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.
Reconcili-ACTION: a visual art installation celebrating Indigenous art and culture, from the past, present and future at Todmorden Mills Heritage Site.
Euphoric Lands, Celebrating Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer Identitiy: featuring photographs by Jesse King, Kikki Guerard, John Paillé and Toronto’s Photo Laureate, Nadya Kwandibens that highlights the existence of Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer and other diverse and intersectional individuals, an exhibit at Collision Gallery.
Enjoy a free, family-friendly event at Jane Finch Mall as Cultural Hotspot launches a new season of community engaged arts programming with engaging arts activities, musical performances, giveaways and delicious food. Highlights include a ceremony led by Indigenous Grandmother Vivian Recollet alongside drummers Cristy Byrom & Wynona Maracle, JUNO-nominated New Tradition Music and their Colombian Afro-Indigenous music, and performances by Kibra, Nathan Baya, Flaunt It Movement, Sydanie, The Poet MJ and Pan Fantasy Steelband.
Experience the Na-Me-Res Pow Wow & Indigenous Arts Festival, a free unforgettable community-focused, family-friendly event with traditional and contemporary music, dance, artisanal and culinary experiences of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Turtle Island at Fort York National Historic Site.
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day annual Sunrise Ceremony in Nathan Phillips Square, where people come together to share in offering prayers and in giving thanks for all of creation and Mino Baamodziwin (The Good life). It is a time when Mishoomis Giizis (Grandfather Sun) starts to look over us and provide us with light and warmth for the daytime. All are welcome to stay for the Feast on the Square and a celebration by the TORONTO Sign which will be lit in the four colours of the Medicine Wheel on June 21.
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.