When you visit Mississauga, you’ll experience a place where history and modern amenities collide. As you explore, you’ll discover how Indigenous history influenced the present-day city, from the settlements to its name, which stems from the Anishinaabe peoples who came to be known as the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
The lands which constitute the present-day City of Mississauga were inhabited since time immemorial by the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Huron-Wendat, the Wyandot Nations, and their ancestors. Today, Mississauga remains home to many Indigenous People who contribute to the incredible diversity of this cultural hub.
Throughout National Indigenous History Month this June, join us in celebrating the rich contributions of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples.
Learn About Local Indigenous History
Mississauga’s Indigenous origins are the foundation of its culture today.
The Chi-twaa Tigaanes Sacred Gardens, created by Heritage Mississauga, commemorates the Mississaugas of the Credit River circa 1826 to 1847, the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, and the Credit Mission Village. Plaques provide a detailed history, while native plants such as sweetgrass, sage and echinacea, pay tribute to the origins of the land.
At Bradley Museum, book a free guided tour to learn about the history of Indigenous Peoples in Mississauga. The tour will discuss the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as well as the 94 calls to action.
June is also the perfect time to visit Heritage Mississauga and pick up one of the free comic books telling Indigenous stories, including the latest volume featuring Nahneebahwequa, a proud Anishinaabe mother of eight and advocate for Indigenous land rights.
Explore Indigenous Art
Mississauga’s public art is an important part of its culture, so it’s fitting that the city is home to some uniquely expressive indigenous art, including an Indigenous art trail along the waterfront and more upcoming pieces.
- As you explore the city, check out the beautiful and vibrant work The Flame of Life by Emily Kewageshig, an Anishinaabe artist and visual storyteller from Saugeen First Nation No. 29. The piece, which symbolizes the important role of fire in revitalizing life, is fittingly located at one of Mississauga’s fire stations.
- In Square One, you’ll find a sky for peoples and a space for us, created by Karly Cywink, an Ojibwe multidisciplinary artist, inspired by the sky and what it can hold.
- Keep an eye out for the new art banners throughout the city’s light pole standards. Designed by Jeannette Ladd of Saugeen First Nation, each banner draws inspiration from Mississauga’s natural environment and celebrates how nature and community live side-by-side.
- This June, Celebration Square will also welcome a new mural by artists Que Rock of Nipissing First Nation, Alex Bacon and PERU143, based on a portion of one of the Anishinaabe creation stories. It will celebrate the many generations of Indigenous leadership and contributions from diverse peoples and species who have made Mississauga the thriving hub it is today.
Also forthcoming this year is the public artwork Zaagaasige. Inspired by the Ojibwe word “Zaagaasige”, meaning the sun shines between and out of, the piece, designed by SOFTlab, will feature a canopy made of wood that lets sunlight through an organic, cell-like structure.
Immerse Yourself in Indigenous Culture
The city also has a number of special cultural events coming up:
- Thursdays through Sundays until August 15, visit Bradley Museum to discover the intricate and beautiful world of Indigenous beadwork at its special exhibit curated by Indigenous artist Naomi Smith, Spirit Seeds. In this beautiful showcase, contact trade-era beads, historical beadwork and contemporary beadwork, including pieces by local artists.
- On June 18, the Mississauga Library hosts Author Talks: Brian Thomas Issac for a discussion of his newly released novel, Bones of a Giant. Born on the Okanagan Indian Reserve near Vernon, BC, Isaac is the winner of an Indigenous Voices Award for his 2022 bestselling debut, All the Quiet Places.
- For more literary discussions, join Let’s Talk Books – Indigenous History Month on June 20. This monthly book club hosted by Mississauga Library is the perfect opportunity to share and discover new reads.
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day
On June 21, Celebration Square will once again welcome exciting and dynamic Indigenous voices from across Canada during the National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration. Hosted in collaboration with Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the festivities will kick off at 5 p.m. with a performance by DJ Mattmac & Manitou Mkwa Singers. A full line-up of traditional and contemporary song and dance will keep the party going until 9 p.m. Don’t miss Tanya Tagaq, Juno and Polaris Prize-winning Inuk artist, as she delivers an electrifying throat singing headline performance.
For full details, including an event schedule and helpful Pow Wow etiquette guidelines, visit the event website. The Fountain and food trucks will be open for extra fun!
