Pathways: Following traces of Indigenous routes across Ontario

Image credit: © Chief Lady Bird and Aura, 2018

About the Exhibit

Land and water routes across what is now Ontario reveal layers of Indigenous knowledge, resistance and presence that connect from time immemorial to the present and the future.

This exhibit features works by contemporary Indigenous artists as well as historical materials from the collections of the Toronto Public Library and Library and Archives Canada.

Pathways was developed under a collaborative agreement between the Toronto Public Library and Library and Archives Canada.

Chief Nawahjegezhegwabe (Joseph Sawyer)
Reverend James Spencer, 1846

Lake of the Woods, Nipigon and Albany Waters, Quetico Park, Ontario, Arrowhead Country, Minnesota, Promotional brochure, Canadian National Railway, 1930
Library and Archives Canada

Related Programming

Pathways Exhibit Launch

Join us as we celebrate the opening of the exhibit. Featuring Ceremonial Conductor Michael White, Bear Clan, registered with M'Chigeeng First Nation, and Spoken Word Artist Jennifer Murrin of Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation.

Thursday, September 13, 6 - 8 pm
Toronto Reference Library, Beeton Hall
RSVP by August 29 to Wendy McPhee: wmcphee@torontopubliclibrary.ca

Film: Colonization Road

Join us for a screening of this 2016 documentary, directed by Michelle St. John, featuring Anishinaabe comedian and activist Ryan McMahon.

Monday, September 24, 6:30 - 8 pm
Toronto Reference Library, Beeton Hall

First Story Bus Tours

First Story Toronto offers guided bus tours of Indigenous histories and presence in Toronto. Meet at Spadina Road Branch. Register in person at the branch or call 416-393-7666. Tours are free of charge.

East Tour
Saturday, September 22, 10 am - 1 pm

West Tour
Saturday, September 29, 10 am - 1 pm

The Kaswentha or Two Row Wampum created by The Wampum Shop.
Image courtesy of Niagara Falls Museums.

Guided Tours

Tuesdays at 2 pm. Meet inside the TD Gallery. Drop in. No registration required.

Saturdays: September 8, 15 & 29 at 2 pm. Meet inside the TD Gallery. Drop in. No registration required.

York (Present-day Toronto) from Gibraltar Point (Present-day Toronto Islands), Traditional territory of the Mississaugas, Joshua Gleadah, 1828