On June 1, 2022, Mayor John Tory proclaimed June as National Indigenous Peoples Month.
National Indigenous Peoples Month is a time to learn, reflect, and celebrate the diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit across Tkaronto and all of Turtle Island.
National Indigenous Peoples Month reminds us to consider the unique needs of the Indigenous peoples in all of the work that we do. We must listen to their voices and stories and partner with them to help guide us in our work moving forward.
Throughout the month, all Canadians can learn about the history of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, and further embrace the opportunity to learn more about their identities. This month is also a time to celebrate the resilience of all Indigenous peoples, their vibrant and distinct cultures, and their beautiful languages.
The month is also a time to remember the unmarked graves that were uncovered at residential schools across the country. We mourn for those that didn’t return from these schools and in their memory, we renew our commitment to actively work towards truth, justice and reconciliation.
The City of Toronto encourages all residents to take time to educate themselves about Indigenous histories, strengths, and contributions.
Here are some ways to participate in National Indigenous Peoples Month:
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice
- Read the City of Toronto’s first Reconciliation Action Plan, which will guide its actions towards truth, justice and reconciliation from 2022 to 2032
- There are many Indigenous books recommended by CBC
- The National Film Board of Canada offers a rich online collection of Indigenous-made films through Indigenous Cinema, a website that provides free streaming of more than 200 film titles
- Learn more about Indigenous organizations, events and research via the Tkaronto Indigenous Portal
- Learn about the significance of land acknowledgements in Tkaronto: “Land acknowledgements: uncovering an oral history of Tkaronto,” via Local Love
- Watch a new Heritage Minute about Tom Longboat, an Onondaga long-distance runner and one of the 20th century’s most celebrated athletes, who lived and trained in Toronto, or read about his contributions during the First World War on the City’s Veteran Memories page
- Attend events:
- June 18 – 19, Indigenous Arts Festival, Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Blvd.), featuring the Na-Me-Res Traditional Pow Wow on June 18
- June 21 at 5:30 a.m., National Indigenous Peoples Day Sunrise Ceremony, Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St. W.)
- June 21, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Indigenous Day Celebration: Free concerts featuring Juno Award-winning artists in Yonge-Dundas Square, presented by the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto
- June 21, 8 – 10:30 p.m., Indigenous Day Celebration: Concert and drone show at Ashbridges Bay Park, presented by the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto
- Throughout June, Toronto Public Library offers virtual and in-person events
- Support Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses
