City of Toronto is hosting a Sunrise Ceremony and Indigenous celebrations this weekend

National Indigenous Peoples Day is tomorrow, June 21, and the City of Toronto is observing the day with an Anishinaabe tradition, the Sunrise Ceremony.

“The Sunrise Ceremony pays tribute to Indigenous traditions and culture, expressing gratitude for all creation and embracing Mino Baamodziwin (The Good Life). As Mishoomis Giizis (Grandfather Sun) provides light and warmth, attendees will form a circle, cleanse their spirit with sacred sage, and participate in a pipe ritual with tobacco,” shares the City of Toronto.

The ceremony will happen at 5:30 a.m. in Nathan Phillips Square, led by led by Grandmother Kim Wheatley of Curve Lake First Nation and Fire Keeper Pat Floody of the Simpcw First Nation in British Columbia.

Singing, teachings, and food will all be available to those who attend.

While the ceremony is just in the morning, there will be the Indigenous Arts Festival and Na-Me-Res Pow Wow over at Fort York National Historic Site running Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21.

The festivities are in celebration of “traditional and contemporary Indigenous music and dance, along with artisan and culinary experiences from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Turtle Island.” 

The Indigenous Arts Festival and Na-Me-Res Pow Wow will run from noon to 8 p.m. both days.

All the events are free to attend, too.

Celebrations and observations will take place all over Canada, so if you’re not in Toronto, you can still check out what’s happening near you.

National Indigenous Peoples Day

When: Saturday, June 21, 2025

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