National Indigenous Peoples Day
Toronto to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day with two-day cultural showcase
Toronto: As communities across Canada prepare to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day, Toronto will host a two-day free Indigenous Arts Festival and a public ceremony honouring First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures at Biidaasige Park.
The Indigenous Arts Festival on June 20 will showcase First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists through music, dance, workshops and cultural demonstrations.
Headlining the event will be Inuk singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark, a four-time Juno Award winner and member of the Order of Canada. Other performers include Juno Award-winning musician Derek Miller, singer-songwriter Lacey Hill, the Manitou Mkwa Singers and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Youth Empowerment Group.
Festival attendees will also be able to participate in a range of interactive cultural activities, including Inuit drum dancing, powwow dancing, hoop dancing, Métis jigging and lacrosse demonstrations led by Indigenous artists, athletes and knowledge keepers.
The festival, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., is free and open to the public.
The celebrations will continue on June 21 with a morning ceremony recognising National Indigenous Peoples Day, an annual observance that coincides with the summer solstice and honours the cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
The ceremony will take place around a sacred fire at Biidaasige Park and will include traditional teachings, sacred medicines and cultural practices led by Grandmother Kim Wheatley, Elder Pat Floody and Fire Keeper Raiden Levesque.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said the events would provide opportunities for residents to celebrate Indigenous cultures and strengthen understanding and reconciliation.
"Biidaasige Park will be a gathering place for celebration, learning and connection as we mark National Indigenous Peoples Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day," Chow said in a statement.
The Indigenous Arts Festival was founded in partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and receives support from the Government of Canada and private-sector sponsors.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is observed annually across Canada on June 21 to recognise and celebrate the heritage, cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples.
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