Na-Me-Res Traditional Pow Wow at Fort York

Toronto is celebrating Indigenous History Month and the Na-Me-Res (Native Mens Residence) put on a traditional Pow Wow in Fort York's Garrison Common over the June 15-16, 2024 weekend. The Pow Wow was also included an Indigenous Arts Festival and concerts.

The colourful event was free to attend and featured music, art, food and dance of the First Nations, Inuit and also the Métis Peoples of Turtle Island. First up was the Pow Wow from 12 noon till 5pm followed by the Indigenous Arts Festival Mississaugas of the Credit concerts from 5:30pm to 10pm. Sunday continues with more of the Arts Festival concerts and dance performances from 11am to 4pm.

The Pow Wow finery was amazing

Crowds watch the dance circle

Force Field and the Scotiabank CONTACT Photo Festival

A circular exhibition of photos was displayed in Fort York National Historic Site Garrison Common with pictures by Dayna Danger, Peter Morin, Fallon Simard and Ange Loft. The group exhibition is described as an Indigiqueer, immersive intervention is compromised of two sided billboards, run in a circle and includes a medicine wheel planter in the middle. The installation began in June and continued until the beginning of September 2021.

From CONTACT's website, "The project’s title, Force Field, is intended as a double entendre—it honours the positive force that Indigiqueer folx offer as a community, and acknowledges the individual force fields Indigiqueer folx often need to protect ourselves from the ongoing dominance of various colonial, heteronormative, cis, white, and patriarchal pressures. The installation’s circular viewing structure physically mirrors what we might imagine a real protective force field would look like, creating a buffered safe space within an area historically rife with hazard. The title also connects to the violent legacy upheld by memorializing a military fortress—underscoring how this public park supports the acts of colonial power and brutality once exerted there. Each artist brings a unique perspective to the exhibition. In addition to connecting with the site and the installation’s overarching Indigqueer themes, artists were also asked to respond to one of the four natural elements."

See more of the photo exhibition after the jump.

Upcoming winter Polar Bear events in Toronto

If you want to do something daring and can stand the cold, if only for a little bit, there is time over the next week to get involved with some polar events.

First up this weekend is the Polar Bear Skate at the Bentway Park beside Old Fort York on Sunday, December 29, 2019 from 1-4pm. Registration starts at 1pm and the skate starts at 2pm. There was a large turnout during the inaugural event held in 2018 and hopefully it will only grow in 2019 and beyond. See photos of the 2019 skate on my post here.

From their website; "The Bentway is bringing back the Polar Bear Skate for the second year… so strip down to your skivvies and join us on our Skate Trail! This event is free to attend – just bring your skates and you’re good to go. If you don’t have skates, we have rentals available on-site."

Then the big polar event comes our way on New Years Day during the Toronto Polar Bear Dip. People are asked to arrive at Sunnyside Beach around 10:30am on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 to take part in festivities, grab some free coffee or hot chocolate and see costumes that some individuals and teams wear in support of the charity (Child and Youth Advocacy Centre). Check out my photos of the 2020 Polar Bear Dip on my post here.

Some of the 2020 Dip

I have a great time taking photos at this event as many brave souls stay in the water for some time and it doesn't finish in 30 seconds.

Museum of the Moon installation

Tides around Toronto have been thrown out of whack by the installation of the Moon under the Gardiner Expressway at Bentway Park. From September 10-15, 2019 (6-11pm) you can visit the heavenly body during the free Museum of the Moon exhibition located right beside Historic Fort York.

The Moon is 7m in diameter, or approximately 1:500,000 scale, illuminated from within and is a touring sculptural piece by UK multidisciplinary artist Luke Jerram using NASA lunar imagery. From the Bentway’s website: “The installation allows visitors to experience the moon up-close and personal, reminding us of the moon’s influence on our daily lives despite urban barriers like light pollution and high-rise density. Visitors will be able to further reflect on the moon through moon gazing and moonlight meditation, turning The Bentway into an open air planetarium.”

Sunset in Toronto around this time of the year is just after 7:30pm so in a little while we shall see what the moon looks like at night.

Other nocturnal activities around the moon them will be meditation sessions, free astronomy talks and a soundtrack that features an astronaut playlist. With the actual full harvest moon occurring on September 14 the Bentway will begin a Moon Merge podcast hosted by Laurie Brown and Juno nominated composer Joshua Van Tassel. As well other activities include a silent disco and a sing-a-long with Toronto’s Choir! Choir!

Toronto Indigenous Arts Festival 2019

Historic Fort York which brings Canada's sometimes violent past to life welcomes the indigenous culture with the annual Indigenous Arts Festival June 21-23, 2019

"Shop arts and crafts, and explore an Indigenous artisan market featuring contemporary and traditional fashion goods. View the schedule below and start planning your experience at the third and final day of the Indigenous Arts Festival!"

Here is Sunday's schedule from the City's website. Sunday, June 23 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fort York West Gate

11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. – Toronto’s Indigenous Ecology | Alan Colley, founder of Toronto Aboriginal Eco Tours leads a guided walk that teaches the history of the grounds along with teachings about the relationships of the land. Sponsored by Stantec. Tour duration: 45 minutes. Meet by the Stantec sign.
Visitor Centre Orientation Theatre

10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3:15 p.m. – Seven Grandfather Teaching | Discover the origins of the Seven Grandfather Teaching and the animals they represent. Join a Wheel of Teaching game & learn how to apply the teachings to life. Workshop delivered by Indigenize Our Minds. Drop-in. Limited capacity.

11:45 a.m. – Moccasin Identifier Project | Carolyn King, former elected Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation leads this workshop and discusses the context, aim, and activities of the project as an educational and public intervention project to promote the ongoing presence of First Nations in cities throughout Ontario. Stencil images of First Nations’ footwear as a visual reminder of this traditional territory of Indigenous Peoples.

4:15 p.m. – Toronto’s Indigenous Ecology | Alan Colley, founder of Toronto Aboriginal Eco Tours leads a guided walk that teaches the history of the grounds along with teachings about the relationships of the land. Sponsored by Stantec. Tour duration: 45 minutes.

Fort York Garrison Common

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Mississaugas of the Credit Community Booth | Meet Indigenous knowledge keepers, enjoy activities, and learn all about the Moccasin Identifier Project.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Red Pepper Spectacle Arts | Stencil colourful emblematic flags honouring the Grandfather Teaching in Anishinaabemowi, and Clan Animal images. Drop-in.Shop a range of Indigenous artistry from on-site vendors, including jewellery, clothing, leather goods, and beadwork.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Indigenous Market Vendors | A wealth of Indigenous artistry at the Indigenous Arts Festival Market Day! Featuring artisans from across Ontario, these vendors offer authentic goods including jewellery, clothing, leather goods, and beadwork. Cash preferred. ATM in the Visitor Centre. Vendor list subject to change.
Fort York North Grounds

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Indigenous Arts Festival Community Village | Celebrate the Solstice weekend. Organizations include The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, Native Child and Family Services, The Toronto Public Library, and more.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Conundrum Interactive Musical Instrument | Hands-on activity, the iconic Canadian musical instrument from creator David Hynes. The Conundrum brings together strangers in a deep and visceral experience that people remember and carry with them into their daily lives.

Fort York East Grounds

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Okitchitaw Indigenous Weapons Experience with George Lepine | Unique, powerful, and practical martial art system that uses basic but aggressive combat movements and traditional weapons that were employed specifically throughout Plains Indigenous Warfare. Closed-toe shoes mandatory.
Fort York West Gate

10:20 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre Tipis.
Fort York Visitor Centre

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Biidaaban: First Light Interactive Virtual Reality Project | Interactive VR time-jump into a highly realistic—and radically different—Toronto of tomorrow. Walk-ups welcome. Presented by National Film Board and House of VR.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Sacred Canoe Art Installation | A 19-foot-long canoe designed and painted by the students of a visual arts educator and guided by Indigenous Elder Todd Jamieson. The painting depicts life, the wampum belt, and our journey together walking side-by-side in harmony and peace. This project reflects a desire to see the tenets of Truth and Reconciliation spread throughout the nation, starting with a single classroom.
Fort York Visitor Centre Boardwalk

10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Izhininjiiniwag – They Move in a Certain Way | Photography exhibit featuring Indigenous youth connecting their passion for skateboard culture, Pow-Wow regalia, and photography. Skateboarding’s roots can be directly traced to surfing, itself an Indigenous technology. In honour of this connection, Oasis Skateboard Factory students worked with artists Chief Lady Bird, Aura, and Ev Pakinewatik to design and create regalia-inspired skate fashion to surf the city’s concrete waves. Presented by The Bentway and Oasis Skateboard Factory in collaboration with Chief Lady Bird, Aura and Ev Pakinewatik.

Beerlicious Toronto BeerFest returns for 2019

#TFOB has both the Spring Beerfest and the Toronto Festival of Beer, presented by the Beer Store, coming soon to a Toronto near you. Spring marks the beginning of cottage season and why drive hours north when you can beer it up in Fort York's Garrison Common May 18-19. Then in the heat of the summer when you desperately need beer-conditioning, you can find it in Bandshell Park, Exhibition Place during TFOB 2019 from July 26-28.

You don't have long to wait for Spring Beerfest, it is just one weekend away. As as it is a long weekend, feel free to party hearty - longer. Cottage vibes, fun games, good food and entertainment is always one of the best ways to welcome summer. "We are very excited to bring Spring Beerfest Toronto back this May long weekend," said Les Murray, president and owner of Spring Beerfest Toronto. "We know fans are ready to kick-off patio season and this is the perfect place to do it. They might even discover their favourite new beer too!"

Participating beverage companies: Thornbury Village Cider House & Brewery, Georgian Bay Spirit Co, Waterloo Brewing Co., Goose Island Brewery, Pop Shoppe Hard Soda, Catapult Brewing Co., The Big Lemon, Duntroon Cyder House, Great Lakes Brewery, OverHop Brewing Co., Silly Sir Brewing Co., Northern Maverick Brewing Co., Magners Irish Cider, Common Good Beer, Storyteller Beverages, Brickworks Ciderhouse and Mill Street Brewery.

Toronto Festival of Beer

Then mid-year, the Toronto Festival of Beer happens in Exhibition Place ahead of the Canadian National Exhibition. You will be able to judge which one is better and my guess is the Festival of Beer which will have over 400 beers to tempt all tastes.

“Friday night of Toronto’s Festival of Beer features a legendary lineup of hip hop artists on the Bandshell stage,” said Les Murray, President and owner of Toronto’s Festival of Beer. “for fans of classic, old school hip hop, this in the night to join us.” Friday, July 26 headliners Public Enemy Radio will be joined by Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon & Ghostface Killah; DJ Jazzy Jeff; Smif-N-Wessun, Black Moon and Rock of Boot Camp Clik; and Toronto’s very own Michie Mee. Headliner for Saturday will be Dwayne Gretzky and Sunday will be Ja Rule and Ashanti. There will also be a Complete Country Stage with top country artists Brett Kissel, Hunter Brothers and Blackie Jackett Jr.

Battle of York 2019

Steel will strike down on flint and muskets will blast out fire and smoke during Battle of York displays in Toronto's historic Fort York this weekend. You can help honour the 206th anniversary of the Battle of York which took place in April of 1813 by attending Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28 from 10am to 5pm. The fort holds Canada's largest collection of original buildings from the War of 1812 and is a great living museum.

From the Friends of Fort York; Honour the 206th anniversary of the Battle of York fought on April 27, 1813. "The fort comes alive with musket-firing demonstrations, Georgian cooking in the Officers' Quarters kitchen, site tours, period animation and an 1812-era Kids' Drill. Make sure to include a visit to the original Regimental Colours of the 3rd Regiment of York Militia. Secreted away to keep them from American troops, the Colours are now on display in the Fort York Visitor Centre."

Americans attacked the Fort York in 1813 and the British defended, then retreated, blowing up some stuff in the process. The Government of Canada says of the occupation "The Americans accepted the surrender of York, occupied the town for a few days, burned government buildings including Parliament and the shipyard, and then returned to Sackets Harbour. For the Americans, the Capture of York was a politically important victory. Following months of ineffective campaigning, it was a much-needed boost to both military and civilian morale." The British returned after they Muricans left town, rebuilding and rearming the fort which then stood off an 1814 flotilla of returning Americans which was looking for a repeat of their earlier victory.

Activities take place at the fort until 4:30pm on the weekend with musket firing demonstrations at 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30. You can also tour the buildings (guided tours and self guided) and see historic cooking demonstrations.

Spring Beerfest TO #SBFTO2019 in May

Bring on the #BeerLove suds because spring doesn't start until the taps start flowing. To help you pick out your favourite brews you can head to Fort York Garrison Common for the Victoria Day weekend May 18-19 for Spring Beerfest TO . I always say they don't call it the May Two Four weekend for nothing. Tickets going on sale April 9.

Beer, live music, games and fun with your friends. Here comes the sun. We will keep an eye out for the entertainment and brewery announcements and look forward to Spring Beerfest TO!

The#TOBentway Skate Trail opening 2018

Skating under the Gardiner Expressway comes back with the onset of winter during opening day on Friday, December 21, 2018 with the start of "Skate the 8 in the Six." The figure-eight skate trail sitting adjacent to historic Fort York has skate rentals, warming lounges and fire pits - plus the skating is free. The skate trail also hosted its first ever Polar Bear Skate on the 30th of December, 2018 where skaters took to the ice in their underwear.

“Who would want to hang out under an expressway? Lots of Torontonians, apparently,” declared Alex Bozikovic, Architecture Critic for The Globe and Mail. “In praise of The Bentway,” began a Toronto Star editorial. “It’s very Canadian,” proclaimed the CBC. Skate rentals and skating lessons will be offered again this year, there will be curated food and beverage options on select dates, and an expanded winter village full of snuggly blankets, warming lounges, and fire pits. More details and programming to come."

Fort York Frost Fair 2018

Look into Toronto's history during the free Frost Fair at historic Fort York on Saturday, December 1 from 10am to 5pm.

From the Fort's website; "Have some holiday fun with the whole family at historic Fort York. Shop for unique gifts made by local artisans, including jewellery, heritage-inspired reproductions and holiday greenery. Enjoy military and musical demonstrations alongside children's drill sessions, games, crafts and dress-up. Print your own Frost Fair souvenir on a Mackenzie House press. Visit our Volunteer Historic Cooks to sample period recipes and stop by the Heritage Café for lunch."

There will be musket firing and drill demonstrations at 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30 by the 10th Royal Veteran Battalion.

A little platoon of Kids' Drill working with the toy guns