In partnership with APTN, the City of Toronto’s Fort York National Historic will host Indigenous Day Live celebrations on Saturday, June 23 as part of the four-day Indigenous Arts Festival running from Thursday, June 21 to Sunday, June 24.
Indigenous Day Live, Canada’s largest national celebration in recognition of Indigenous peoples, will feature daytime celebrations and free evening concerts in Toronto, Winnipeg and Ottawa, as well as a live broadcast on APTN (the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network).
“National Indigenous Peoples Day and the Indigenous Arts Festival recognize the unique culture, history and significant contributions made by First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to our city and to Canadian society,” said Mayor John Tory. “I encourage all residents to join in the celebrations this June and for those who cannot attend, to tune in to the Indigenous Day Live broadcast on APTN.”
“Indigenous Day Live brings Canadians together to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ accomplishments, through cultural activities and live music, while contributing to the nationwide movement of reconciliation,” says Jean La Rose, APTN’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are honoured to be collaborating with the Toronto Indigenous Arts Festival, who have been providing annual Indigenous Peoples Day activities for many years.”
“These events, which comprise Toronto’s largest National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, are a result of active collaboration between the City and the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation alongside Indigenous artists from across the country,” said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the City’s Economic Development and Culture Committee. “The celebration reflects Toronto’s commitment to celebrating diversity and reinforces Fort York’s growing legacy as an inclusive reflection of our history.”
Along with Indigenous Day Live, the four-day Indigenous Arts Festival at Fort York will feature the sounds of some of the most recognized Canadian entertainers in Indigenous music, visual arts, dance, theatre and film. Kicking off on National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, the festival also includes Na-Me-Res Toronto’s Annual Traditional Pow Wow on Saturday, June 23.
The Indigenous Arts Festival is produced by the City of Toronto in partnership with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation. The event is presented by TD with financial support from the Government of Canada and Tim Hortons.
A complete festival schedule will be available at https://www.toronto.ca/iaf on May 22.
Fort York National Historic Site is one of 10 Toronto History Museums operated by the City of Toronto. Since 1793, Fort York has been an important military location and is known as Toronto’s founding landscape. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, this 43-acre heritage conservation district is home to Canada’s largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings. The fort offers permanent exhibits and immersive multimedia displays at the Visitor Centre, ongoing programming and events, site tours, military displays, historic cooking demonstrations, and the annual Indigenous Arts Festival. Fort York National Historic Site is also home to the first phase of The Bentway. For more information, visit http://www.toronto.ca/museums.
This news release is also available on the City’s website: https://bit.ly/2GXxE6V
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