Experience Mino Bimaadiziwin (A Good Life) at events held throughout June to honour National Indigenous History Month, culminating on June 21 to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day. Families can join sunrise ceremonies, festivals, concerts and further Indigenous initiatives to learn about and reflect on the diversity of First Nations, MĂ©tis and Inuit peoples across Toronto, as well as the entirety of Turtle Island. Check out our Guide to National Indigenous History Month Events in Toronto and the GTA…
Special Events in Toronto
The Village at Black Creek: Changing The Narrative
Date: Throughout June
Recognizing that the site had been focusing on settlers of European descent, The Village at Black Creek has begun work to change the narrative by collaborating with and showcasing Indigenous organizations and artists.
imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
Date: June 2-7 (Toronto) and June 8-14, 2026 (online)
The imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, the world’s largest presenter of Indigenous screen content, returns for its milestone 25th annual Festival, with in-person events followed by online festival selections.
Bata Shoe Museum — Workshops and Presentations
Date: June 2-27, 2026
Bata Shoe Museum includes various events during June, including a moccasin making workshop with Manitobah Storyboot School, a beading workshop, and Indigenous Belongings Presentations.
2 Spirited People of the 1st Nations: 5th Annual 2-Spirit Pow Wow
Date: June 6, 2026
Join the 2 Spirited People of the 1st Nations organization for a free, safe and welcoming event at Milliken District Park in Scarborough, with a drum circle and dancers.
Toronto Zoo: Haudenosaunee Star Teachings
Date: June 6, 2026
Filling your spirit with stardust and knowledge through Indigenous Astronomy! Samantha Doxtator, Haudenosaunee-Oneida, Wolf Clan, reveals how the stars helps communities navigate and honour the sacred relationship between humanity and the cosmos.
Ontario Science Centre: Indigenous Celebration
Date: June 6, 2026
At this free, family-friendly event at Evergreen Brick Works, join the Indigenous community for interactive workshops, performances and hands-on activities that explore Indigenous ways of knowing and connect with members of the Indigenous community to celebrate their heritage.
Toronto Union Station: TD Union Summer
Date: Starting June 8, 2026
Toronto Union Station’s TD Union Summer hosts live music performances including the Indigenous Spotlight Series, as part of this free outdoor food and live music festival with welcoming patio vibes.
Na-Me-Res Traditional Pow Wow
Date: June 13, 2026
Celebrate Indigenous culture and heritage at the Na-Me-Res Traditional Pow Wow in recognition of Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day at Dufferin Grove Park, featuring dancing, drumming and performances. Entrance is free, and everyone is welcome to experience the richness of Indigenous traditions through vibrant and inclusive family-friendly festivities plus craft and food vendors.
Shawish Market: Indigenous Art JourneyÂ
Date: June 14, 2026
The Toronto Public Library’s Main Branch hosts an Indigenous market and event that is free to attend, featuring a curated art gallery, vendor marketplace, and beading workshops, plus free coffee, tea and pastries.
National Indigenous Peoples Day at Beaches Sandbox
Date: June 19, 2026
Join Beaches Sandbox for a fun day of free, family-friendly activities, along with Indigenous teachings, traditional foods, hands-on activities, and more. This event offers people of all ages the opportunity to reflect, learn, and connect.
City of Toronto: Indigenous Arts Festival
Date: June 20, 2026
Celebrate culture, community and creativity as The City of Toronto celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day with the return of the free Indigenous Arts Festival, held this year at the new park in Toronto’s port lands, Biidaasige Park. This one-day festival features craft and food vendors, as well as dynamic performances, storytelling, dance, and more.
National Indigenous Peoples Day Annual Morning Ceremony
Date: June 21, 7:30 AM
Come together at Biidaasige Park to give thanks for all of creation and to honour Mishoomis Giizis (Grandfather Sun) who provides us with daytime light and warmth. Then, stay for the Feast!
Toronto Zoo: World Giraffe Day & National Indigenous Peoples Day
Date: June 21, 2026
Join Guardians of Giraffes, Zoo Volunteers, and the Anne Innis Dagg Foundation to celebrate Indigenous traditions and the lands that support giraffes, with activities, crafts, and touch tables.
Special Events in the GTA
City of Mississauga: National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
Date:Â June 21, 2026
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in the City of Mississauga at Celebration Square, where everyone is welcome to enjoy traditional Indigenous songs and dance, along with performances by Tia Wood, Manitou Mkwa Singers and MR. SAUGA, who will be joined by Qattuu and DJ Kookum.
Sainte Marie Among the Hurons: National Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Date: June 18-21, 2026
This heritage museum in Midland hosts a celebration of the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and MĂ©tis people and communities throughout Canada. It includes in-person and online education and the Legends of Lacrosse event on June 21.
Further Resources
Toronto Public Library: Indigenous Initiatives
Discover Indigenous perspectives and worldviews at your local Toronto Public Library branch with a wide range of resources and events.
Government National Indigenous Peoples Month Resources:
City of Toronto — www.toronto.ca
Destination Ontario – www.destinationontario.com
Government of Canada — www.canada.ca
APTN Special Programming
Join the national Indigenous TV network APTN all month for powerful stories that uplift community and showcase Indigenous voices, including marathons, movies, and special broadcasts.
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund: Indigenous History Month 2026 — Walking Together: Celebrating Indigenous History Month
Find events and further reading through this charity that aims to “improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada”.
Get more ideas for family fun with Special Events in Toronto and the GTA here!
