Healthy Living
Reflect and learn during Pride season and National Indigenous History Month
04 June 2021 - by Lucy Schmidt
The recent discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children in British Columbia is a tragic reminder of how much work still needs to be done, especially during a month rooted in advocacy and activism. It causes us to reflect on the systemic barriers still present for both Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ communities — and also to remember the moments of protest, courage, and activism shown within these same groups.
This 2021 Pride season and National Indigenous History Month, our charity’s Pride Committee and Indigenous Reconciliation Working Group have curated sessions as part of our Y’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces. Other efforts include opening Toronto’s first transitional house for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and Child and Family Development staff in Durham working with Indigenous partners in the region to offer training to our EarlyON staff.
We hope you can join us to reflect and learn together through education, discussion, and listening.
| JUNE 8 6–7:30 pm | Indigenous Agro-Ecology Teachings in Small Spaces Lara and Johl from Miinikaan will help us to cultivate our relationship with plants, gardening and planting in a pandemic. Register Now |
| JUNE 12 10–11:30 am | Global Wellness Day Celebration: Take PRIDE in your Well-Being A virtual celebration that starts with an Arriba party, followed by a mindfulness session. Feel good, get active, and prioritize your well-being. Register Now |
| JUNE 15 1:30–2:30 pm | The Bright Spot: PRIDE Story at the YMCA of Greater Toronto Explore a personal and historic journey with guest speaker: Mike Dodds. Join Now |
| JUNE 16 7:30–8 pm | Nibi’s Water Song, a reading with Chief Lady Bird Join us in PJs for a bedtime story! Enjoy a family-friendly story that promotes access to clean drinking water. Join Now |
| JUNE 21 7–7:30 pm | Connecting the Circles: Indigenous Songs and Stories with Jenna Robar Come together with your family for bedtime stories and songs. This event is family-friendly and open to all. Join Jenna Robar, a young L'nu/Mi’kmaw and Acadian woman from Unama'ki (Cape Breton), Nova Scotia, as she leads us through stories, teachings and songs in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day (Monday, June 21, 2021). Please join us with a drum or shaker. Don’t have one? Fill a recycled plastic bottle with dried beans. Or fill two paper cups with pebbles and then tape them together for an easy, earth-friendly DIY musical instrument. Register Now |
| JUNE 22 1:30–3 pm | Building Strength: Past, Present and New Future – A panel on HIV/AIDS Community guests: Stella Osagie, Christian Hui, Tim McCaskell. Register Now |
| JUNE 23 9:30–10:15 am | Strawberry Joy The strawberry is used to teach about creation, community and love. Join us the day before the full strawberry moon. Join Now |
| JUNE 23 2–3:30 pm | Disruptor Conductor A documentary about Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, who breaks down institutional walls and brings live orchestral music to young people within 2SLGBTQ+ communities, people on the autism spectrum, and prison populations. Register Now |
| JUNE 23 7–8 pm | Pride Cooking with PlayON Bring your Pride spirit into the kitchen for a tasty time. Instructor Maya Pugh will guide families through a Pride-themed recipe. For families with children 6-12.Ingredients 3/4 cups milk, divided 3/4 cups vanilla yogurt, divided 1 1/2 large bananas, divided 1/2 cup frozen blackberries or blueberries 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks 1/2 cup frozen raspberries or strawberries Strawberries, kiwi, mixed berries and chia seeds for garnish Materials: Blender - Important for the main portion, but will be something for you to do if you don't have a blender. Chopping Knife Measuring Cup Measuring Spoons Skewer 2 Glasses Join Now Passcode: #f6x$vWg1% |
| JUNE 26 9–9:45 am | Family Pride Circle and Story Time Let your family’s Pride shine with songs, stories, and colourful activities with hosts Carol Montero and Sita Jonkers. For families with children 0-6. Join Now |
| JUNE 29 12–1:30 pm | Elders in Our Communities Join Tabitha Shurgold, Cultural Resource Coordinator with The Indigenous Network, as she shares her teachings about the history and roles of Elders in our communities. Register Now |
| Watch Our Dance of Revolution Film Phillip Pike’s film tells the compelling story of the transformative power of community as it captures the rich history of Toronto’s Black queer community. View trailer. To receive link to view full film before July 6, email Diversity@ymcagta.org | |
| JULY 6 2–3:30 pm | Post-Viewing Conversation, Our Dance of Revolution: How do we create meaningful spaces for people to tell their stories? Hear from Douglas Stewart & Phillip Pike and friends with Y Host: Alexia Anderson. Register Now |
| Coming soon! | Afro-Indigenous Short Films View Dana Jeffery-Khan’s two short films: Two Beating Drums and The Strength of my Spirit, and join us to discuss Indigenous identities from a youth perspective. |
