The City of Toronto invites residents and visitors to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Month with two days of free cultural programming at Biidaasige Park, featuring the Indigenous Arts Festival on June 20 and a morning ceremony in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21.
Indigenous artists take centre stage at Biidaasige Park on June 20
The Indigenous Arts Festival is a vibrant, day-long celebration of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures, creativity and traditions through music, dance, food, art and more. The festival offers opportunities for people of all ages to experience Indigenous artistic expression and learn directly from artists and Knowledge Keepers.
This year’s festival features a dynamic lineup of Indigenous artists and performers from across Canada, including a headline performance by acclaimed Inuk singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark, a four-time Juno Award winner and Order of Canada recipient.
Additional highlights include performances by two-time Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist Derek Miller and Indigenous soul singer-songwriter Lacey Hill. Juno-nominated Anishinaabe women’s group the Manitou Mkwa Singers, from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Youth Empowerment Group will also take the stage.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., festivalgoers can take part in interactive workshops and cultural demonstrations, including:
The Indigenous Arts Festival is free and open to the public, offering a welcoming space to celebrate Indigenous creativity, share stories and deepen understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions.
This festival was founded in partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, funded in part by the Government of Canada and supported by sponsor CIBC Indigenous Banking and media partners Toronto Star and NOW Toronto.
More in information, including event details and performance times, can be found on the Indigenous Arts Festival webpage.
Morning ceremony in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day
On June 21, the City will hold a morning ceremony in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day of cultural and spiritual significance for First Nations, Inuit and Métis that honours the summer solstice.
The ceremony will be held around a Sacred Fire and includes culturally significant elements such as strawberries, water and the four sacred medicines. The gathering honours Indigenous traditions and teachings, expressing gratitude for all creation and embracing Mino Baamodziwin (The Good Life). Grandmother Kim Wheatley, Elder Pat Floody and Fire Keeper Raiden Levesque will share their rich and vibrant cultures and traditions to mark the summer solstice and welcome Grandfather Sun.
The public is encouraged to attend. The morning ceremony will take place at 7:30 a.m. on June 21 at the Drum Structure in Biidaasige Park, followed by a small breakfast feast.
More information can be found on the Indigenous Peoples Day webpage.
Quotes:
“Biidaasige Park will be a gathering place for celebration, learning and connection as we mark National Indigenous Peoples Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day. This festival and ceremony honour the creativity, cultures and teachings of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, and I invite everyone in Toronto to come together in the spirit of respect, reflection and reconciliation.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As an Official Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.