We know you're always looking for fun things to do with your children during the summer months. In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, we wanted to share some of our favourite places to learn more about Indigenous art, history and culture so you could add them to your summer bucket list!
1. Evergreen Brickworks Farmers Market
As Torontonians, you’ve probably heard of the Evergreen Brickworks Farmers Market held every Saturday, all year round. During the spring and summer months, the market takes place outdoors showcasing seasonal produce, delicious bakery items and beautiful handcrafted goods. A number of these vendors are Indigenous-owned businesses. The Evergreen Brickworks Farmers Market is a wonderful place to spend a day with family while supporting local and learning more about the creativity, craftsmanship and traditions behind the items being sold.
2. The McMichael Canadian Art Collection
If you’re looking for an indoor excursion, you should head to The McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Take a walk through the many beautifully curated spaces. The McMichael Canadian Art Collection has an iconic collection of Indigenous art of Canada. You won’t regret visiting!
3. AGO: The J.S McLean Centre for Indigenous and Canadian Art
The AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) is a fun place to visit all year round. In addition to their ever changing exhibitions, the AGO has a permanent collection of Indigenous and Canadian art. The goal of the J.S McLean Centre for Indigenous and Canadian Art is to display thought-provoking art. It’s a place for storytelling from contemporary perspectives - an amazing way to learn more about Indigenous culture!
4. Woodland Cultural Centre
The Woodland Cultural Centre is located in Brantford and exists to preserve and promote Indigenous language, art, culture and history. Through special programs and exhibitions, they hope to bring the story of the Hodinohshoni people of the Eastern Woodlands to life. The Woodland Cultural Centre hosts a number of events, one of which taking place this Sunday, June 23rd to celebrate National Indigenous People’s Day. Be sure to check it out!
5. Crawford Lake Conservation Centre
We love Crawford Lake Conservation Area! This is one of our Elementary students’ favourite field trips of the school year. This beautiful park is centred around a lake where archaeological footprints of the Wendat or Attawandaron village were found. Crawford Lake is home to amazing exhibits and gardens and the wonderful staff facilitate a variety of programs and workshops all to preserve and celebrate Indigenous history. Go on a walk, tour a traditional longhouse, learn about the animal species native to the area and so much more!
