About this Event
Join us for The Reconciliation Through Arts Festival and Digital Storytelling Showcase, bringing together Indigenous, Black, and Muslim communities for a day of arts, culture, storytelling, and community connection.
The festival will feature live cultural performances, music, poetry, dance, visual arts, and storytelling, alongside opportunities to learn about Indigenous histories and cultures.
The event will also showcase CASSA’s Digital Storytelling Project, highlighting lived experiences of racism, discrimination, identity, resilience, and solidarity.
Through arts and storytelling, the festival aims to inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate diverse cultures, and strengthen connections between communities.
Agenda
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Welcome & Opening Ceremony
Host: Allan Okitchiquo
Info: Opening Drum by Buffalo Charging and Kevin Myran to mark the opening of the event. Elder / Knowledge-Keeper Allan Okitchiquo to offer Prayers. Emcee to remind attendees that they can make offerings at any time at the Sacred Fire.
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Original Ways of Knowing, Being & Doing
Host: Jayden Wemigwans
Info: Join Council Fire Youth Team Member Jayden Wemigwans for a presentation on Original Ways of Knowing, Being, and Doing, exploring the deep connections between land, culture, and Spirit, and the importance of living in relationship with them.
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Digital Storytelling Project
Host: Emilee Ann Pitawanakwat
Info: Samaha Kureshi from CASSA will introduce the Digital Storytelling Video, highlighting powerful stories and experiences from community leaders representing Black, Muslim, and Indigenous communities. The screening will be followed by an engaging Q&A session led by Natalie Ortega, featuring storytellers from each community. The segment will conclude with cultural performances celebrating the diversity and creativity of all three communities.
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Interactive Programming
Host: Kevin Myran
Info: The interactive portion of the event will offer attendees three engaging experiences. In the Large Tent, Kevin Myran will lead the “Web of Life” activity, highlighting the importance of collaboration, connection, and community support. In the Teaching Lodge, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with storytellers and community leaders through meaningful conversations over coffee and tea. Additionally, Mark Szkoda from Toronto Council Fire will lead a guided tour of the Spirit Garden, sharing insights into its cultural significance and importance.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch Break
🕑: 01:30 PM - 01:45 PM
Community Expressions & Acknowledgements
Host: Malakai Daybutch
Info: The event will feature a final round of cultural performances showcasing the traditions and creativity of Black, Muslim, and Indigenous communities. The celebration will conclude with closing remarks and acknowledgements from representatives of each community, expressing gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to the event.
Event venue & nearby stays
Toronto Peace Garden at Nathan Philip Square, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto, Canada
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