Biidaasige Park to host free Indigenous Arts Festival and National Indigenous Peoples Day Ceremony this weekend

Local residents will have two opportunities to celebrate Indigenous culture, traditions and creativity this weekend as the City of Toronto hosts a pair of free public events at Biidaasige Park in the Port Lands in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day.

The celebrations begin Saturday, June 20, with the Indigenous Arts Festival, a full day of music, dance, food, art and cultural programming showcasing First Nations, Inuit and Métis traditions, while highlighting community creativity and artistic expression.

Headlining this year’s festival is Inuk singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark, a four-time Juno Award winner and recipient of the Order of Canada. The festival will also feature performances by Juno Award-winning musician Derek Miller, Indigenous soul singer-songwriter Lacey Hill, the Juno-nominated Anishnaabe women’s group, the Manitou Mkwa Singers, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Youth Empowerment Group.

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, guests can enjoy a variety of interactive workshops and cultural demonstrations.

These will include Inuit drum dancing with multidisciplinary artist Alexandra Anaviapik, pow wow dance with Tribal Vision Dance, hoop dancing with Anishinaabe artist Nikki Shawana, pow wow boot camp led by multidisciplinary Kahnyen’kehàka artist Santee Smith, lacrosse demonstrations with legendary athletes Cam Bomberry and Leon Henhawk and Métis jigging led by Tkaronto Métis Jiggers and Métis String.

Saturday’s festival is free to attend and open to all ages. The event provides an opportunity to deepen understanding of Indigenous cultural traditions, while those attending enjoy a showcase of talents. This festival was created in partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, funded in part by the federal government and supported by sponsor CIBC Indigenous Banking and media partners Toronto Star and NOW Toronto.

On Sunday, June 21, the city will host a morning ceremony at Biidaasige Park to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, honouring both the summer solstice and a day of deep cultural and spiritual significance. 

Beginning at 7:30 a.m., the ceremony will take place at the Drum Structure in Biidaasige Park around a Sacred Fire. It will include culturally significant elements such as strawberries, water and four sacred medicines. 

Grandmother Kim Wheatley, Elder Pat Floody and Fire Keeper Raiden Levesque will lead the ceremony, sharing their wisdom and teachings while welcoming Grandfather Sun and celebrating Mino Baamodziwin, or “The Good Life.” The ceremony will end with a small breakfast.

Biidaasige Park is located at 51 Commissioners St. in the Port Lands.

For more information on the festival, please visit https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/indigenous-arts-festival/

For more information on the morning ceremony, please visit https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/indigenous-events-awards/indigenous-peoples-day/