The Indigenous Cultural Gathering is a free, one-day outdoor event dedicated to honoring the spirit of Truth & Reconciliation and celebrating Indigenous cultures.

Join us on Saturday, October 5th to explore the histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples

The Indigenous Cultural Gathering will be opened with a welcome by Ojibwe Elder Shelley Charles of Georgina Island First Nation and include:

- A First Nations Drumming Circle
- Contemporary Indigenous Music
- Indigenous Food Offerings & local vendors

Please note that while Main Street Markham Farmer's Market is an accessible event, seating will be limited. Please reach out to us at info@mainstreetmarkham.com if you have accessibility requirements and we will be happy to help facilitate. 

Presented by the Markham Village Music Festival in partnership with Markham Village BIA, Destination Markham, and York Region Indigenous Action Committee.


Shelley Charles is Ojibway Anishinaabe from Georgina Island First Nation on Lake Simcoe and is a member of the fish clan: Muskinozhe Giigohn. She is a graduate of Horticulture Science and earned a Masters of Indigenous Philosophy from 7^th Generation Institute in Fort Frances. Shelley’s first teacher was her grandmother, BazhadawgumigoKwe who taught her how to harvest food and plants as medicine and has used this knowledge in the restoration of Indigenous plants; designing gardens and teachings on the land. Prior to being appointed as Project Lead for Indigenous Women in Agriculture with the Native Women’s Association of Canada, Shelley was the Indigenous Advisor and Dean of Indigenous Education and Engagement at Humber College. Shelley is an instructor and elder advisor at First Nation’s Technical Institute Aviation School based in Tyendinaga