It is time to change the narrative at The Village at Black Creek.
Recognizing that for too long the site had focused on settlers of European descent, in 2017 The Village began working to change the narrative by collaborating with Indigenous scholars, artists, elders, and community members.
To “restory” The Village, we are also partnering with other equity-deserving artists, scholars, and communities to ensure that their stories – from their perspectives and in their words – are shared with visitors to The Village.
LEARN HOW THE VILLAGE IS CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
About the Research
In an effort to bring Indigenous voices and perspectives to The Village, the Changing the Narrative Indigenous research committee initiated a multi-year project in 2017.
Changing the Narrative: Reconnecting Settler and Indigenous Histories at The Village is a multi-phase collaborative project between Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) at The Village at Black Creek, York University, Jumblies Theatre, and five southern Ontario First Nations.
The project aims to develop historically accurate and artful permanent installations at The Village that acknowledge the deep connection between the establishment of Euro-Canadian “pioneer” settlements and the loss of lands and livelihoods by local Indigenous communities, while also highlighting more positive interconnections through trade, technological adaptation, and intermarriage.
In these ways, The Village will support the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada‘s calls to action by telling a fuller, more inclusive, and more accurate story of settlement in 19th century Ontario.
Changing the Narrative through Art
Art connects us to other people and opens our eyes to different ways of looking at the world around us and the history of the land we call home.
This year at The Village, Indigenous artists share their perspectives on Toronto’s colonial past, remind us of the original caretakers of the land, and ask us to remain hopeful about the future.
- Spirit Figures: Search for sculptured spirit figures, created by Sun Raven Arts and located throughout The Village. Can you see them hidden but watching? Through 2025.
- #HopeandHealingcanada: Consider those whose voices have been historically displaced from spaces like The Village, while viewing a site-specific installation around Second House, created by Métis artist Tracey-Mae Chambers. August 11 to October 5, 2025.
- Spirit Wind: Explore the the Inuit narrative, The Soul That Let Itself Be Born Again in All the Animals Of The Earth, through Inuk Eco Artist Barry Best’s series of six woodcarving installations.
NEW THIS SPRING: Visit Uppik (Snowy Owl) near Doctor’s House, which continues his exploration of Inuit stories, blending wood carving with his commitment to sustainability and cultural storytelling. Through 2025.
Changing the Narrative through Events
Events bring us together to discover new ideas and explore different perspectives.
- First Saturdays: Through Their Eyes: Visit with Indigenous and other equity-deserving artists on the first Saturday of every month, as they demonstrate their art while asking us to consider the history of Toronto through their eyes. May to November, 2025.
- FabCollab: Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of FabCollab, as music and dance bring the Village to life. From flamenco to Indigenous Shawl dancing, enjoy captivating performances set against a historic backdrop. Celebrate global rhythms and cultural expression in this unforgettable event, made possible through the Toronto Arts Council Animating Historic Spaces program. August 9-10, 2025 | Evening: exact time of day TBD.
- Ready for Access: Experience history in motion with Ready for Access as they reimagine popular 19th-century dances in an inclusive, dynamic performance. Watch as dancers, including wheelchair users, bring the past to life in a unique Disability Dance Jam. Join us for an evening of movement, accessibility, and artistic expression, made possible through the Toronto Arts Council Animating Historic Spaces program. September 26, 27, 2025 | Evening: exact time of day TBD.
- Relaxed Days: Relaxed Days provide spaces and activities welcoming to all visitors, including those on the autism spectrum, those with sensory or communication disorders, and everyone seeking a more relaxed visit. Created in partnership with Grandview Kids and Surrey Place. Spring 2025.
Changing the Narrative through Exhibits
Exhibits and installations challenge us to reconsider our past and contemplate how we create a better future.
- Changing the Narrative: Explore the Changing the Narrative project in The Village’s newest exhibit in Sherwood Cabin. Guided by the Changing the Narrative Research Committee and funded by Tourism Relief Fund (FedDev Ontario).
- Wiigiwaam: Contemplate the impact of colonization while seated in a traditional Ojibwe wiigiwaam constructed by Village staff led by Indigenous knowledge-keepers and Elders with Edge of the Bush.
- Hidden Histories: Discover the hidden history of Toronto’s Queer community in the 1800s through a wall cabinet designed to reveal what was once concealed. At first glance, it may seem like an ordinary piece of furniture – but as the doors and drawers open, stories come to light. Coming June 2025!
What’s Next
We are working hard to Change the Narrative. But we’re not stopping here.
Our school programs are undergoing a review by Indigenous education consultants to ensure that the stories we tell and the way that historical information is shared reflects the perspectives of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabeg peoples who have lived on the land now known as Toronto for centuries.
As the initial research phase of the Changing the Narrative project comes to a close, work is beginning on a permanent exhibit and series of installations. Created collaboratively with five First Nations, these installations will weave Indigenous voices and perspectives throughout The Village.
We are working with historians of Toronto’s Black community to learn more about the region’s Black citizens in the 1800s and are hoping to include this information in our interpretation soon.
We are also beginning the Jewish History Project, which will result in a new Village exhibit focused on memory, artifacts, and the Jewish experience in Toronto.
Be sure to visit the Gift Shop on your next visit to The Village, where you’ll find items created by equity-deserving artisans.
Keep checking this space to see what is coming next to Change the Narrative at The Village.