Ziigwan Indigenous Music and Arts Festival Coming to Toronto in March

The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund and Downtown Yonge BIA, in collaboration with ELMNT FM Radio, Red Music Rising, and Music Tourism, are proud to announce Ziigwan, an Indigenous music and arts festival, taking place March 24-26 at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto. For more information please visit downiewenjack.ca/events/ziigwan.

Ziigwan (SEE-gwon), the Anishnaabemowin word for springtime, celebrates the healing and learning power of music and art, the rebirth of spring, and the collective awakening as we walk together on the path toward reconciliation. The festival also aims to bring people together in one of the city’s most prominent spaces, collectively re-emerging from the pandemic-related lockdowns.

On March 24, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund will host schools and youth from across the GTA for an afternoon of learning, along with special DWF performances featuring Artist Ambassadors, DJ Classic Roots and Theland Kicknosway, and a drumming performance from the Strong Water Singers. Youth will make their way through learning stations, as they engage in meaningful conversation about Indigenous history, language, and culture.

Following Friday afternoon, some of the country’s most prominent and emerging Indigenous artists will take the stage for three straight days of free concerts.

“DWF is thrilled to partner with The Downtown Yonge BIA, ELMNT FM Radio, Red Music Rising, and Music Tourism as we celebrate the return of spring with Ziigwan,” says Sarah Midanik, President & CEO, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. “At DWF, we believe in the importance of bringing communities together to celebrate Indigenous talent through art, music, and culture; these mediums have the power to unite us and it is through meaningful connections that we can further reconciliation.”

“Ziigwan is an important event in the ongoing economic recovery of Downtown Yonge, which is vital to the entire City of Toronto. This is a perfect fit for our vibrant, diverse neighbourhood – a natural gathering place and the ideal location for Ziigwan,” comments Cheryll Diego, Public Realm Experience Director, Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area.

“ELMNT FM 106.5, Toronto’s only Indigenous-owned and operated radio station, is pleased to be a supporting partner in this event,” says Jean LaRose, Operations Manager, ELMNT FM. “This concert provides an excellent opportunity for Indigenous artists to celebrate with the citizens of Toronto the arrival of spring.”