Join us in celebrating Indigenous people and communities
Land Acknowledgement
The Toronto Transit Commission acknowledges that the land now called Toronto is the traditional territory of many Nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabek and the Haudenosaunee confederacies and the Wendat Peoples.
Toronto is also home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13, signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.
The Toronto Transit Commission recognizes the efforts of all Indigenous Peoples in the building and placemaking of Toronto. The TTC remains committed to genuinely working with Indigenous communities, while acknowledging that our organization is on a continuous learning and awareness journey, consistently aspiring to increase authentic opportunities for Indigenous engagement.
As we seek to play a part in reconciliation, our organization aims to have consistent, authentic, and meaningful approaches to consultation, with greater cultural safety within TTC staff at every level.
Carrying Our Stories 2024
This year’s TTC’s Indigenous Peoples Month theme “Carrying Our Stories” expands the 2023 theme of “Gathering and Sharing Stories”.
It honours and celebrates First Nations, Inuit and Métis people’s connections and contributions that Indigenous Nations have made to build, share, placemake and placekeep in this place we now call Toronto.
This year the TTC is honouring some of Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Traditional Teachers who “carried stories” to the city to support the development of a vibrant and thriving urban Indigenous community. The TTC also helps shape the Indigenous community by “carrying” First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to the community centres, events and gathering places where Indigenous Peoples meet, learn and share, language, cultural practices and ways of knowing and being with each other and the larger Toronto community.
This year’s campaign highlights the diversity of Indigenous stories, about love; love for family, community and cultures.
Translations of Theme
International People’s Month 2024 - Carrying Our Stories – English
Gda-bbaamaagma-mi – Anishnaabemowin
Ratikarenhá:wis - Kanien'kéha
Ayuri:waęʔ - Wyandot
Elaine Bomberry writer of Rez Rocket Romance
Elaine is Anishinaabe and Cayuga, from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, in southern Ontario. She is a multitalented and multi award winning artist who has worked as a freelance Indigenous Performing Arts activist/promoter/manager for 38 years, and was a TV and radio producer for 15 years. In Elaine’s 38 year career she has worked with Native Earth Performing Arts, the JUNO’s and APTN. Elaine was the first Indigenous board member for Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, She now makes her home on the Capilano Rez, on the unceded Squamish Nation territory in North Vancouver, British Columbia, for the last 18 years.
Elaine is Manager for JUNO winner, Mohawk blues piano man Murray Porter her Husband, also from Six Nations, and has worked with him since 1990. She was also Associate Producer on his JUNO award-winning CD, `Songs Lived & Life Played’, and has emerged as a lyricist on a few songs on his last 2 recordings, and is now a member of SOCAN. She’s Associate Producer on his new album, “STAND UP!” released in February 2019.
Rez Rocket Romance Description
Shkoonigan Ishkoode-Daaban - Anishnaabemowin
Yakohonwiseróntyes - Kanien'kéha
Ayuhǫmiʔešrakyeʔs - Wyandot
Inspired from the essay of the same name, Rez Rocket Romance is an essay written by Elaine Bomberry about her Parents, her mother, Rita Bomberry (nee McCue) Anishinaabe, from Chimnissing and her father, Peter Bomberry Cayuga from Six Nations of the Grand River. Rita and Peter’s chance encounter on the College Streetcar in the spring of 1960, which led to them meeting, falling in love and marrying.
Rez Rocket Romance designed by Joel Martin
Instagram - @jmgdjoel
SJ Okemow
Instagram - @vernacularstudios
SJ Okemow is a multidisciplinary artist of Nehiyaw and Eastern European descent. She belongs to Bigstone Cree Nation and holds a BSc in Physiology and an MSc in Medical Art. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of New South Wales, working remotely in the 3DX Lab. Developing from the intersections of her personal identity, her art practice explores how western science and Indigenous knowledge differ from one another in their perspectives on the world and our relationship to others, but also how these two ways of knowing and being can come together.
Peyahtik (To be with intention – Cree) Description
onjidaa-zhisin – Anishnaabemowin
Ronnéhton – Kanien'kéha
Ayuʔⁿdiyǫrawahstih – Wyandot
The word peyahtik is written in nêhiyawêwin syllabics across the wall as lichen grows around it, giving shape to the word itself. Peyahtik means to be with intention, to walk softly and slowly. Lichen shares the sentiment of the word peyahtik, growing at different, almost unperceivable, timescales. Lichen thrives in inhospitable conditions, a softness adhering to rocky forms, small organisms growing on mountains. By playing with scale, I wanted to take an organism so commonly overlooked and yet so integral to our environment, and make it visible to all. The lichen latches onto the old and grows anew, reminding us to be intentional with our thoughts, our actions, and our words.
Tannis Nielsen
Instagram - @tannisnielsen
Tannis Nielsen is a Red River Métis Woman, whose maternal grandparents Catherine Boucher and Joseph Monkman were born in the Metis communities of St. Louis and Halcro district Saskatchewan. Tannis has twenty-five years of professional experience in the arts, cultural and community sectors, and fifteen years teaching practice at the post-secondary level. Tannis holds a Masters in Visual Studies Degree (M.V.S.) from the University of Toronto, an Art and Art History-Specialist Degree from U of T, as well as a Diploma in Art and Art History from Sheridan College, in Oakville, Ontario.
Tannis’ research interests include: anti-colonial/anti-capitalist theory, Indigenous decolonization methodologies, Indigenous pedagogies/oral histories, Indigenous feminism, Indigenous arts activism(s), Indigenous governance/natural law(s), and the relative investigations between Indigenous science and quantum physics.
As a visual artist Tannis’s practice includes: drawing, painting, new media installation, sculpture and performance.
While at OCAD-U, Tannis has served on the Indigenous Education council, the Equity and Diversity Committee. The Aboriginal Engagement Committee at UBC-O and has sat as Advisor to the Toronto District School Board, a member of the Toronto Native Community History Project and is the past President of The Association for Native Development in the Performing and Visual Arts (A.N.D.P.V.A.), a national Native arts organization in service since 1972. Tannis currently teaches in the painting and drawing stream at OCAD-U.
‘N’gekaajig kidowog (My Elders Said - Anishnaabemowin) Description
Né:'e Rón:ton ne Thotí:yens– Kanien'kéha
Ahędihǫʔ Hatiʔtǫhs – Wyandot
Rose Logan - Anishinaabe, Wikwemikong First Nation
Lee Maracle Stó:lō Nation, Tsleil Waututh First Nation
Mary Lou Smoke is Ojibway Nation, from Batchawana First Nation & Dan Smoke is Seneca Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation
Rodney Bobiwash Mississauga Nation, Blind River First Nation
Duke Redbird - Ojibway Nation, Saugeen First Nation
The Elder/Honour Wall, consists of 28 portraits of Indigenous Peoples named by the local community while honouring the Indigenous Elders and leaders of the local Toronto community.
The Elder-Teacher Honor wall N’ gekaajig Kidowog is created to recognize and honour the Indigenous Elders and leaders of the local Toronto community. The name and nation of each individual appears under each portrait along with a teaching they have given in relation to the land, creating an entranceway into traditional ecological knowledge and an awareness of the planet’s fragility. It is my intention that all who see this mural will gain a better understanding of where they are located geographically, be reminded that Toronto is located upon Indigenous territory, and deepen their consciousness politically, socially and environmentally.
https://muskratmagazine.com/indig-toronto-tannis-nielsen/
Take the TTC to see the Elder/Honour Wall:
From Line 1 Union Station follow The PATH – Skywalk. Exit at Lower Simcoe St. The murals are located at the underpass on the southwest side of Lower Simcoe St. and Brenner Blvd.
Catherine Taǫmęˀšreˀ Tammaro
Catherine Tammaro (Wyandot; Little/Spotted Turtle Clan) is a multi-disciplinary artist whose practice spans decades. Catherine is active throughout the City of Toronto as a freelance artist and is a mentor, teacher and creative advisor to young artists and students. An alumna of the Ontario College of Art, she has had a diverse career, multiple exhibits and installations, published written works, presentations and currently public works such as these Clan Markers. She is also an Elder in Residence and works in the diverse Toronto Indigenous community and elsewhere promoting awareness of Wyandot Lifeways. Catherine is grateful to serve the diverse Indigenous Communities which make up our vast urban landscape.
"Energetic Signatures"
Indigenous Clan Markers
Dodemag –Anishnaabemowin
Ken'taraténnyonke –Kanien'kéha
Ihatiʔⁿduhšruʔtęʔ –Wyandot
These 22 bronze Clan Markers embedded along the Queen West pavers from Spadina to McCaul, are resonant glyphs, designed with associated attributes and accompanying teachings in mind, echoing pathways and dances of the beings who have travelled and gathered here for centuries. They represent our Ancestors, our Lifeways and heart connections – in essence, our kinship; our grounding in community and the Natural World.
https://catherinetammaro.com/ihatindouhchoutenh-clan-totems-energetic-signatures/
Take the TTC to see the 22 bronze Clan Markers:
Take 501 Queen to McCaul St. or 511 Spadina to Queen St. West. The markers are located between McCaul St. and Spadina Avenue on Queen St. West.
Shawn Howe
Instagram - @shawnhowe_
Shawn Howe (They/Them/Theirs) is an Ojibwe, Indigiqueer non-binary, neurodivergent, disabled artist. Their Spirit name is Red Cedar Tree and they are Wolf Clan. They come from Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation with membership in Sipekne’katik First Nation. They are a self-taught artist, residing in Toronto (Treaty 13), where they work as a digital illustrator, mural artist and community engagement art facilitator.
Shawn’s art is influenced by their love and relation to the land and their ancestors. They create bright colourful land based art that embodies a fluid and infinite way they see the cosmos, animals, plant medicines, water and ancestors. Shawn creates art where love, joy and connection can be felt, and where we can engage in deeper conversations to move beyond oneself, and think about our relations with the land, each other and our future generations.
Queer Earth Description
Agopiitawin Aki – Anishnaabemowin
Tsi Thotinon'ón:wa – Kanien'kéha
Kaⁿgyaʔsut – Wyandot
I dreamt up this world where the land, animals and ancestors held me in a magical place away from all the hate. I saw an Indigenous queer land, where all of us 2SLGBTQIAP+ and gender diverse people are loved exactly as we are.
I imagined our traditional 2S queer roles hadn’t been impacted, and homophobia and transphobia never existed. I saw us in our sacred ceremonies—instead of having to choose between a male or female side, we stood in between, outside, and rested underneath a rainbow lodge where we felt safe and celebrated, never letting the hate in.
The land and animals remind me, this place exists.
Take the TTC to see the Queen Earth mural:
Take 47 Lansdowne to Dundas St. West or 505 Dundas to Lansdowne Ave. The mural is located at the underpass on the southeast side of the Dundas St. West and Lansdowne Ave. intersection.
Mo Thunder
Instagram - @mo_thunder
Mo (they/them) is a nonbinary/fluid, neurodivergent multidisciplinary artist and facilitator who grew up in a small town along the St. Clair River, they currently live in T’karonto (Toronto), which has been home for over a decade. They are Haudenosaunee (Oneida Nation of the Thames), French-Canadian and Anishinaabe (Aamjiwnaang First Nation).
Mo holds a BFA in studio art with a focus on drawing, silkscreen printing, photography and video from Fanshawe College and the University of Lethbridge, however, they are also self and community-taught. They have over 15 years of experience in community arts facilitation, organization, education, collaboration and consultation. Since high school, they have been working in community arts creating solo and collaborative murals and providing group and individual art facilitation. In June 2022, Mo graduated from the Toronto Art Therapy Institute (TATI).
Through their multidisciplinary art practice (painting, murals, mixed media, beading, journaling, poetry and textiles), they create visual stories about their lived experiences in connection to their personal healing. Mo is also inspired by intergenerational connections and healing, family and memories, personal and collective empowerment, and all of creation, especially skyworld.
Mo co-created and co-facilitated a community art / creative expression program for young Indigenous folks in T’karonto, Our Stories Our Truths (OSOT) and a mural collective of BIPoC 2SLGBTQQIAP+ and gender-diverse creatives, Earth Sky Collective (ESC).
They have a deep love and passion for learning Oneida language, zines, journals, art supplies, music, neurodiversity, organization, sewing, fashion and tattoos!
FROM THE EARTH
We are the earth, the earth is us.
Our ancestors are here-
The mud
Those rocks
A standing stone
The upright trees
The stillness of the sky
And the smokey sun
Thunderers revive
So flowing rivers can splash across our bodies and rush through us.
We are the water, the water is us.
Nourishment grows from little hearts and fingertips to provide for future generations and our ancestors too.
Dreaming of these spaces and places that hold us, root us and love us.
Currents of change is about us all.
Take the TTC to see the From the Earth mural
Take 501 Queen, 503 Kingston Rd, or 504 King to Broadview Ave. Walk west to Hamilton St. The mural is located on the northwest corner of the Queen St. East and Hamilton St. intersection.
Book Cover Artist
Indigenous Toronto, Stories That Carry This Place
Gete-yaajma Bmiwdaasing – Anishnaabemowin
Ratikarenhá:wis – Kanien'kéha
Ayuri:waęʔ – Wyandot
Indigenous Toronto, Stories That Carry This Place
Book Cover Picture
Description
WINNER OF THE HERITAGE TORONTO 2022 BOOK AWARD
Rich and diverse narratives of Indigenous Toronto, past and present
Beneath many major North American cities rests a deep foundation of Indigenous history that has been colonized, paved over, and, too often, silenced. Few of its current inhabitants know that Toronto has seen twelve thousand years of uninterrupted Indigenous presence and nationhood in this region, along with a vibrant culture and history that thrives to this day.
With contributions by Indigenous Elders, scholars, journalists, artists, and historians, this unique anthology explores the poles of cultural continuity and settler colonialism that have come to define Toronto as a significant cultural hub and intersection that was also known as a Meeting Place long before European settlers arrived.
"This book is a reflection of endurance and a helpful corrective to settler fantasies. It tells a more balanced account of our communities, then and now. It offers the space for us to reclaim our ancestors’ language and legacy, rewriting ourselves back into a landscape from which non Indigenous historians have worked hard to erase us. But we are there in the skyline and throughout the GTA, along the coast and in all directions." – From the introduction by Hayden King
Award Winner, Speaker's Book Award 2021
For more information
https://chbooks.com/Books/I/Indigenous-Toronto
Bio of Editors
Denise Bolduc creates, curates, and produces innovative platforms inspiring creative experiences, transformation, and exchange. Throughout her expansive career of close to thirty years in arts and culture, Denise has committed to elevating Indigenous voices with countless celebrated artists, creative thinkers, and leading cultural institutions across Turtle Island and globally. Denise is Ojibwe-Anishnaabe and French from the Lake Superior–Robinson Huron Treaty Territory, and is a member of the Batchewana First Nation, with deep familial roots in Ketegaunseebee/Garden River First Nation.
Mnawaate Gordon-Corbiere is Grouse clan and a member of M’Chigeeng First Nation. She is Ojibwe and Cree. Born in Toronto and raised in M’Chigeeng, in 2019 she obtained her BA, majoring in history and English, from the University of Toronto. While completing her degree, she worked with the Great Lakes Research Alliance for the Study of Aboriginal Arts and Cultures to migrate its new database. Upon graduating, Mnawaate worked with Heritage Toronto as the agency’s Indigenous Content Coordinator. This project marks her first time working as a coeditor and contributor to an anthology.
Media and story creator Rebeka Tabobondung is the founder and editor-in-chief of MUSKRAT Magazine, a leading online Indigenous arts and culture magazine. Rebeka is also a filmmaker, writer, poet, and Indigenous knowledge researcher. In 2015, Rebeka co-founded the Gchi Dewin Indigenous Storytellers Festival in Wasauksing First Nation, along the beautiful shores of Georgian Bay, where she is also a member. Since 2017, she has been working as a creator, researcher, and writer with award-winning Montreal-based Rezolution Pictures. Rebeka is the co-owner of the award-winning whole communications company Maaiingan Productions. In 2019, she and her partner acquired ReZ 91.3 FM, a designated Native community radio station.
Widely recognized as the authority on Native music, Brian Wright-McLeod (Dakota/Anishnabe) is a Toronto-based author, artist, producer, archivist, and educator. His radio work resulted in The Encyclopedia of Native Music and the companion three-CD Soundtrack of a People [EMI Music Canada] which were the basis for the Smithsonian Institute’s Native music exhibit Up Where We Belong and the documentary film Rumble, which earned three 2018 Canadian Screen Awards.
Brian has lectured internationally, worked as a music consultant for film, television, and recording projects. He served on the Juno Awards Aboriginal Music Committee and helped establish the Native American music category for the Grammy Awards. He teaches Indigenous music at Centennial College and Indigenous media at York University.
Subway Translations
First Nations Peoples have been placemaking and placekeeping in the place we call Toronto. To honour three Nations Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Wyandot as some of the original caretakers of these territories and to celebrate the richness and diversity of First Nations Peoples, the TTC has chosen to temporarily translate the name of Victoria Park, Spadina, Old Mill and North Youth Centre stations to signify the four directions or medicine wheel teachings in Anishinaabe and Wyandot culture.
There are seven directions with in Anishinaabe and Wyandot teachings: North, South, East and West. As well as the Sky, Earth and Self. Below are some very brief descriptions the Anishnaabe medicine wheel and 7 directions teachings.
Seven directions teachings
East – Waabanong
South – Zhaawanong
West – Epigishimok
North – Giiwedinong
Sky – Ishpiming
Earth – Shakgamik Kwe
Self – Niin Deh / N’de
Medicine Wheel Teachings
East –
Yellow
Spring
Morning
Babies/Toddlers
The animal is Eagle
Sacred medicine is Tobacco
South –
Red
Summer
Afternoon
Children/Youth
The animal is Wolf
Sacred medicine is cedar
West –
Black
Autumn
Evening/Night
Adult/Parenthood
The animal is Buffalo
Sacred medicine is Sage
North –
White
Winter
Late Night
Elders/Grandparents
The animal is Bear
Sacred medicine is Sweetgrass
https://www.fourdirectionsteachings.com/interactive.html
Victoria Park – East
Wiigwaasika (Place of Many Birch Trees) – Anishinaabemowin
Watenakè:ta:rons (Birch trees) – Kanien'kéha
Yaⁿdatsekwaʔ (Birch) - Wyandot
Spadina - South
Ishpadinaa (High hill or ridge) – Anishinaabemowin
Ka'nyahrá:ke (On the slope) - Kanien'kéha
Kayarę:reʔ (Where it leans) – Wyandot
Old Mill - West
Gabekanang Ziibi (River at the end of the road or trail) - Anishinaabemowin
Teyoyà:kon (Stream crossing) - Kanien'kéha
Kateʔtahk (It used to pound/grind there) - Speaking about Old Mill – Wyandot
North York Centre - North
Waasay-ishkode-nayosh (Bright Burning Point) - Anishinaabemowin
Kayanakwe'niyó:ke (Place of the main trail) - Kanien'kéha
Uhahuwanędeh (At the big road) - Kanien'kéha
Translators
Anishnaabemowin Translations
Lena Recollect – Anishnaabemowin
Lena Recollet is Anishinaabe from Wiikwemkoong and owner of Assiginack Consulting and Training. Inspired by legacy and named her Indigenous awareness business after her ancestor who was a trilingual oratory and war chief who was a wampum belt carrier and war chief. The daughter of Sally Atchitawens an Anishinaabemowin teacher in Wikwemikong is also what inspired Lena to follow in not just her mother but also her ancestors’ footsteps. Lena was a secondary school Anishinaabemowin teacher for Toronto District School Board from 2015-2021 and more recently was teaching virtual Native Language for Native Child and Family Services of Toronto. She also had featured creative work in Anishinaabemowin, her first Album “I Am Woman, Kwe” won Best Spoken Word Recording from the Native American Music Awards. Her first poem fully in Anishinaabemowin “Kchi-Nendizan” premiered at the Asinabka Film Festival.
Kanyen’kehá:ka Translations
(Mohawk)
Jeremy Green - Kanyen’kehá:ka
Tehota’kerá:ton Dr. Jeremy D. Green is Kanyen’kehá:ka ‘Mohawk’, wolf clan, from the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and resides at Six Nations of the Grand River Territory with his wife and six children. Tehota’kerá:ton is an Assistant Professor of Indigenous Studies at York University specializing in Indigenous Language and Culture Revitalization. Tehota’kerá:ton earned his PhD at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo in the Hawaiian and Indigenous Language and Culture Revitalization PhD Program where he graduated from the first ever non-Hawaiian speaking cohort.
Wyandot Translations
Catherine Tammaro – Wyandot
Catherine Tammaro (Wyandot; Little/Spotted Turtle Clan) is a multi-disciplinary artist whose practice spans decades. Catherine is active throughout the City of Toronto as a freelance artist and is a mentor, teacher and creative advisor to young artists and students. An alumna of the Ontario College of Art, she has had a diverse career, multiple exhibits and installations, published written works, presentations and currently public works such as these Clan Markers. She is also an Elder in Residence and works in the diverse Toronto Indigenous community and elsewhere promoting awareness of Wyandot Lifeways. Catherine is grateful to serve the diverse Indigenous Communities which make up our vast urban landscape.
Dr. Craig Kopris – Wyandot Translations (He is not Wyandot)
Dr. Craig Kopris is a linguist whose focus is on the Iroquoian family of languages, particularly Wyandot and Cherokee. He has also been known to spend summers teaching at CILLDI, enjoying the company of speakers of Cree and various Dene languages. Catherine works with Dr. Kopris in translating her works, as she learns the Wyandot Language. Craig is a beloved ally to many Wyandot(te) folks across Turtle Island.
Indigenous Peoples Month Events
May 30 to June 2, 2024
Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival
https://indigenousfashionarts.com/
Eaton Centre
220 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2H1
Take the TTC:
Line 1 to:
Dundas Station
Queen Station
Streetcar:
505 Dundas Streetcar to Yonge Street/Dundas Square.
Saturday, June 1, 2024
2 Spirited Peoples of the 1st Nations
https://2spirits.org/
Annual Pow wow
Downsview Park, Toronto.
70 Canuck Ave, North York, ON M3K 2C5
11am to 6:00pm
Take the TTC:
Subway to Downsview Park
walk to Downsview Park Trail
Take 101 bus to Stanley Greene
Monday, June 10 to Friday, June 14, 2024
Indigenous Music Summit
https://www.indigenousmusicsummit.com/
TD Music Hall & Allied Music Centre
178 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1T7
Take the TTC:
Subway to Dundas or Queen Station
Walk 10 mins. to Victoria street
Streetcar: 505 Dundas to Yonge Street/Dundas Square
Walk 10 mins. to Victoria street.
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Na Me Rez
https://www.nameres.org/
Annual Pow Wow
Fort York
250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9
11:00am to 6:00pm
Take the TTC:
Bathurst Subway, 511 Bathurst Streetcar
Union Station, 509 Harbourfront to Exhibition
Saturday June 15 and Sunday June 16, 2024
Indigenous Arts Festival
Fort York
250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9 11:00am to 6:00pm
Take the TTC:
Bathurst Subway, 511 Bathurst Streetcar
Union Station, 509 Harbourfront to Exhibition
We would like to thank the community organization that supported this initiatives
2 Spirited Peoples of the 1st Nations
