On Tuesday, June 21 at 5:30 a.m., the City of Toronto will present the annual Sunrise Ceremony to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day, which celebrates the unique heritage, diversity and valued contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. This year is the first time the ceremony will take place in Nathan Phillips Square as an in-person event since 2019.
The Sunrise Ceremony will be led by Elder Garry Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, as well as feature a Water Ceremony and teachings by Knowledge Keeper Kim Wheatley and traditional drumming by Young Creek Drummers.
Mayor John Tory will issue a proclamation for National Indigenous Peoples Day, followed by remarks from Chief R. Stacey Laforme of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Luanne Joy Cunningham, Women’s Representative of the Toronto & York Region Métis Council, and The Hon. Marci Ien, MP (Toronto Centre), Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth. Councillor Mike Layton (University-Rosedale) will emcee the event.
Date: Tuesday, June 21
Time: 5:30 to 7 a.m.
Location: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.
Please note: The Elder has given permission for the ceremony to be filmed/photographed.
More information about National Indigenous Peoples Day and sunrise ceremonies is available on the City’s Indigenous Peoples Day webpage.
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