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On June 21, celebrate Anishnaabe Giizhigat / National Indigenous Peoples Day

Come together for a full day of events at TMU
June 13, 2024
Part of the Eagle Staff, including beaded TMU letters, three feathers and red, yellow, white and black ribbons

TMU’s 2024 National Indigenous Peoples Day theme is Mnaajtoodaa Bmaadziwin / Let’s celebrate life.

June 21 is Anishnaabe Giizhigat / National Indigenous Peoples Day. This day is a time for learning, with opportunities to celebrate and reflect on the contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the university community and beyond. 

All TMU students, staff and faculty and the broader community are welcome to attend.

Events happening on campus

Morning thanksgiving and sunrise ceremony 

The day will begin with the lighting of a sacred fire, followed by a sunrise ceremony led by conductor Jimmy Dick, Community Elder.

  • Time: 7 to 8:30 a.m.
  • Location: Kerr Hall Quad at 43 Gerrard St. East

Indigenous vendors market

Check out the Indigenous vendor market throughout the day to shop from local Indigenous-owned businesses selling handmade products such as jewellery, accessories and more.

  • Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Location: 1st floor of the Student Learning Centre (SLC) at 341 Yonge St.

Ke-boontaadaa ji-min-yaa’ing / Wellness break and networking

Connect with fellow community members over light refreshments.

  • Time: 9:30 to 10 a.m.
  • Location: 8th floor of the SLC

Greetings, opening song and welcome remarks 

Programming begins at 10 a.m. on the 8th floor of the SLC with an opening song by Amy Desjarlais, lead facilitator, Rebirthed Teachings and a welcome from Joanne Okimawininew Dallaire, Elder (Ke Shay Hayo) and senior advisor, Indigenous relations and reconciliation. Other leadership remarks will follow.

  • Time: 10 to 10:30 a.m.
  • Location: 8th floor of the SLC and on Zoom

Keynote: Skakeratshera'at / One Dish 

A teaching on Skakeratshera'at / One Dish by Michael Doxtator, associate professor and head, Saagajiwe. 

  • Time: 10:30 to 11 a.m.
  • Location: 8th floor of the SLC and on Zoom

Knowledge Sharing of Walking Out (virtual presentation) by Nokomis Mary Elliott, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek

In this session participants will come to understand why it is important for our babies to begin their journey upon Mother Earth. They will come to understand the purpose behind it, what it entails and the expectations of the parents in preparation for this celebration or ceremony. A short video will be presented to show an example.

  • Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m
  • Location: 8th floor of the SLC and on Zoom

Naakwei-wiisning / Lunch and spirit plate prayer and offering

Join us for some food, community and conversation – food will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis.

  • Time: 12 to 1 p.m.
  • Location: 8th floor of the SLC

Button making  

This activity brings out the creative side of all who participate. Keep the buttons for yourself, or donate them back to the TMU community.

  • Time: 1 to 2 p.m. 
  • Location: 8th floor of the SLC

Pow Wow fitness 

Come and learn about Pow Wow dancing from Abby Carpenter, president, Indigenous Law Student Association while getting a workout in.

  • Time: 1 to 2 p.m. 
  • Location: Kerr Hall Quad (43 Gerrard St East) or 8th floor of the SLC in case of rain

Indigenous campus art tour   

On this guided tour, explore the Indigenous art on our campus.

  • Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
  • Location: Meet in Kerr Hall Quad (white canopy)

Children’s story time circle       

Join the School of Early Childhood Studies Family Programs for a story time. Each of the books read will highlight Indigenous authors, illustrators and stories.

  • Time: 3 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Location: Meet in Kerr Hall Quad (red canopy)

Off-campus celebrations

A variety of events will be taking place across the city throughout the month of June, including Indigenous celebrations through the Toronto Public Library (external link) , the Na-Me-Res Pow Wow (external link)  on June 15 and the Indigenous Arts Festival (external link)  on June 16 at Fort York, as well as a sunrise ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square (external link)  on June 21. 

How to be a respectful attendee to Indigenous events

When Indigenous community members invite you to an event, go with an open heart and mind—be there to listen, learn and show your support. An 'ally' is someone who has privilege, but chooses to stand for and with marginalized communities by taking tangible, ongoing actions to dismantle systems of oppression.

As an ally, your role is ongoing and requires commitment. You are also encouraged to speak up and intervene when someone is targeted, learn from your mistakes and stay engaged. 

Miigwech / Thank you to the National Indigenous Peoples Day organizing circle

This year’s event is organized by a collective of Indigenous and non-Indigenous colleagues, led by Crystal Osawamick, manager of Indigenous events and special projects.

The collective includes staff from the Career, Co-op and Student Success; the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching; The Creative School; the Indigenous Education Council; Office of the President; Office of the Provost; Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion, including Indigenous Initiatives and Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services; Saagajiwe; School of Early Childhood Studies; Student Affairs; Student Life and Learning Support; Ted Rogers School of Management; and TMU Libraries. 

Accessibility

The university is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. The Student Learning Centre is a wheelchair accessible venue. The Kerr Hall Quad is a grassy, slightly elevated field. Staff will be available to assist.

If you have any accommodation requirements, please let us know in the registration form. You can also email Crystal Osawamick, manager of Indigenous events and special projects at crystal.osawamick@torontomu.ca.

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