Indigenous Celebrations

Giganawendamin Dibaajimowinan. We keep the stories.

A festival of Indigenous cultures and heritage, where we celebrate First Nations, Métis and Inuit heritage by presenting Indigenous storytelling and literature, as well as discussions on history and current issues.

Upcoming Events

Storytelling and Rhymes with special guest Mishomis-Grandfather puppet

Mon Jun 21, 2021 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Rhymes, songs and stories retold and adjusted to capture the attention and imagination of preschool children. Discover how Turtle Island came to be, how the dog became man's best friend and how Crow was once l...
Pride Month Filmmaker Talks: Thirza Cuthand

Wed Jun 23, 2021 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Toronto Public Library and Trinity Square Video present Thirza Cuthand: In Conversation as part of Toronto Public Library's Pride Month Filmmaker Talks, produced in partnership with Trinity Square Video for Pride Month 2...
Indigenous Toronto: Stories that Carry this Place

Thu Jun 24, 2021 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Beneath many major North American cities rests a deep foundation of Indigenous history that has been colonized, paved over, and, too often, silenced. Few of its current inhabitants know that Toronto has seen twelve thous...

All Events

Indigenous Reading Lists

Read Indigenous is a yearly list of must-read titles written by Indigenous authors, writers, illustrators and knowledge keepers for all ages, selected with Toronto Public Library's Indigenous Advisory Council.

Reading for Reconciliation explores a variety of Indigenous issues ranging from Colonialism to the Residential school legacy that has shaped the path forward. The titles are a testament to the power of the human spirit and the authors' journey toward hope and reconciliation.

Past Programs

Have You Met the Three Sisters? Indigenous Food Stories with Chef Joseph Shawana

Joseph will share his journey through food, some Indigenous stories around food and the importance of agricultural sustainability and the Three Sisters while making a meal over an open fire from his home in Manitoulin Island - and you're all invited.
Naagan ge bezhig emkwaan / A Dish with One Spoon Reconsidered

Researchers Victor Lytwn and Dean Jacobs provide a history and overview of the Dish with One Spoon from an Anishinaabe perspective, while explaining how its incorporation into "land recognition statements" is damaging to First Nations who seek to protect their territories and resources.
Red Erotic: Indigenous Erotica Panel

In this special panel conversation, leading Indigenous authors and academics explore the genre of Indigenous erotica and the work being done to empower Indigenization through emotional, spiritual and physical expressions of love. In conversation with Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm, Tenille Campbell, Dr. Tracy Bear and Joshua Whitehead.
Laughter and Resilience: Indigenous Comedy Panel

Top Indigenous comedians Ryan McMahon, Candy Palmater and Tim Fontaine talk about the deep connection between comedy and tragedy, and the power of humour to uplift and educate, in a panel discussion hosted by author Kliph Nesteroff.
Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs: The Power of Traditional Crafting During a Pandemic

Meet three Indigenous entrepreneurs and artists from Akwesasne and learn about the power of traditional crafting during a pandemic. In conversation with Marlana Thompson, Carrie Hill and Tania Clute, moderated by Jenn Harper.