Indigenous elders lead the grand entry at the annual Na-Me-Res Pow Wow in Fort York, Toronto on June 15. Hosting alongside the annual Indigenous Arts Festival, the Pow Wow is in its 23rd year, back in full swing after some years off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Sammy Kogan/The Globe and Mail
June 21st of each year marks National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to celebrate the history, resilience, diversity and cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada.
It also falls at the time of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, with events across the country that include ceremonies, dancing, food and music. The day also forms part of National Indigenous History Month, held each June.
Canada’s Governor-General proclaimed the June 21st day of celebration in 1996. Formerly called National Aboriginal Day, the name was changed to National Indigenous Peoples Day in 2017.
This year’s Na-Me-Res Traditional Pow Wow was held last Saturday at Toronto’s Fort York. The 23rd annual community festival featured traditional dancing, drumming, food and craft booths. It was hosted by Na-Me-Res, a non-profit community organization that provides temporary and transitional housing to Indigenous men in Toronto.
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Shane Davey, an Oji-Cree dancer from Wikwemikoong First Nation takes part in the Na-Me-Res Pow Wow.Sammy Kogan/The Globe and Mail
Dancers take part in the final song at the close of the event.Sammy Kogan/The Globe and Mail
Sammy Kogan/The Globe and Mail
A dancers takes part in a traditional sneak-up song at the Na-Me-Res Pow Wow. Na-Me-Res Native Men’s Residence provides outreach, emergency shelter support and housing services to Indigenous men in the Toronto area.Sammy Kogan/The Globe and Mail
Shane Kelsey holds up one of the dozens of hats he was selling. The festival featured traditional dancing, drumming, food and craft booths.Sammy Kogan/The Globe and Mail
Peg’s Shop sells beaded keychains.Sammy Kogan/The Globe and Mail
Leather lighter holders and pouches hang for sale at one of many booths at the annual Na-Me-Res Pow Wow.Sammy Kogan/The Globe and Mail
Flags line the front of the drumming area.Sammy Kogan/The Globe and Mail