4.1K 
Commemorating Canada's 22nd National Aboriginal Day, the City of Toronto kicked off the day with a sunrise ceremony which saw the permanent installation of Indigenous flags at Nathan Phillips Square. A crowd of about 200 people attended the 5:30 AM ceremony, including "Indigenous leaders and community members, members of City Council, the public and City staff," the City's release notes.
Installed at the east end of Nathan Phillips Square—just off Bay Street—the five new flags honour the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, Six Nations, Huron-Wendat, Métis, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. With the new flags flying above the podium, Mayor John Tory read the Toronto proclamation for Natonal Aboriginal Day.
The Mayor presented the proclamation to Andrea Chrisjohn, Executive Director of the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre. Following the ceremony, Chrisjohn delivered a presentation titled Restoration of Identity, developed as part of the Residential School Survivor Legacy Project.
Taking place on the Summer solstice of each year, National Aboriginal Day is marked by ceremonies across Canada. As of 2009, the month of June is dedicated as Aboriginal History Month, expanding the range of events. Here in Toronto, today also marks the start of the Indigenous Arts Festival, which runs at For York until June 25th. On June 24th, the Na-Me-Res Traditional Pow Wow—held at the Fort York National Historic Site—will highlight the free five-day event.
More information about National Aboriginal Day in Toronto can be found on the City's official website, linked here. A full schedule for the Indigenous Arts Festival is also available via the City, while more information about the Na-Me-Res Traditional Pow Wow can be found here.
