Toronto Celebrates Indigenous Peoples Month with Citywide Events and Reflection

Toronto honours Indigenous heritage with citywide events including a sunrise ceremony, Indigenous Arts Festival, Na-Me-Res Pow Wow, and teachings rooted in culture, art, and community.

The City of Toronto has officially kicked off Indigenous Peoples Month with a series of events and cultural programs designed to honour the traditions, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

Mayor Olivia Chow proclaimed June as Indigenous Peoples Month, encouraging all Torontonians to engage with Indigenous culture through community gatherings, performances, art, and storytelling. The City’s programming reflects its commitment to reconciliation and is guided by its Reconciliation Action Plan.

Celebrate National Indigenous History Month at #IAF2025, June 20 & 21 at Fort York! ✨

Join this free event with traditional and contemporary music, dance, artisan and culinary experiences of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Turtle Island. pic.twitter.com/gNl4JacCcN

— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) June 10, 2025

Key Highlights for June:

• Indigenous Arts Festival & Na-Me-Res Pow Wow
  Held June 20–21 at Fort York’s Garrison Common, this free family event celebrates Indigenous music, dance, and culture. Featured artists include JUNO winners Shub and Snotty Nose Rez Kids.

• Sunrise Ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square
  A sacred community gathering will take place at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 21 to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day. All are welcome to attend.

• Spirit Garden at Nathan Phillips Square
  Opened in 2024, the Spirit Garden offers space for healing and learning. Visitors are encouraged to explore its symbolic features, including a Spirit Canoe and Two Row Wampum walkway.

• Citywide Events
  Local museums and libraries are hosting Indigenous exhibits, performances, and workshops throughout the month. Guided Indigenous storytelling walks through High Park and multimedia exhibits like ReDress at Scarborough Museum invite deeper reflection on Indigenous history and present-day realities.

• Community Spaces
  Dr. Lillian McGregor Park continues to serve as a tribute to Indigenous leadership, celebrating the legacy of the respected nurse and educator from Whitefish River First Nation.

For the full list of events and ways to get involved, visit the City’s Indigenous programming page.

A Message from City Leaders:

“Indigenous Peoples are the first to make Tkaronto, the land now known as Toronto, their home. We honour our relationships with Indigenous partners and our obligations to Indigenous Torontonians, recognizing centuries of their stewardship on this land. This month, I am joining the City of Toronto in expressing gratitude for the knowledge and contributions of Indigenous Peoples. This is a time for learning, and a time for celebration.” said Councillor Alejandra Bravo, Chair of the City’s Economic and Community Development Committee.

The City encourages everyone to attend at least one event, learn from Indigenous voices, and contribute to a more inclusive Toronto.

Follow GTA Today on social media for more local news and updates. #GTAToday