park will be a gathering place for celebration, learning and connection…This festival and ceremony honor the creativity, cultures and teachings of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, and I invite everyone in Toronto to come together in the spirit of respect, reflection and reconciliation,” Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has said.
Indigenous artists take centre stage at Biidaasige Park on June 20
A day-long celebration of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures, creativity and traditions through music, dance, food, art and more, the Indigenous Arts Festival offers opportunities for people of all ages to experience Indigenous artistic expression and learn directly from artists and Knowledge Keepers.
A lineup of Indigenous artists and performers from across Canada, including a headline performance by acclaimed Inuk singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark, a four-time Juno Award winner and Order of Canada recipient are featured by this year’s festival.
Additional highlights include performances by two-time Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist Derek Miller and Indigenous soul singer-songwriter Lacey Hill. Juno-nominated Anishinaabe women’s group the Manitou Mkwa Singers, from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Youth Empowerment Group will also take the stage.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., festivalgoers can take part in interactive workshops and cultural demonstrations, including:
- Inuit drum dancing with multidisciplinary artist Alexandra Anaviapik
- Pow wow dance with Tribal Vision Dance, sharing contemporary and traditional First Nations dance styles
- Hoop dancing with Anishinaabe artist Nikki Shawana
- Pow wow boot camp led by multidisciplinary Kahnyen’kehàka artist Santee Smith
- Lacrosse demonstrations with legendary athletes Cam Bomberry and Leon Henhawk
- Métis jigging led by Tkaronto Métis Jiggers and Métis Strings
Free and open to the public, the Indigenous Arts Festival offers a welcoming space to celebrate Indigenous creativity, share stories and deepen understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions.
Founded in partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, this festival was funded in part by the Government of Canada and supported by sponsor CIBC Indigenous Banking and media partners Toronto Star and NOW Toronto.
For more information, including event details and performance times, go to Indigenous Arts Festival webpage.
Morning ceremony in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day
To celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day of cultural and spiritual significance for First Nations, Inuit and Métis would be celebrated by the City by holding a morning ceremony that honours the summer solstice on June 21 at 7:30 a.m. on June 21 at the Drum Structure in Biidaasige Park, followed by a small breakfast feast.
Including culturally significant elements such as strawberries, water and the four sacred medicines, the ceremony will be held around a Sacred Fire.
The public is encouraged to attend.
Honouring Indigenous traditions and teachings, the gathering would express gratitude for all creation and embracing Mino Baamodziwin (The Good Life).
Grandmother Kim Wheatley, Elder Pat Floody and Fire Keeper Raiden Levesque will share their rich and vibrant cultures and traditions to mark the summer solstice and welcome Grandfather Sun.
More information can be found on the Indigenous Peoples Day webpage.
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