On June 21, National Aboriginal Day, Toronto Public Library will host a day of programming in the Bram & Bluma Appel Salon at the Toronto Reference Library focusing on First Nations history and culture, culminating in a panel discussion on Canada’s missing and murdered Aboriginal women.
No More Silence, a panel hosted by the CBC’s Michael Enright, will feature Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Deborah Richardson, Audrey Huntley of Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto and journalist, writer, and artist Angela Sterrit.
The stage for the day will be set at 2 pm with a traditional round dance led by the Smoke Trail Singers and Toronto Public Library’s Aboriginal writer in residence Cherie Dimaline. At 3 pm, authors Marilyn Dumont (A Really Good Brown Girl) and Lee Maracle (Celia’s Song) explore the societal boundaries and loss of tradition that continues to plague First Nations communities. The panel, to be taped for broadcast on CBC’s Sunday Edition, will follow at 4 pm.
One ticket admits one to all three events. Tickets are free and available online at staring May 24.
Additionally, throughout the month of June the library will celebrate First Nations culture and heritage with a series of informative and fun programs, from traditional round dances to Indigenous films, storytelling, author visits, and programs centred on traditional art, dance and medicine.
Award-winning playwright and author Drew Hayden Taylor leads a discussion about Native humour. Inuit throat singer, poet, and author Taqralik Partridge shares stories and poems from Canada’s north at the Toronto Reference Library, Malvern and Beaches branches.
Spotlight on Films from Turtle Island, a month-long film festival in partnership with National Film Board of Canada showcases films written and directed by First Nations filmmakers at branches across the city. Select screenings include Q&A sessions with acclaimed director Alanis Obomsawin and Elder Amy Desjarlais.
The Museum of Inuit Art hosts a series of fun, hands-on programs that explore both traditional and modern Inuit culture. Bata Shoe Museum explores the beauty of traditional decorative techniques on Native North American footwear.
Introspective discussions feature non-fiction writer Mark Abley (The Prodigal Tongue), who sheds light on the paradox of Duncan Campbell Scott, and Bob Goulais, member of the Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge, who explores the importance of the medicine wheel in Aboriginal culture.
Native music journalist and radio host Brian Wright-McLeod presents the eclectic sounds of First Nations music on June 25.
Throughout the month of June, children of all ages can enjoy the classical art of oral storytelling, crafts, and singing and dancing. On June 13, puppeteers from Rabbit and Bear Paws present Council of the Animals.
All events are free. Click here for a full listing.
Toronto Public Library is one of the world's busiest urban public library systems. Every year, 19 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow 32 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131. To get the most current updates on what's happening at the library, follow us on Twitter @torontolibrary.
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Media Contact:
Michelle Leung, 416-397-5936, media@torontopubliclibrary.ca