Kick off the Indigenous Arts Festival with a day featuring education, tours, film, visual art, sport, dance and music. Walk a path through seven cultural zones shaped by the Seven Grandfather Teachings, the guiding principles in Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) culture which emphasize living a good life in harmony with others and the natural world. Into the evening, enjoy live music, song and dance performances by some of Canada’s most renowned and emerging Indigenous talent. Alongside the entertainment, browse the open-air artisans and savour traditional dishes at the Food Market, celebrating Indigenous culinary traditions.
View the schedule below and plan your day at this vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture and creativity.
Explore grounds and buildings of Fort York to find activities inspired by the Seven Grandfather Teachings:
Engage with Grandmother Kim Wheatley as she tells stories about the celebration of strawberries and how they play a vital role in Indigenous creation stories and ceremonies.
Teaching: Wisdom (Nbwaakaawin) – Beaver
Location: Blue Barracks
Join Red Pepper Spectacle Arts in this hands-on art activity to create vibrant stencil printed flags that honour Indigenous knowledge and reflect cultural resurgence and connection to land.
Teaching: Respect (Mnaadendimowin) – Buffalo
Location: Art Zone inside the walls of the historic fort
Play lacrosse and learn about the history of ‘The Creators Game’ from Daniel Henhawk and players from Six Nations of the Grand River.
Teaching: Bravery (Aakwa’ode’ewin) – Bear
Location: North Lawn
Tour the historic grounds with Travis Hill and learn about the pivotal role Anishinaabeg warriors played in the defence of Toronto during the Battle of York.
Teaching: Honesty (Gwekwaadziwin) – Raven or Sabe (Bigfoot)
Tour times: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Meeting Location: Museum Store at entrance of the historic fort
Celebrate Indigenous culture of Australia with Goombine as he shares songs and dances in this fun interactive dance workshop.
Teaching: Humility (Dbaadendiziwin) – Wolf
Location: North Lawn
Watch a selection of short films by Indigenous filmmakers curated by ImagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival.
Teaching: Truth (Debwewin) – Turtle
Location: Orientation Theatre in the North Soldiers’ Barracks
Enjoy a live concert curated by TKMF Productions, featuring award-winning contemporary Indigenous musicians.
Teaching: Love (Zaagidwin) – Eagle
Location: Main Stage
5 p.m. – James Wilson
6 p.m. – Twin Flames
7 p.m. – DJ Shub
Schedule subject to change.
Celebrate, learn about and support the rich traditions of Indigenous artisans at this outdoor market. From beautiful beadwork to stunning visual arts, hand crafted jewelry to traditional and modern garments, the market has so much to discover. Enjoy this opportunity to meet the talented artists hear their stories and learn their techniques firsthand
Cash required or preferred for sales. ATMs are available on site but may experience long wait times.
Take a culinary adventure at the vibrant food market curated by Christopher Britt, Founder & Chef of Wiisinidaaa. Explore a tantalizing array of diverse flavours, celebrating the rich tapestry of Turtle Island’s indigenous traditions. Honour the vibrant cultures of the First Nations by making new connections over a delicious meal.
Cash required or preferred for sales. ATMs are available on site but may experience long wait times.