Indigenous Residential Schools Survivor Legacy Celebration

CBC Toronto is a proud sponsor of the second annual Indigenous Residential Schools Survivor (IRSS) Legacy Celebration, hosted by the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre in partnership with the City of Toronto.

The IRSS Legacy project was initiated in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's call for a commemorative piece to be installed in each city across the country to honour residential school survivors, their families and those who were lost. 

An Indigenous healing garden, complete with a sculpture designed by Anishinaabe artist Solomon King, is set to be installed at Nathan Phillips Square. 

Beginning with a 5 kilometre fundraiser 'Walk For Identity' on July 28 that honours the memory of family, friends and community members that have attended residential and day schools, the legacy celebration continues at Nathan Phillips Square on July 29 and July 30, 2019 and is free and open to the public. The celebration aims to honour residential school survivors and their families with a focus on highlighting the resilience and diversity of Indigenous culture.

Each day, the event opens with a sunrise ceremony at 6 a.m. Attendees will also have the opportunity to take in Indigenous music, dance, drumming and more throughout the day.

On July 29 at 8 p.m., the event will feature a screening of 'We Were Were Children', a film that explores the hardships faced by two young children in the Canadian residential school system. On July 29, Indigenous musicians will have the spotlight as part of a concert showcasing local talent, beginning at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit the IRSS Legacy website here.