BRAMPTON, ON (June 20, 2019) – Residents and visitors are invited to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in the heart of downtown Brampton, Garden Square, on Friday, June 21, 2019!

The day will highlight the rich history of Indigenous peoples in Peel Region. All are welcome to celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

From 12:30 to 2 pm, join us for an opening ceremony, traditional and contemporary dances, live music, storytelling, and community vendors. Mainstage entertainment runs from 6 to 10 pm, featuring high-energy musical performances by award-winning Indigenous performers, iskwē and DJ Classic Roots.

June 21, the summer solstice, is designated as National Indigenous Peoples Day by the Government of Canada in consultation with Indigenous groups. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, and it has been celebrated by many Indigenous communities for generations.

This event is presented by The Indigenous Network.

For more information on Brampton’s National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration, visit www.brampton.ca/gardensquare.

As a Green City, we encourage residents to take Brampton Transit wherever possible. Visit www.bramptontransit.com to plan your trip.

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“The City of Brampton is committed to meaningful engagement with our local Indigenous community, and supporting the Calls to Action of the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission report. In partnering with The Indigenous Network to host this National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration, the City is working toward those goals, collaborating with Indigenous communities, and celebrating Brampton’s diversity.”

- Mayor Patrick Brown

Artist Bios

iskwē bridges cross-cultural aesthetics with her own unique artistic vision, blending soulful lyrics with a sonic palette that takes its cue from the shadowy atmospherics of the 1990s Bristol sound. Her single “Nobody Knows,” captivated audiences by turning a stark spotlight on the more than 1200 missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada. iskwē garnered a win at the 2017 West Coast Music Awards for Electronic/Dance Artist of the Year and her 2017 album The Fight Within recently received a JUNO nomination for Indigenous Music Album of the Year.

DJ Classic Roots brings the sexy heartbeat of the boreal north to life with his unique brand of Electronica and pow wow techno. The Thunder Bay native is an award winning producer and DJ who established his original sound by integrating First Nations songs with Electronica music. He navigates the unique sound of techno/house music while dancing to the beat of traditional Anishinaabe sounds. In 2015, he received the Best Pop CD award at the Indigenous Music Awards for “Hack the Planet” and his 2016 debut EP “Deeply Rooted” won Dada Life’s Best Track Award for his demo “Coconut Kills.”
 
About Garden Square

Garden Square is a vibrant, dynamic public space in the heart of historic downtown Brampton where visitors and residents gather, engage and thrive. This expansive communal space, located directly in front of The Rose, hosts festivals, celebrations, and community events all year long.

About The Indigenous Network

The Indigenous Network is an Indigenous Friendship Centre committed to supporting the Aboriginal community in the Region of Peel. It is a member of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres.