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

Consulting with the Ether

Sat May 07, 2022 - Sat Jul 30, 2022
Location: Toronto Reference Library

This exhibition places original artworks by students in 4th Year Indigenous Visual Culture courses at OCAD University alongside curated materials from Toronto Public Library's Special Collections. This strategy is meant to gu...
Ojibway/English Stories, Songs, & Rhymes

Mon Jul 04, 2022 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Deer Park

Christine Vautour presents stories, songs and rhymes in the Ojibway and English language for preschoolers. Discover how Turtle Island came to be, how the dogs became man's best friend and how Crow was once like a...
Anishinaabe- Ojibway/English Stories, Songs and Rhymes with Christine Vautour

Tue Jul 12, 2022 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Location: St. Clair/Silverthorn

Join us for stories, songs and rhymes in the Ojibway and English language with Christine Vautour! Participate in rhymes, learn an echo song, and join in a sound dance song. Props, puppets and instruments will all be part of...

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 issues, ranging from colonialism to the residential school legacy that has shaped Canada's current relationship with Indigenous peoples. The titles are a testament to the power of the human spirit and the resiliency of Indigenous peoples, and our collective journey towards hope, healing, and reconciliation.

Past Programs

Indigenous Technologies Across Turtle Island

When you think of Indigenous people, what kind of technology comes to mind? This talk uses multimedia and audience engagement to uncover the technologies used by Indigenous people across Turtle Island.
Intersections of Indigenous Environmental Justice & Climate Change

Members of the Indigenous Environmental Justice Project discuss concepts of environmental justice and Indigenous ways of thinking about our environment.
Lacrosse: Roots of the Game – It’s a Medicine Game

Learn about the history of lacrosse, from the first game played between the Creator and his brother, to the Medicine Game, and more.

Watch replays of past programs in our Indigenous Celebrations series

Birch Bark Biting with Sally Milne

Join Sally as she takes you through the history of birch bark biting, what it is and how and why it's done, while sharing a few of her favourite pieces and experiences along the way.
Climate - Indigenous Cities for a Sustainable Future

In this panel conversation, we hear from Indigenous architects from Tkaronto/Toronto, Aotearoa/New Zealand and Rapa Nui/Easter Island who are applying ancestral ingenuity to their craft.
Jody Wilson-Raybould: “Indian” in the Cabinet

Jody Wilson-Raybould speaks with Dr. Tracy Bear about “Indian” in the Cabinet and the need to strengthen our political institutions in order to collectively address racial justice and climate change.
Birch Bark Biting with Sally Milne

Sally returns for a second time to add to the discussion on the importance of birch bark biting while sharing a few of her favourite pieces along the way.
Stephen Graham Jones: My Heart is a Chainsaw

Stephen Graham Jones talks about My Heart is a Chainsaw with author Naben Ruthnum (aka Nathan Ripley) and discusses the horror genre as a vehicle for bigger and scarier conversations.
Climate – Urban Planning and Environmental Racism

In this panel conversation, we gather experts to talk about the impact of environmental racism in the planning and development of our cities and the related displacement of Black and Indigenous communities in the creation of our urban infrastructure.
Battle of the Books: Indigenous Reads

Librarians Mike & Hailey face off for a friendly book battle! We'll discuss 8 titles written by Indigenous authors. Vote for a chance to crown your favourite!
Dave Jenniss sur le théâtre autochtone

Si vous êtes intéressée par l'écriture théâtrale autochtone et le théâtre autochtone d'aujourd'hui, la chance de rencontrer Dave Jenniss peut être l'occasion parfaite d'entendre l'une des figures les plus intéressantes dans ce domaine.
Virtual Family Book Club

Join the virtual book club for kids and families! During this 45-minute program, participants will take part in discussions and activities related to the book featured each month. Books are available in multiple formats, including eBooks and eAudiobooks and can be placed on hold through the TPL website. It is recommended that you read the book before the program!

This program is suitable for children ages 9-12 and their parents or caregivers to attend together. This book club will feature: Fatty Legs by Christy Jordan-Fenton.
Indigenous Toronto: Stories that Carry this Place

In this special panel discussion, TPL gathers contributors to the newly released Indigenous Toronto: Stories that Carry this Place. Chef Johl Whiteduck, visual artist Philip Cote, author/playwright Drew Hayden Taylor and creative director/arts presenter Denise Bolduc discuss the cultural continuity and settler colonialism that have come to define Toronto as a significant cultural hub.
Pride Month Filmmaker Talks: Thirza Cuthand

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 2021.
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.