*The UpFRONT Festival is
shine.
A FREE, WEEKEND-LONG
CELEBRATION OF INDIGENOUS TALENT!
FROM ACROSS TURTLE ISLAND AND BEYOND
Embark on an inspiring journey filled with music, laugher, and togetherness, where the rich tapestry of Indigenous arts and culture comes alive.
UpFRONT Festival features three days of extraordinary music, visual arts, family programming, workshops, and more, right in the heart of Tkaronto.
Along with exciting performances by Indigenous artists, you can check out beautiful works by Indigenous creators in the artisan marketplace, enjoy a visual arts showcase at Berczy Park and St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, and witness a living gra ti wall as street artists turn the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts into an evolving open-air gallery all weekend.
Festival lineup curated by
MARKETPLACE AND VISUAL ARTS
Visual arts showcase
Explore a vibrant showcase of Indigenous art featuring works by Raechel Wastesicoot, Craig Commanda, and Manny Lynes-Ford—an inspiring blend of beadwork, photography, and sculpture rooted in land, identity, and community.
Interactive art installation: Stellar Narratives
Stellar Narratives reimagines our connection to the night sky through a distinctly urban Indigenous lens. In this augmented reality installation, Quinn Hopkins invites viewers to rediscover ancestral constellations and teachings.
Artisan marketplace
Shop for unique and beautiful items including beadwork, clothing, body care, jewellery, and much more from Indigenous artisans and small businesses.
PERFORMANCES PERFORMANCES
Susan Aglukark
The iconic Inuk trailblazer’s unique sound blends Inuit folk music traditions with country and pop songwriting.
Brothers Wilde
From Kettle & Stony Point, Brothers Wilde blend soulful melodies with heartfelt lyrics and create a unique style of country-fried rock.
Wolf Castle
Fusing pop-rap with old-school roots, Wolf Castle shares bold, confessional lyrics celebrating young Indigenous identity and perspective.
Beatrice Deer
The acclaimed “Inuindie” pop star’s songs are crafted from deeply personal lyrics and blend indie rock and modern folk with traditional Inuit stories and throat singing.
Sebastian Gaskin
Sebastian Gaskin delivers soulful, genre-bending music—think Post Malone meets Frank Ocean with emotive, thoughtful lyrics.
OPENING CELEBRATIONS
Water walk
Join Grandmother Kim Wheatley at Sugar Beach, between the willow trees, for a water walk ending at Queens Quay. In this sacred ceremony embraced by Indigenous communities across North America, women carry water in prayer for its health, wellness, and cultural responsibilities. We invite everyone —Indigenous and allies alike—to join us in this meaningful ceremony.
Adrian Harjo
Adrian “A. Dion” Harjo is an award-winning performer blending traditional Indigenous arts with modern music production.
DJ Classic Roots
Classic Roots merges Pow Wow drumming, deep basslines, and electronic beats, forging a bold new path in Indigenous electronic music.
Kaeley Jade
Blending folk, pop, and indie rock, Kaeley’s lush imagery, stunning vocals, and electric stage presence have enthralled listeners at hundreds of venues and festivals across the country.
Shawnee Kish
Known for her commanding soul voice, Shawnee’s debut country-inspired album weaves compelling stories into her groundbreaking new music.
Mattmac
Blind music producer and recording artist Mattmac has harnessed his melodic pop-trap beats and inspiring story, quickly establishing himself as one to watch.
MR. SAUGA
Blending Pow with punchlines and culture with cadence, MR. SAUGA weaves Anishinaabe teachings into high-energy, impactful tracks.
James N. Wilson
A Mohawk–French Canadian artist, James’ music has been compared to Dave Matthews, Shawn Mendes, and Coldplay.
An Indigenous art exhibition
Curated by Sierra da Silva-Canadien
28 – August 24
FOR FAMILIES
Rabbit & Bear Paws
A family-friendly puppet show with characters from the beloved Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws series that features traditional native teachings and humour.
Odawa Wiingushk
Through interactive performances, Odawa Wiingushk weaves diverse Pow Wow styles and stories, honouring women, our relationship with animals, and community.
Kids’ corner: Indigenous storytelling with the Toronto Public Library
Kids and families! Join us for fun and engaging Indigenous stories and learn about land and culture. Storytime includes songs, rhymes, book readings, and much more!
Sponsored by
About this exhibtion
tewaká:wes—meaning “we all paddle” in Kanien'kéha (Mohawk)—speaks to the symbolism of the canoe in multiple Indigenous cultures: a vessel of both literal and metaphorical journeying, embodying the collective strength and interconnectedness of our communities.
This year’s exhibition brings together works grounded in memory, material, and space, each shaped through acts of intention and care. Using beadwork, textiles, photography, and sculptural installation, the artists navigate layered narratives: of returning to spirit; of honouring absence; of tracing relationships with land, language, and kin. Their pieces alter our pace, ask for slowness, and activate the space between them.
tewaká:wes invites viewers into relation—with the works, the perspectives they make visible, and the stories they carry forward.
Cheekbone Beauty masterclass
Don’t miss out on a chance to attend a masterclass with Cheekbone Beauty founder Jenn Harper and discover expert techniques for achieving stunning clean, modern makeup looks—limited spots available!
In partnership with
Festival patio
Sip, socialize, and soak up the festival atmosphere! Located outside in the northeast corner of Meridian Hall, at Scott Street, the festival patio o ers cold drinks and laid-back vibes.
Gra ti wall
Don’t miss the living gra ti wall, where street artists will transform the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts into an evolving, open-air gallery throughout the weekend.
Sponsored by
The artists
Jason Sikoak
Rachel Wastesicoot
Olivia Whetung
This year’s multidisciplinary visual arts exhibition showcases the brilliance of seven Indigenous artists:
Catherine Blackburn Kikki Guerard
Jordyn Hendricks
Melissa Johns