National Indigenous Peoples Day
National Indigenous Peoples Day at Beaches Sandbox
Journée Nationale des Peuples Autochtones
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Presented in Partnership with HOPES Indigenous Training Network. Curated by Dawn T. Maracle.
On June 21, join us for a free, family-friendly day of reflection, celebration, and connection in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Presented in partnership with HOPES Indigenous Training Network, the day includes hands-on workshops, teachings from Elder Cat Criger, traditional food tastings, and live music. All are welcome as we gather to learn, reflect, and celebrate together.
Beaches Sandbox is a fully accessible facility. Pre-registration is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Read Dawn T. Maracle's Curatorial Statement here.
Curator Led Discussion - National Indigenous Peoples Day
Join our Curator, Dawn T. Maracle, a Mohawk woman from Kenhté:ke a.k.a. Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in Southern Ontario, who sits with the Bear Clan, for a 15-minute chat, as she discusses the importance of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 10:00 – 10:15 AM
Blanket Exercise Workshop - National Indigenous Peoples Day
The Blanket Exercise is intended to introduce Canadians and Indigenous peoples to major historical events in Canadian history, raise awareness of continuing injustices and impacts of colonization, and promote further learning.
Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Rosary Spence Live Music Performance - National Indigenous Peoples Day
Rosary’s voice carries the spirit of her ancestors and the stories of her people. For her, singing has always been more than a passion; it is a lifelong journey of healing, expression, and connection.
Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Dawn T. Maracle, Curator & Facilitator
Dawn T Maracle, M. Ed. is the founder and Executive Director of the nationally registered not-for-profit HOPES (Healing Our Peoples through Education, Sports, and Social justice) Indigenous Training Network. A Mohawk who sits with the Bear Clan from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Dawn was first exposed to Haudenosaunee culture and language by her grandmother, Beaulah Hill, whom she lived with as a child. An early teacher was hereditary Chief Jacob Thomas along with many Haudenosaunee and Indigenous Elders, Traditional Teachers and Knowledge carriers from across Canada and around the globe.
Dawn T Maracle obtained a BAH from Trent University in Native Studies, a B. Ed. from Queen’s University in Aboriginal Teacher Education (ATEP), an M.Ed. from OISE in Adult and Indigenous Education, and a Certificate in Indigenous Trauma-Informed Care from OFIFC-U of T. She has taught Indigenous Studies, and consulted on Indigenous issues, diversity and inclusion over three decades.
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