Toronto transit station has been transformed into an Indigenous art hub
Toronto's Union Station has officially transformed into an Indigenous art and culture hub, offering an extensive lineup of public art, dance, and live music.
The programming spotlights Indigenous artists and cultural expression, giving the thousands of people who pass through Union Station, Canada's busiest multimodal transportation centre, a chance to experience their work.
Things kicked off on Sept. 26 at Union Station's West Wing with Tkaronto Open IV, a free Pow Wow-style dance competition focused on Indigenous Women's Jingle Dress dancing.
But that was just the beginning.
The fall lineup continues with a new installation from Indigenous artist Alanah Astehtsi Otsistohkwa (Morningstar) Jewell, now on display on the station's banners and in the Front Street Promenade vitrine, up until mid-November.
Jewell's The Meaning of Connection is centred around the Sky Dome, a Haudenosaunee symbol connected to multiple elements, including Creation stories, medicines, food, land, and water. The installation explores the relationships between people, animals, the land, and Creation, while encouraging onlookers to reflect on the significance of the world around them.
The programming also brings Oji-Cree singer-songwriter Aysanabee to centre stage on Oct. 20, when he'll headline a free evening concert inside Union Station's West Wing.
The multiple JUNO Award winner is set to bring his guitar-acoustics and songwriting to the station for an intimate concert, where Inuk singer-songwriter Beatrice Deer will open the show, paying homage to her roots through songs in Inuktitut, English, and French.
The final activation, Secret Path Week, includes a series of events, including panels and additional artwork, and runs Oct. 17 to 22, marking a decade since Canadian rock singer-songwriter Gord Downie created his 10-song album Secret Path (2016) in collaboration with the Wenjack family.
The album told the story of 12-year-old Chanie Wenjack, who died after escaping a residential school in Ontario. It has since become a literary resource for raising awareness of residential schools and Indigenous stories.
The fall programming runs throughout October, with more information available on the station's official website.
Toronto Union
