The Markham Village Music Festival is excited to welcome back the Little Native Hockey League for another amazing tournament, celebrating both sport and culture. We’re honoured to showcase the vibrant artwork of local First Nations artist Naomi Peters, at this special event.
Naomi’s art banners are an extension of a larger installation, reflecting the Festival’s commitment to fostering connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. In recognition of National Indigenous History Month, art banners will be displayed on street lamp posts in the heart of Markham Village, enhancing the streetscape during our annual June festival.
Established in 1976, the Festival—York Region's largest outdoor music event—attracts 35,000 attendees each year, celebrating music, dance, and culture. As we approach our 48th edition this June 20-21, we're proud to continue making space for Indigenous voices. We’re currently seeking musicians, dancers, creatives, and vendors! Get involved by applying online through the Performers or Vendors pages on our website or by emailing us at info@markhamfestival.com.
In 2023, we introduced three exciting initiatives to engage the community with Indigenous culture.
Indigenous Programming
Headlined by JUNO-award-winning Mohawk musician Tom Wilson and storytelling by Ojibwe Anishinaabe Grandmother Wheatley.
Indigenous Cultural Gathering
In collaboration with the Indigenous Action Committee, we brought together Indigenous vendors, food, music, and storytelling to the Markham Farmers’ Market.
Indigenous Public Art Legacy Project
Commissioned art banners for National Indigenous History Month, currently installed along Main Street North, honouring a historically significant Indigenous site.
Indigenous Legacy Art Project
With the financial assistance from MyMainStreet, the Markham Village Music Festival was able to honor the spirit of Truth & Reconciliation, while celebrating Indigenous cultures and fostering connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members.
We are pleased to announce that Indigenous artist, Naomi Peters, was chosen to create art that has been made into pole banners. You can see these banners on Main Street Markham just south of Highway 7 on the east side.