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
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Birth of a Family
Mon Feb 13, 2023 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: Lillian H. SmithThree sisters and a brother, adopted as infants into separate families across North America, meet together for the first time in this deeply moving documentary by director Tasha Hubbard. Removed from their young De...
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Cherie Dimaline: VenCo
Wed Feb 15, 2023 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Toronto Reference LibraryBestselling author Cherie Dimaline joins us to discuss her new novel, VenCo, a wickedly subversive, deliciously imaginative, deeply feminist novel of contemporary witches on the rise. A book that only the supremely gi...
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Jordan River Anderson, The Messenger
Mon May 01, 2023 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: Lillian H. SmithIn her latest film, celebrated Abenaki director Alanis Obomsawin tells the story of Jordan River Anderson, and how as a result of his short life, thousands of First Nations and Inuit children today receive the same standard o...
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
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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.
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Christine Sioui Wawanoloath : L’effet de la plume
L’effet de la plume est un clin d’œil là la plume de l’écrivain et aux plumes portées par des autochtones anciennement et encore de nos jours.
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Robyn Maynard & Leanne Betasamosake Simpson : Rehearsals for Living
Robyn Maynard and Leanne Betasamosake Simpson share their new book, Rehearsals for Living , with host Dr. Ciann Wilson and discuss Black and Indigenous perspectives on our unprecedented here and now.
Watch replays of past programs in our Indigenous Celebrations series
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Blog Posts
Read more blog posts about our Indigenous collections and programs
- Treaties Recognition Week 2022: Recommended Watching and Reading
- Orange Shirt Day 2022
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2022
- Truth and Reconciliation: A Guide for Newcomers
- New and Upcoming Indigenous Books: Summer 2022 Edition
- In Memory of Lee Maracle (1950 - 2021)
- Indigenous Music
- International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples: August 9, 2021
- Nunavut Day: July 9, 2021
- In Memory of Sam Ash
- Indigenous Documentaries in our Collection
- Red Dress Day 2021: National Day of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
- Truth and Reconciliation: 5 Years Later
- Anniversary of Indigenous Voting Rights (1960)
- Louis Riel Day: November 16, 2020
- Read Indigenous 2022
- National Indigenous History Month 2022
Podcasts
- Writers Off the Page - Elizabeth Penashue: Diary of an Innu Elder
- Writers Off the Page - Lee Maracle: The Raven
- Live Mic - Ned Christie: Cherokee Outlaw or Hero?
- Live Mic - Canada Reads Indigenous: Cherie Dimaline, Tracey Lindberg and Katherena Vermette
Additional Resources
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Indigenous Initiatives – Service Area Spotlight (PDF)
This service area spotlight highlights our commitments, key accomplishments and upcoming initiatives aimed at supporting Indigenous communities.