Toronto to virtually commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day

The City of Toronto will hold a virtual ceremony to commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day this Sunday, due to ongoing pandemic-related closures.

Instead of being held live at Nathan Phillips Square, this year, the ceremony will be hosted online to ensure the health and safety of participants.

Starting at 5:30 am on June 21, the video ceremony serves to recognize and celebrate the culture, accomplishments, and knowledge of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

All are welcome and encouraged to join.

• See also:
  • Commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day in Toronto this weekend

This year’s ceremony will include:

• Prayer from Elder Garry Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, including offering of medicines (smudging)
• Water ceremony and song, followed by a berry teaching, with Kim Wheatley, Anishinaabe Grandmother, Turtle Clan and Traditional Ancestral Knowledge Keeper from Shawanaga First Nation
• Welcome from Chief Stacey Laforme of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
  Messages from Mayor John Tory and Councillor Mike Layton, member of the Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee
• Big Drum Honour Song performed by the Black Bull Moose Singers, a traditional Indigenous singing group of the Anishnawbe and Oneida First Nations

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, the public is encouraged to acknowledge and learn more about the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.