Today, Mayor John Tory proclaimed June as National Indigenous Peoples Month and announced programming for the Indigenous Arts Festival and other City of Toronto events for National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21). The proclamation is available to be read in full on the City’s Proclamation 2022 webpage.
The Indigenous Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19 at Fort York National Historic Site; 250 Fort York Blvd. The festival is a free, community-focused event in celebration of traditional and contemporary Indigenous music and dance, along with artisan and culinary experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples living across Turtle Island and Indigenous communities around the world. More information on the festival and its artists is available at Toronto.ca/IAF.
The Indigenous Arts Festival is presented by the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Na-Me-Res, Dashmaawaan Bemaadzinjin (They Feed the People) and the City. The Program is made possible in part by the Government of Canada and sponsorships from Bell and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and media partner ELMNT FM.
An exciting selection of food vendors will be available on both days of the Indigenous Arts Festival, offering a wide range of nutritious and delicious options with connections to Indigenous foodways, food sovereignty and Elder and community wellness.
Beginning Wednesday, July 13, the Indigenous Food Market will continue weekly on Wednesdays at Fort York National Historic Site with music, talks and performances.
More information and resources about National Indigenous Peoples Month and the traditional National Indigenous Peoples Day Sunrise Ceremony can be found on the City’s Indigenous Events, Commemoration & Awards webpage.
The City remains committed to advancing truth, justice and reconciliation and is working closely with Indigenous partners to implement its first Reconciliation Action Plan. The plan can be read in full at Toronto.ca/Reconciliation.
More than 80,000 residents in Toronto are from Indigenous communities. Toronto has the largest Indigenous population in Ontario and the fourth largest in Canada. The City’s Indigenous Affairs Office (IAO) is focused on supporting City divisions in their work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and all urban Indigenous communities. The office also strives to strengthen the City’s relationship with Indigenous communities and advance reconciliation. More information about the IAO is available on the City’s Indigenous Affairs Office webpage.
Quotes:
“The City of Toronto acknowledges National Indigenous Peoples Month as a time to learn, reflect and celebrate the diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples across Tkaronto and all of Turtle Island. Residents are encouraged to take this time to learn more about Indigenous histories, communities and the contributions Indigenous peoples have made, their vibrant and distinct culture, and their beautiful languages.”
– Mayor John Tory
“The Indigenous Arts Festival brings to the forefront the historic and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canada. I encourage all residents to join the celebrations at Fort York National Historic Site.”
– Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee
“National Indigenous Peoples Month is a good time to learn more about diverse Indigenous cultures and traditions. I look forward to this opportunity for everyone to celebrate the rich artistic heritage and current contemporary expressions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. I encourage people to take time to educate themselves and experience cultural events like the IAF and Na-Me-Res Pow Wow, throughout this month and beyond.”
– Selina Young, Director, Indigenous Affairs Office
“The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation are proud to work with our partners at Toronto History Museums and the City of Toronto, and we look forward to sharing Indigenous Arts and Culture with residents and visitors. The arts are not only beautiful and entertaining, but they are the ultimate in communication and provide a unique learning opportunity for all.”
– Gimaa (Chief) R. Stacey Laforme, Mississauga of the Credit First Nation
Toronto History Museums are a group of 10 museums owned and operated by the City of Toronto with the mission to collect, preserve, research, interpret, exhibit, and enhance the understanding of Toronto’s diverse stories through engaging and exciting experiences and different perspectives. They include Colborne Lodge, Fort York National Historic Site, Gibson House Museum, Mackenzie House, Market Gallery, Montgomery’s Inn, Scarborough Museum, Spadina Museum, Todmorden Mills and Zion Schoolhouse. The Toronto History Museums’ Awakenings program is the recipient of the 2021 Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Community Leadership. For more information visit the Toronto History Museums website or follow Toronto History Museums on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube.
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 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 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.