News Release
June 3, 2024

Mayor Olivia Chow has proclaimed June as Indigenous Peoples Month in Toronto as the City of Toronto prepares to celebrate the return of the Na-Ma-Res Pow Wow, Indigenous Arts Festival and other events across the city.

Indigenous Peoples Month is an opportunity to learn, reflect on and celebrate the diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples across Toronto and all of Turtle Island. The Na-Me-Res Pow Wow and Indigenous Arts Festival is an annual free festival that celebrates traditional and contemporary music, dance, artisanal and culinary experiences of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island.

This year’s festival will take place on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 at Garrison Commons outside Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Blvd).

Na-Me-Res Pow Wow and Indigenous Arts Festival lineup:

Saturday, June 15

  • Traditional Pow Wow hosted by Na-Me-Res from 12 to 5 p.m.
  • Live concert curated by TKMF Productions featuring contemporary and traditional Indigenous musical performers (5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.)

Sunday, June 16 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

  • Full day of live music and dance performances showcasing some of Canada’s renowned and emerging Indigenous talent.

Throughout the weekend, visitors are encouraged to explore the vibrant artisan and food market stalls featuring handmade creations, stunning artwork and delicious Indigenous dishes available for purchase.

Sunrise Ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square:

The City of Toronto will also host a Sunrise Ceremony on Friday, June 21 at 5:30 a.m. to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day at Nathan Phillips Square. All Torontonians are welcomed to attend this sacred ceremony to offer prayers and give thanks for all of creation and Mino Baamodziwin (The Good Life).

The City of Toronto supports the Na-Me-Res Pow Wow and Indigenous Arts Festival in partnership with founding partners, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Na-Me-Res. The program is presented by TD Bank Group and made possible, in part, by the Government of Canada, with media partners APTN, CBC News Toronto, ELMNT FM and the Toronto Star.

More information about the Na-Me-Res Pow Wow and Indigenous Arts Festival is available on the City’s Festivals & Events webpage.

Learn more about additional Indigenous programming on the City’s Indigenous Events, Commemorations & Awards webpage.

Quotes:

“I am proud to proclaim June as Indigenous Peoples Month in Toronto. Throughout the month, we honour the histories and valued contributions of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island and commit to advancing truth and reconciliation. I encourage Torontonians to learn about Indigenous histories in their own neighbourhoods and join me in celebrating Indigenous arts and culture by attending events like the Na-Me-Res Pow Wow and Indigenous Arts Festival.”

– Mayor Olivia Chow

“Indigenous Peoples were the first residents of the land we now call Toronto and have made invaluable contributions to the city that we know and love today. I’m looking forward to celebrating Indigenous Peoples Month by participating in events across the city that celebrate Indigenous cultures and traditions, and I encourage Torontonians to do the same in their own communities.”
– Councillor Alejandra Bravo (Davenport), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee

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 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 Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Media Relations