What's On at the Library

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. During this month, there is a spotlight on Indigenous cultures, histories, experiences and perspectives - and opportunities to reflect on the complicated, colonial history of Canada.

Below, I've gathered some things that you can do in the library - and in the community - this month!

What you can do at the library

Here's some of what you can do this month at our branches or online.

Borrow some of our materials

• Check out titles for all ages featured on our Read Indigenous lists.
• Check out titles from our Reading for Reconciliation list.
• Check out some documentaries in our collection, and listen to some Indigenous musicians.

Attend programs at the library

This month we have a variety of programs available both in-branch and online! Please be sure to click on the listing and save your spot, as registration may be required to attend.

Consulting with the Ether (in-branch exhibit)

This free 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. You can visit the exhibit until July 30, 2022 at the TD Gallery on the main floor of the Toronto Reference Library.

Lacrosse: Roots of the Game - It's a Medicine Game (online program - no longer available)

Join Kevin Sandy on June 1 at 6:30pm as he presents the history of lacrosse, from the first game, to wooden stick teachings and more.

Intersections of Indigenous Environmental Justice & Climate Change (online)

Join Deborah McGregor and fellow members of the Indigenous Environmental Project on June 9 at 6:30pm as they discuss concepts of environmental justice and Indigenous ways of thinking about our environment.

Ojibway/English Stories, Songs & Rhymes (in-branch)

Join us at our Runnymede branch for stories, songs and rhymes in the Ojibway and English language for ages 5 and under with their parents or caregivers. Please note that this in-program has limited space and registration is required. Please call 416-393-7697 to register.

As Long as the Rivers Flow: Past, Present and Future of the Land Back Movement (online)

Join Rick Montour on June 14 at 6:30pm to learn about the Land Back Movement, how it came to be and its current objectives.

Indigenous Technologies Across Turtle Island (online)

Join Alejandro Mayoral-Banos and Danielle Paradis of the Indigenous Friends Association on June 23 at 6:30pm as they talk about technologies used by Indigenous People across Turtle Island.

Indigenous Film Nights (in-branch)

Join us at our Parliament Street branch on June 27 and 29 at 5:00pm as we screen four short documentaries exploring a range of Indigenous experiences in Canada.

What you can do outside of the library

This is just a small selection of events happening across the City this month. All events shared below are open to all to attend:

• Attend a free online Indigenous Storytelling Workshop: Hand Drum Circle with Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone (offered for all ages by Vaughan Public Libraries) on June 6.
• Attend the Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival on June 9 - 12 at the Harbourfront Centre.
• Attend the Indigenous Arts Festival on June 18 - 19 at Fork York. June 18 includes the Na-Me-Res Traditional Pow Wow, and June 19 has an Indigenous Food Market, an Artisan's market, and live music performances.
• Attend the Indigenous Day event hosted by the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto at Yonge-Dundas Square from 10am - 7pm, which will have a free concert all day.
• Watch the Tkaronto Music Festival on June 21. The festival is both in-person at the Harbourfront Centre and will be streamed on YouTube this year.
• Attend the free evening concert and drone show at Ashbridges Bay from 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm.
• Participate in the National Indigenous Peoples Day Sunrise Ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square.