TTC honouring Indigenous Peoples Month
The TTC is honouring Indigenous Peoples Month by showcasing the vibrant stories and artwork of the urban Indigenous community in Toronto. Throughout June, commuters can immerse themselves in the rich culture of Indigenous artists through specially curated displays at TTC stations, on buses and streetcars, and in a special edition Ride and Find guide.
“It is truly heartening to see the TTC embracing Indigenous Peoples Month on its iconic vehicles, demonstrating a commitment to truth, justice, and reconciliation,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. “By recognizing and valuing the contributions of Indigenous peoples, we can work towards building stronger communities and promoting understanding and unity. The TTC’s dedication to showcasing these stories is a commendable step towards promoting diversity and cultural awareness.”
“The TTC Board proudly acknowledges the significant role our transit system plays in embracing and serving the diverse communities within our city,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “We invite everyone to join us in celebrating Indigenous Peoples Month, an occasion that allows us to embrace the rich and varied voices that shape our community and collective future. This is a crucial moment for education, awareness-building, and the dismantling of systemic racism and anti-Indigenous discrimination, as we strive to create a more inclusive and respectful society for all.”
“As we celebrate Indigenous Peoples Month, we are thrilled to collaborate with Indigenous Toronto: Stories that Carry This Place in amplifying the voices and stories of the urban Indigenous community in Toronto,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary. “With over 16,000 team members working tirelessly every day to deliver safe and reliable transit services, the TTC remains committed to our mission of creating a more accessible and inclusive transit system for everyone.”
This year the TTC is honouring 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. One of the featured stories, ‘Rez Rocket Romance,’ by Elaine Bomberry, tells the touching tale of how her parents met on the College Streetcar in the spring of 1960. Elaine’s mother is Anishinaabe, and her father is Cayuga, reflecting the diversity of Indigenous identities. The story explores themes of love, resilience, and the challenges of marrying outside of one’s faith and community.
The artists featured this year include SJ Okemow, Tannis Nielsen, Joel Martin, Catherine Tammaro, Shawn Howe, and Mo Thunder. Customers can see their murals on nine wrapped buses, four streetcars, two Wheel-Trans vehicles, and as print advertisements in vehicles. The wrapped vehicles will operate along several routes throughout the city.
Murals featuring the Indigenous names of TTC stations are also on display at Spadina, North York Centre, Old Mill, and Victoria Park stations, with translations provided by Lena Recollet
(Anishnaabemowin), Catherine Tammaro (Wyandot), Dr. Craig Kopris (Wyandot Translations), and Jeremy Green (Kanien'kéha).
Internally, the TTC is holding sunrise ceremonies throughout the month for TTC employees and invited community members to learn and share in Indigenous culture. Sunrise ceremonies honour Mino Bimaadiziwin (The Good Life or That good way). Among them, a special Sunrise Ceremony will be held on Fri., Jun. 21 to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day.
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