COVID-19: Toronto hosts virtual Sunrise Ceremony for National Indigenous Peoples Day
TORONTO, ON., June 18, 2020 — The City of Toronto has created a virtual ceremony to commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day. Due to ongoing COVID-19 measures, this year the ceremony will not be held live at Nathan Phillips Square, but instead will be hosted online, to ensure the health and safety of all.
All are welcome and encouraged to view the video ceremony at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 21, joining others across Canada in celebrating this important day to recognize and celebrate the unique culture, accomplishments and knowledge of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.
This year’s ceremony will include:
- Prayer from Elder Garry Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, including offering of medicines (smudging)
- Water ceremony and song, followed by a berry teaching, with Kim Wheatley, Anishinaabe Grandmother, Turtle Clan and Traditional Ancestral Knowledge Keeper from Shawanaga First Nation
- Welcome from Chief Stacey Laforme of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
- Messages from Mayor John Tory and Councillor Mike Layton, member of the Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee
- Big Drum Honour Song performed by the Black Bull Moose Singers, a traditional Indigenous singing group of the Anishnawbe and Oneida First Nations
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, the public is encouraged to acknowledge and learn more about the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.
Date: Sunday, June 21
Time: 5:30 a.m.
The video will be posted at toronto.ca/indigenous-event. It will remain posted and be available online.
SOURCE City of Toronto
