Tkaronto Voices
Explore the map to learn about sites in the city with connections to Indigenous communities and histories.
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Indigenous voices and spaces are everywhere in Tkaronto
This digital tour is an invitation to listen, learn, and appreciate the Indigenous voices that have shaped, and continue to shape, Canada’s largest city. Through short audio reflections, you’ll hear firsthand Indigenous accounts, perspectives, and lived experiences that breathe life into these sites. From organizations like Miziwe Biik that serve as pillars of support, to the vibrant murals that colour our lanes, to the legacy of figures like Dr. Oronhyatekha, every stop on this journey offers a lesson and an invitation to contemplate the ongoing process of reconciliation. Join us in amplifying these voices and deepening our collective understanding of the Indigenous roots of Toronto.
This digital experience coincides with the 2023 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, an annual opportunity to confront the horrifying legacy of Canada’s Residential School system. We honour the Survivors, their families, and the many communities affected by the legacy of these institutions. It is also a time to reflect on the 94 Calls to Action by the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which calls upon governments, institutions, and individuals to confront and act upon the legacy of these atrocities. This watershed moment in the Indigenous Rights movement marks an attempt to begin dismantling the systemic racism devastating Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Founded in 1949, we acknowledge that Heritage Toronto has contributed to the colonial historical narrative. We are working to amend that by engaging with Indigenous communities to incorporate more of their stories into our programming. Plaques with colonial language are being revised; Indigenous content is being integrated into our walking tours; and in the future, we hope to significantly expand our Indigenous programming.
This digital tour was developed by Emerging Historians Selma Elkhazin and Nadia Sule and was supported by TD and The Ready Commitment as part of Heritage Toronto’s Equity Heritage Initiative.
Thank you to the individuals and organizations who helped make this digital resource possible:
- ASI Heritage
- Allan Jamieson
- Darin Wybenga
- Last Post Indigenous Veterans Initiative
- Mike Buckland
- TMU Indigenous Student Services
- Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre
Additional Resources
Indspire: Indigenous Education is Canada’s Future
Learn about Indspire, an Indigenous national charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada.
Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund
Learn about the story and legacy of Chanie Wenjack, an Anishinaabe victim of the residential school system.
City of Toronto Reconciliation Action Plan
Read the City of Toronto’s Reconciliation Action Plan to see what the city is doing to advance truth, justice and reconciliation.
Explore the oral histories that Four Direct Teachings makes available for us to learn from.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 Calls to Action
Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 Calls to Action, and reflect on how you can take action on these calls in your own life and surroundings.
Learn how you can spread awareness and support reconciliation on Orange Shirt Day and everyday.
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