SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Inaugural Indigenous Cultural Celebration

The City of Oshawa invites all community members to attend the inaugural Indigenous Cultural Celebration on Saturday, June 1 at Ed Broadbent Park. The event will kick-off Indigenous History Month by recognizing and celebrating the beautiful and rich culture of the various Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island. The celebration is free and open to all.

This event is presented as part of the City’s centennial celebrations, as a recognition that the history of Oshawa long surpasses the 100 year milestone.

Join us at Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park on June 1, between 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to enjoy a variety of performances and interactive workshops happening throughout the park, led by various First Nations, Inuit and Métis presenters and storytellers across several mediums and disciplines.

Activities will include: 

• a family area with storytelling, craft making, and interactive activities;

• an education area with a water teaching, workshops, and demonstrations;

• food and merchandise vendors displaying their artwork; and,

• the main stage featuring a variety of presenters including hand drumming, hoop dancing, storytelling, and more.

2-Spirited People Of The 1st Nations Pow Wow, Downsview Park, 10am-6pm

Join us on Saturday, June 1, 2024, for Toronto’s 3rd Annual 2-Spirit Pow Wow at Downsview Park, hosted by 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations. Celebrate with us through community, food, music, and dance as we illuminate the essence of 2-Spirit identity and our diverse Nations. Witness captivating dances, immerse yourself in our rich cultures, and explore the Indigenous marketplace with a variety of vendors. Embrace this inclusive event with an open heart and mind, as it fosters a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Lets come together to honor and cherish the beauty of 2-Spirit communities and their integral role in our shared tapestry of cultures. Ticket Cost: Free. - Info here

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

Indigenous Family Night - Durham Community Health Centre

First Nation, Inuit, Métis Peoples, and their family are welcome to join us from 5:00-7:30pm as we share food, Indigenous knowledge, culture, and experiences. Strengthening community though building relationships and shared knowledge. Programs for all ages, 0-6, 7-12, 13-17, and 18+.

For more info, contact Angela (905)723-0036 X1222 aduckworth@durhamchc.ca

An Evening with Drew Hayden Taylor

Join us for a special evening with author Drew Hayden Taylor, award-winning playwright and author from the Curve Lake First Nation. Drew will share a reading from his latest novel Cold and will speak about his journey to becoming a writer. A book signing will follow. Presented in partnership with the Durham Region Libraries at the St. Francis Centre in Ajax and online. To register and get Zoom link click here.

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

Métis Moves: Celebrating Culture through Folk Dance with Auriele

Auriele is a Professional Métis Jigger and Métis citizen of Ontario. She has been performing and teaching jigging for over 12 years. This program will feature a jigging performance by Auriele as well as an instructional segment where attendees will learn two Métis folk dances and, of course, some fancy foot work to the most famous Métis fiddle song, The Red River Jig. For grades 1-6, from 2:30-3:30pm at the Whitby Central Library. Register here.

SATURDAY, JUNE 08

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Leading up to National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Town will be hosting a special event on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Celebration Square in front of the Whitby Public Library, Central Library - 405 Dundas Street West, Whitby, ON  L1N 6A1.

Join us to learn more about and celebrate Indigenous history and culture. - More details here.

TUESDAY, JUNE 11

Wildlife Paint Night with Vicky Grant and Animal Services

Join Animal Services, the Pickering Public Library and Indigenous artist Victoria Grant for an evening of fun and educational learning. Victoria Grant is an Anishinaabe Mi’Kmaq, Metis artist living in Durham Region who has spent her life training and creating art through various mediums. Victoria will be guiding attendees through step-by-step instructions on how to paint native wildlife scenes on canvas.

No experience is necessary, and attendees will be given stencils to assist with the drawing process. Victoria will also share her knowledge and teachings around the connection between indigenous culture and the wildlife that surrounds us. At Pickering Central Library at 7:00pm, for ages 17+, register here.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12

Indigenous Family Night - Durham Community Health Centre

First Nation, Inuit, Métis Peoples, and their family are welcome to join us from 5:00-7:30pm as we share food, Indigenous knowledge, culture, and experiences. Strengthening community though building relationships and shared knowledge. Programs for all ages, 0-6, 7-12, 13-17, and 18+.

For more info, contact Angela (905)723-0036 X1222 aduckworth@durhamchc.ca

Whitby Library, Central Branch Non-fiction Book Club: Permanent Astonishment

This month's selection is Permanent Astonishment by Tomson Highway. Acclaimed Indigenous writer and performer Tomson Highway offers insights into the experience of Cree culture and of conquest and survival in his memoir Permanent Astonishment.

This program will take place in-person. Virtual attendance is also offered on Zoom. Please specify your preference when registering. You must register to receive a link to this program. The first 12 people to register will receive a copy of the book to borrow. Waitlisted registrants who have read the book are also welcome to attend the meeting. Please make sure to review the Book Club Guidelines and Terms of Use before attending the program.

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

Tyendinaga Pride

Join us at the Karonhiaktakie Lacrosse Field for our annual drag show at 8pm. You may even catch performances from a Durham Drag King, Seth W.D. Davenport and Drag Queen, Violet S Parks. Bring your own lawn chairs. (Intended for a 16+ audience)

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Na-Me-Res Pow Wow & Indigenous Arts Festival

The Na-Me-Res Pow Wow and Indigenous Arts Festival is an annual celebration of traditional and contemporary Indigenous music, dance, theatre, storytelling, film, crafts and culinary experiences at Fort York National Historic Site. - More Info here.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

Starlore and Constellations of Indigenous North America

What's out there? An Indigenous interpretation of the night skies hosted by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. In partnership with the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. Join us at the Whitby Library - Central Branch from 6:45-8:15pm. Register here.

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

National Indigenous Peoples Day - June 21 (Virtual)

Join us on June 21 online to watch a video to learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day from Kim Wheatley, Anishinaabe Cultural Consultant and ISWO Senior Advisor of Cultural Development. As well, you can join Metis Jigger Auriele Diotte in an instructional video and demonstration. Both videos will be available to view on this page on June.

Canada’s Biggest Indigenous Day Celebration

The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto is hosting the Indigenous Day Celebration at the Toronto Habourfront Centre. Come enjoy traditional food, live performances and a marketplace. - More information here

Sunrise Ceremony

Every year, the City of Toronto marks this day with a sunrise ceremony, where all are invited to come together with Indigenous partners to offer thoughts and prayers to the Creator and give thanks for all of creation and Mino Baamodziwin (The Good Life). The ceremony is held around a Sacred Fire and consists of many ceremonial elements that hold cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples, such as strawberries, water and the use of sage for cleansing. After the sacred ceremony, the National Indigenous Peoples Day Proclamation is read and presented to an Indigenous representative. More info here.

Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival

As part of the vibrant and growing international family of Fringe Festivals, NIFF is committed to connecting communities by providing access for artists to performance opportunities and providing access for community members to varied and innovative performances. Everyone is invited to attend NIFF and support Indigenous performance! Fringe Festivals are unique in their emphasis on removing barriers between artists and audiences and NIFF is excited to connect Indigenous artists from many nations with all people from the Nogojiwanong community and beyond. - More info here.

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Storytime Special: National Indigenous History Month - Ajax Public Library

Join us at 10am, at the Audley Branch, for a special storytime in celebration of National Indigenous History Month, featuring fun and inspiring titles from Indigenous authors and illustrators.

INSTEAM for Families - Oshawa Library, McLaughlin Branch

Explore Indigenous ways of learning through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math with special guest Melody Crowe. From 10:30-11:30, registration required.

Human Rights Conference 2024

Join us on Saturday June 22nd for the second Annual Human Rights Conference, a collaborative effort between Pride Toronto, labour unions and community organizations dedicated to advocating for the rights of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals both locally and globally. Under the guiding theme of “Be S.A.F.E” , we come together to address the challenges, celebrate the progress and chart the course for a more equitable and inclusive society.

This one-day conference will have attendees participating in interactive workshops, be inspired by guest speakers and networking with fellow activists, allies and supporters from around the globe.

At the Annual Human Rights Conference, we affirm our commitment to “Be” advocates for change, champions of equality, and allies in the struggle for human rights. Join us as we stand together, united in our diversity, and resolute in our pursuit of a better tomorrow. - More Info Here.

SUNDAY, JUNE 30

Indigenous & Two Spirit Pride

Come together with 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations and Pride Toronto for an enriching community gathering following the Pride Parade, hosted at our Garden Stage. Embrace the spirit of togetherness with activities like the beading circle and the sacred fire, offering a space for connection and reflection among community members. Explore the vibrant Two-Spirit artists market and indulge in delightful performances that will carry us from late afternoon into the enchanting evening hours. Join us in celebrating Indigenous culture, resilience, and unity in this inclusive and welcoming space. - More details here.

Regional Councillor, Sterling Lee, speaks at Ajax International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia flag raising

Join our volunteer team! We have diverse opportunities for those interested in community education, attending flag raisings, answering general inquiry responses, facilitating groups, and more.

If you're interested in volunteering, please take a moment to complete this form and let us know about how you'd like to play a role in our community initiatives.

• Aaron Ward c/o Queer Disc Golf