Thank you, Toronto 🏙️
We’re returning home feeling deeply grateful after a week rooted in community, culture, storytelling, and connection.
From our Drum Dance & Feast to the opening of Before Borders at @twistgallery , this experience was made possible by the artists, guests, partners, supporters, and community members who showed up with open hearts and shared space with us.
Nothing we do happens alone, and we’re honoured to continue building alongside so many incredible people.
Mahsi Cho. Thank you for being part of it.
#DreamsTree #BeforeBorders #CommunityFirst #IndigenousLed #TorontoArt
In 1983, I met my Northern family for the first time. My mother hadn’t seen them in over 30 years. Why? At five years old, she was stolen by the very people entrusted with her care after she was injured in an accident.
One generation later, my own children are able to reconnect with the culture we lost. For me, the journey has involved unlearning everything my adoptive family thought they knew about things they didn’t.
I still think about the comments I heard, like when my step-aunt told me nearly 40 years ago, “It’s summertime, and you’re starting to get dark like your dirty Indian mother.”
I am so thankful I had a father who understood how important it was for me to connect with my roots, and a mother who remembered who she was, despite being only five or six years old when she was taken.
Most of all, I am grateful that my children do not have to live through these experiences. They can grow up knowing that Two-Eyed seeing is a very special gift. Just like they are. @the.dreams.tree@thecommalertgroup
Watching this year’s drummers on the 46th floor of a Bay Street tower in the heart of the financial district in #YYZ was magical. I am so grateful for the kindness extended to us by everyone we encountered (except for the grumpy old guy at the Jays game).
I can see next year’s group being even larger so that more people can not only experience kindness everywhere, but see that each nation is uniquely beautiful and worth sharing.
I hope that DreamsTree Community Investments never stops coming up with creative ways to pay back the things we’ve learned. The ballance is beautiful.
#BalanceIsBeautiful @ryanbolton@malifiscent@twistgallery@the.dreams.tree@thecommalertgroup
We traveled to Toronto from the North to gather with our city friends. We came to celebrate one another and everything the future holds. No agendas, just the spirit of reciprocity.
We brought our music and our food; our friends brought kindness and curiosity. Together, we lifted the spirit of the room as we danced, smiled, and laughed.
Last year was for Russell, Louise and our friends at Mightyhum. Tonight, the focus is on Yuma and Ryan’s “#BeyondBorders” show at Twist Gallery.
Yuma and Ryan will remind us that there are no boundaries when we create together. We’re honored to stand behind them tonight and witness the stories they’ve brought to life. Let’s keep lifting the room.
See you tonight.
@the.dreams.tree@malifiscent@ryanbolton@twistgallery@kelseyaspen@blakecarwell@nolan_carwell
