On September 30, Canada will mark the fourth year of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This is a day to learn about the harm inflicted by residential schools on Indigenous communities, and reflect on the steps we can take in our own lives toward reconciliation.
While there are many ways to participate—such as reading books by Indigenous authors or watching films that share Indigenous stories— attending an event can be an incredibly powerful way to embrace community and celebrate expressions of Indigenous cultures that have been historically suppressed.
Many cultural organizations and Indigenous groups in Toronto are hosting events in the coming days to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We wanted to highlight some events that are led by Indigenous community members and highlight the contributions of Indigenous artists, providing a space for everyone to listen, learn and reflect on the meaning of this day.
Na-Me-Res Sunrise Ceremony
Join this free community event at Hillcrest Park to learn about and reflect on the history of Indigenous people in Canada. Hosted by non-profit Indigenous organization Na-Me-Res, The Day of Remembrance ceremony will include a sunrise ceremony, sacred fire, traditional drumming, and speeches in honour of residential school victims and survivors. More info.
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1939
Set in a fictional Ontario residential school in 1939, this play follows a group of Indigenous students tasked with putting on a production of Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well. As they begin to challenge ideas of how Shakespeare should be performed, they discover parallels to their own culture within the play, and set out to make the story their own. Co-written by Kaitlyn Riordan and Indigenous artist Jani Lauzon, 1939 was inspired by The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and shaped by the guidance of Indigenous Elders, Survivors, and ceremony. A new production of the play from Canadian Stage is running now at Berkeley Street Theatre until October 12. More info.
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Reconciliation Walk & Indigenous Art Trail
Nature, art and education come together for this reflective walk at The Village at Black Creek on September 29. Learn about the impact of the Residential School system on a free self-guided walk, created by Indigenous advisors at True North Aid. Along the way, stop at art installations created by local Indigenous artists, and reflect at one of the quiet spaces around The Village. More info.
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Indigenous Legacy Gathering and Spirit Garden Opening
The annual Indigenous Legacy Gathering is a 3-day celebration in the heart of the city that brings together Indigenous community members, artists and performers. From September 27-30 at Nathan Phillips Square, take in performances from Indigenous singers, dancers, and drummers, shop at the Indigenous artist marketplace, and witness the opening of the Spirit Garden, a new Indigenous cultural space that will provide teaching, learning, sharing and healing experiences for the Indigenous community of Toronto. More info.
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Tanya Tagaq and Lido Pimienta Commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Get your tickets for an evening of healing, storytelling, testimony, traditional drum and dance. Inuit singer Tanya Tagaq headlines this event at Koerner Hall on October 1, with a lineup of performances from Indigenous artists to reflect, pay respect, and give hope to survivors of residential schools. Also performing are Afro/Indigenous/Colombian/Canadian singer Lido Pimienta, the Manitou Mkwa Singers, Layla Staats, and The Glenn Gould School soprano Emma Pennell. More info.
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Community Pow Wow
This free, family-friendly event at Dufferin Grove Park is an excellent way to experience your first Pow Wow and celebrate Indigenous culture. This year’s edition of the Pow Wow will honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People with a special red dress commemorative dance. On September 28, more than 2000 people will come together for a full day of Indigenous culture, dancing, drumming, singing, and an artisan market. More info.
Margaret Augustine and Lauren Beck. Photo by Patricia Bourque
Festival of Indigenous Stories at TIFA
As part of the Toronto International Festival of Authors, hear from Indigenous authors, creators and thinkers at this special two-day mini-festival on September 28 and 29. Featured speakers include powerhouse storytellers Brandi Morin and Angela Sterritt, fiction writers Amanda Peters and Carleigh Baker, and Margaret Augustine and Lauren Beck, authors of a new Mi’kmaq cookbook. Tune into these events for important conversations from voices that need to be heard. More info.
Culture Days
Ontario Culture Days is on now, and this province-wide celebration of arts, culture, and heritage includes many events to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Celebrate the creative expressions of Indigenous communities and hear First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people share their experiences at a range of events across Ontario, including reflective walks, art exhibits, film screenings, beading workshops, drumming, vigils and more. More info.
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