Indigenous Peoples Month is a time to learn, reflect, and celebrate the diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Toronto and all of Turtle Island. It’s also a reminder to listen to and amplify Indigenous voices stories and experiences, as well as ensure that we partner with Indigenous communities to move our work forward.
Throughout the month, all Canadians can learn about the history of First Nations, Inuit and Métis and further embrace the opportunity to learn more about their identities. This is a time to celebrate the resilience of all Indigenous peoples, their vibrant and distinct cultures, and their beautiful languages.
This month is also an opportunity to acknowledge and honour the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people, family members, friends and survivors and the communities who support them, including their central role in the ongoing fight for justice. It’s also a time to remember the unmarked graves that were uncovered at residential schools in Canada. The City is committed to honouring them and their memory as it continues to advance truth, justice and reconciliation, guided by the Reconciliation Action Plan.
The City of Toronto encourages all residents to continue on their journey of respect and appreciation for Indigenous Peoples by learning more about Indigenous histories, attending Indigenous-led events, and supporting Indigenous Peoples.
Toronto Public Library hosts Indigenous celebrations, a festival of cultures and heritage to celebrate First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples heritage by presenting Indigenous storytelling and literature, as well as discussions on history and current issues.
Take time to remember and reflect by visiting ReDress at Scarborough Museum, a mixed media work/painting/installation which acknowledges Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Girls 2Spirit People and their (chosen) families with the use of multimedia explorations such as sound, image and installation components. ReDress provokes thought to honour and to memorialise our Sisters, thereby attempting to invoke activations to redress some of the realities Indigenous Women face in society.
Browse many festivals & events to join your community in celebrating and honouring Indigenous arts, culture and history in Toronto.
Join Indigenous storytellers for First Story Toronto at Colborne Lodge, a guided tour of the place now known as High Park.
Come together at Fort York for the Indigenous Arts Festival & Na-Me-Res Pow Wow, a community-focused and family-friendly event with traditional and contemporary music, dance, artisan and culinary experiences of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Turtle Island.
Share in two days of vibrant culture expression rooted in Mino Bimaadiziwin (A Good Life), including storytelling, lacrosse demonstrations, dancing, tours, film screenings and Saturday’s traditional Pow Wow. Browse artisan and food market stalls, offering authentic handmade crafts, artwork and delicious cuisine. Stay into the evenings as the celebration continues with live musical performances.
All are welcome to a Sunrise Ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square followed by a feast on the (breakfast on the stage). Take photos of the Toronto sign lit in the four colours of the Medicine Wheel and journey on a self-guided tour of the Spirit Garden (Indian Residential School Survivors Restoration of Identity Project).
Visit The Spirit Garden next to Nathan Phillips Square. The Indian Residential School Survivors Restoration of Identity Project responds in part to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Call to Action 82, for governments to commission and install a Residential Schools Monument in each capital city to honour residential school survivors, and all the children lost to their families and communities.