Indigenous Legacy Gathering | September 29-30, 2023
Table of Contents
Partners/Funders/Supporters
Schedule
Workshops
No advance registration. Workshops are on a first come first serve basis.
John Keeshig – Teaching Lodge Workshop
Cultural workshop on the design and building of traditional teaching lodges. John Keeshig is the Knowledge Keeper who is guiding the design of the Teaching Lodge within the Spirit Garden. Using a structure that simulates the internal construction of the lodge, this year, John will be able to draw comparisons to the structure that is currently being raised on Nathan Phillips Square.
Solomon King – Clay Turtle Making Workshop
Solomon King, the designer for the Turtle Sculpture which has a central position in the Spirit Garden, assists youth and adults to create their own small clay turtles. As an artist and master stone mason, he guides participants in the creation of replicas inspired by the 10-ton granite sculpture that will be on view in the fall of 2024.
Council Fire – Tipi Making Workshop
Join our cultural worker Natalie Ortega to create your own mini Tipi while learning about the history, techniques and meanings behind each part. This workshop is ideal for visitors ages 6 and up.
Roots and Raven – Medicines Workshop – Sweetgrass Spray
Learn how to make beautiful sweetgrass medicine mist to add to your self-care routine. Roots and Raven grow and harvest many of their own organic herbs and medicines.
Kevin Sandy – Lacrosse
Access on a first come first serve basis when trainers are available during the day in the lacrosse cages.
Performers/Speakers
All Nations Junior – Drum
Juniors was born. The group has composed many songs, one of which,
‘Everyone Welcome’ was written by members Dakota Myran and Jayden
Wemigwans. This Cree/Ojibwe song was composed in honour of all peoples
across Turtle Island and tells a story that all dancers are welcome to come
into the arena to dance and showcase their styles and culture. The All Nations
Juniors are also a part of the A more Beautiful Journey project.
Red Bear Singers – Songs and Hand Drums
in 2018. This was done as a way to continue the personal healing journeys of
each individual member in a group setting. The group wrote their first song
in 2018, titled, “Away Back”. This song honours the children taken from their
families and placed into foster care, orphanages, day schools, and Residential
Schools. Since then, the group has worked on learning several community
songs including the three songs which can be heard on the Soundways App.
The App is a part of the Toronto Transit Commission and the City of Toronto’s
Year of Public Art, A More Beautiful Journey landmark XR (extended reality)
audio installation. (amorebeatifuljourney.ca)
Aztec Dancers Group Dance
The Aztec Dancers perform traditional Indigenous dances from Mexico. Their
dances honour the 4 sacred elements; water, earth, air, and fire. Each dance
has a meaning and a prayer.
Kevin Sandy – Lacrosse Teachings and Demonstration
River Territory, Six Nations. Kevin is the CEO/Director of Haudenosaunee Lacrosse and Otahyoni Management Group and a co-founder of the Indigenous Lacrosse Association.
Anthony Gladue
He has been a champion traditional dancer since he was 7 years old. A
graduate of Centre for Indigenous Theatre (CIT) in 2012 he has performed in a
number of Indigenous theatrical productions. Anthony is currently the KIzhaay
Anishinaabe Niin (I am a Kind Man) Coordinator. In his solo flute performances,
Anthony regales us with his cultural morality tales, and traditional teachings.
Semiah Smith – Mohawk Singer
J’net Ayayqwayaksheelth
EJ Kwandibens – Jingle Dress Teachings and Demonstration
First Nation. EJ weaves his personal and family’s history through traditional
teachings on the jingle dress .
James Wilson
Event Site Plan
Spirit Garden
The Spirit Garden Project is a 19,250 square-foot Indigenous cultural space that will provide teaching, learning, sharing, and healing experiences for the Indigenous community of Toronto, the City’s diverse citizens, newcomers, and visitors. The project responds in part to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Call to Action 82, for governments to commission and install a Residential Schools Monument in each capital city to honour residential school survivors, and all the children lost to their families and communities. The design of the Spirit Garden revolves around Turtle Island and offers dedicated places for contemplation, celebration, and ceremonies – open, inclusive, and welcoming to all. The fully accessible site includes a reflecting pond, a Two Wampum walkway, a Voyageur canoe, an Inukshuk, and a timber-frame Teaching Lodge.