Torontonians have two chances this weekend to take in free Indigenous cultural programming at Biidaasige Park, as the city marks National Indigenous Peoples Month with a full-day arts festival on Saturday and a sunrise ceremony on Sunday.
According to a City of Toronto news release, the Indigenous Arts Festival runs June 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., celebrating the cultures, creativity and traditions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples through music, dance, food and art. Admission is free and open to everyone.
Headline performance by Susan Aglukark
This year's festival lineup features a headline performance by acclaimed Inuk singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark, a four-time Juno Award winner and member of the Order of Canada.
She is joined by two-time Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist Derek Miller and Indigenous soul singer-songwriter Lacey Hill. The Manitou Mkwa Singers, a Juno-nominated Anishinaabe women's group from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, will also perform, along with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Youth Empowerment Group.
Between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., attendees of all ages can also take part in interactive workshops and cultural demonstrations, with chances to learn directly from artists and Knowledge Keepers. The City describes the festival as a welcoming space to celebrate Indigenous creativity, share stories and deepen understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions.
The festival was founded in partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, is funded in part by the Government of Canada, and is supported by sponsor CIBC Indigenous Banking along with media partners Toronto Star and NOW Toronto. Full event details and performance times are posted on the Indigenous Arts Festival page of the City's website.
Sunrise ceremony on June 21
On June 21, the City will hold a morning ceremony in recognition 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 takes place at 7:30 a.m. around a Sacred Fire at the Drum Structure in Biidaasige Park, and includes culturally significant elements such as strawberries, water and the four sacred medicines. Grandmother Kim Wheatley, Elder Pat Floody and Fire Keeper Raiden Levesque will share their cultures and traditions to mark the solstice and welcome Grandfather Sun.
The City says the gathering expresses gratitude for all creation and embraces Mino Baamodziwin, meaning The Good Life. A small breakfast feast follows the ceremony, and the public is encouraged to attend. More information is available on the Indigenous Peoples Day page of the City's website.
Both events are free, and with the festival running into the late afternoon Saturday and the ceremony beginning early Sunday morning, visitors can attend one or both.
