Toronto/CMEDIA: June has reportedly been proclaimed as an Indigenous Peoples Month in Toronto by Mayor Olivia Chow and provides an opportunity to learn, reflect on and celebrate First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples across Toronto and all of Turtle Island.
“I am proud to proclaim June as Indigenous Peoples Month in Toronto…guided by the City’s Reconciliation Action Plan…encourage Torontonians to honour and celebrate Indigenous arts and culture this month by attending events like the Na-Me-Res Pow Wow and Indigenous Arts Festival,” Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said.
The City will also offer many events, moments of gathering and teachings for residents and visitors alike as outlined on the City’s website.
Indigenous Arts Festival and Na-Me-Res Pow Wow
Showcasing the rich traditions and contemporary talents of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, this annual free, family-friendly event will be held from across Turtle Island on Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21 on Garrison Common at Fort York.
Besides music, dancing, storytelling and film screenings, an Indigenous marketplace and food stalls will offer authentic handmade crafts, artwork and delicious cuisine.
This year’s theme is Mino Bimaadiziwin (A Good Life).
Highlights include:
Friday, June 20:
- Noon to 5 p.m.: The festival kicks off with interactive storytelling, lacrosse demos, traditional dancing and film screenings. There is also a chance to learn, participate and connect.
- 5 to 8 p.m.: A live concert curated by TKMF Productions and featuring contemporary and traditional Indigenous musical performers including James Wilson, Twin Flames and JUNO Award winner Shub.
Saturday, June 21
- Noon to 5 p.m.: Traditional Pow Wow hosted by Na-Me-Res, with powerful drumming, dancing and cultural expression.
- 5 to 9 p.m. Performances by Amanda Rheaume, The North Sounds, Desiree Dorion and the first Indigenous artists to win the JUNO Hip Hop Artist of the Year award, Snotty Nose Rez Kids.
Founded in partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Na Me Res, this festival was funded by the Government of Canada with media partners ELMNT Radio, Toronto Star and NOW Toronto.
“Indigenous Peoples are the first to make Tkaronto, the land now known as Toronto, their home…our obligations to Indigenous Torontonians, recognizing centuries of their stewardship on this land…expressing gratitude for the knowledge and contributions of Indigenous Peoples…time for learning, and a time for celebration,” Councillor Alejandra Bravo (Davenport), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee said.
More information is available on the City’s Indigenous Arts Festival website: toronto.ca/IAF.
Sunrise Ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square
A Sunrise Ceremony would be hosted by the City of Toronto at Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday, June 21 at 5:30 a.m. to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day.
All Torontonians are welcome to attend this sacred ceremony to offer prayers and give thanks for all of creation and Mino Baamodziwin (The Good Life).
Learn more about the sacred ceremony on the City’s website.
Spirit Garden
Designed to foster teaching, learning, sharing and healing for Indigenous communities and all who visit, the Spirit Garden opened in 2024.
Spirit Garden incorporates elements that represent First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures such as a Turtle Sculpture, Inukshuk, Spirit Canoe, a Three Sisters seasonal garden and a Two Row Wampum walkway.
Everyone is encouraged by the City to experience the Spirit Garden at Nathan Phillips Square immediately following the Sunrise Ceremony and feast or any time during the year.
Learn more about the Spirit Garden on the City’s website.
Toronto History Museums:
A multimedia work/painting/installation, ReDress at Scarborough Museum invokes and provokes thinking about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2Spirit people.
A guided tour of the place now known as High Park by Indigenous storytellers would be offered by the Colborne Lodge and First Story Toronto. Limited space available.
Toronto Public Library:
Hosting Indigenous initiatives through the month, Toronto Public Library would feature storytelling and artist talks, music, film screenings and puppet shows.
Dr. Lillian McGregor Park:
Designed to honour the heritage of nurse and community leader Dr. Lillian McGregor of Whitefish River First Nation — admired for her work promoting Indigenous culture and education — Dr. Lillian McGregor park was opened in 2023.
Additional City of Toronto Indigenous programming on the City’s Indigenous Events, Commemorations & Awards are available on its webpage.
