June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day of cultural and spiritual significance for First Nations, Inuit and Métis to honour the summer solstice.
The City of Toronto marks this day with a ceremony held around a Sacred Fire with elements of cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples, such as strawberries, water and the four sacred medicines. Grandmother Kim Wheatley and Elder Pat Floody will share their rich and vibrant cultures and traditions to mark the summer solstice, and to welcome Grandfather Sun.
The public is encouraged to attend the ceremony and feast.
Mayor Olivia Chow will proclaim June 21st as National Indigenous Peoples Day, and the Toronto Sign will be lit the four colours of the Medicine Wheel – black, red, white and yellow.
This annual celebration of traditional and contemporary Indigenous arts and culinary experiences will be held on Saturday, June 20 at Biidaasige Park. Visit the Indigenous Arts Festival page for more information.
On National Indigenous Peoples Day in 2017, the City raised to be flown permanently the Indigenous flags of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Haudenosaunee (Six Nations of the Grand River), Huron-Wendat, Métis and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.