2021/03, 04 < Back to Events Allegra CREDITS: WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Paulina Perez Arts Facilitator website My name is Paulina Perez, Im a watercolor artist/teacher based in Toronto. I teach the love of watercolours at several retirement homes across the GTA and have been doing so for about 7 months now. My goal is to share the beauty of this medium and hopefully ignite the same passion in others. << BACK TO ARTISTS

The Jamii Hub turns into a creative writing sanctuary once a month on Tuesdays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CREATIVE WRITING / EXPLORING SELF THROUGH ANDEAN COSMOVISION DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Creative Writing April 2025 EXPLORING SELF THROUGH ANDEAN COSMOVISION April 15, 2025 Facilitator: Paulina Muñoz Join us for an inspiring creative writing session where we’ll explore the concept of SELF through the lens of Andean cosmovision. This workshop will introduce you to the guiding principles of Andean philosophy, offering a unique opportunity to reflect on how these ancient concepts are relevant in today’s world. The guiding symbol for our workshop is the Chakana, a central figure in Andean cultures. This stepped cross represents the balance between three interconnected realms: the upper world (Hanan Pacha), the earthly world (Kay Pacha), and the inner world (Uku Pacha). These principles will serve as the foundation for our creative exploration, helping us to examine how ancient Andean values of balance, reciprocity, and interconnectedness can offer insight into your personal journey and help shape your understanding of who you are. Led by Paulina Muñoz, a Visiting Researcher at CERLAC, York University, and the creator of the "Mi Historia en Palabras" methodology, this workshop invites you to engage in creative writing through the lens of Andean philosophy. Paulina’s expertise in narrative therapy and her work with diverse communities, including Latin American senior women and LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, ensures a safe and reflective space for all participants. In this session, we will encourage you to explore your own stories, memories, and reflections using these principles of balance, reciprocity, and interconnectedness. This session is perfect for anyone interested in self-reflection, storytelling, and the power of ancient wisdom to guide modern creative expression. Come with an open mind, ready to connect with yourself and others through the art of writing. Whether you’re new to creative writing or have experience, this workshop offers a space for everyone to reflect, create, and express. For those who want to take their experience further and perform, we invite you to join Saturday Mingling on April 26, a lively evening of artistic sharing where community members and artists come together to celebrate the creative journey. This workshop is free to attend, but spaces are limited, so be sure to register today! This Creative Writing workshop is part of Jamii's April cycle, guided by lead artist Carolina Rojas, and centred around the theme of the Chakana—an ancestral Andean symbol representing the connection between the spiritual, earthly, and inner realms. Through these workshops in dancing, painting, crafting, sewing,singing and creative writing, we’ll reflect on how these ancient teachings resonate with our modern lives, connecting us to nature, the cycles of life, and our community. “This is an invitation to reinterpret the meaning of the Chakana, connecting its ancient wisdom with our modern experiences.” – Carolina Rojas. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Afnan Yakot Paulina Muñoz Paulina Muñoz is a Visiting Researcher at CERLAC, York University, and the creator of the "Mi Historia en Palabras" methodology, a structured yet flexible approach to autobiographical creative writing. Rooted in Paulo Freire’s pedagogy of liberation and narrative therapy, her methodology helps individuals organize their memories, thoughts, and emotions into meaningful written narratives. Throughout 2024, Paulina has facilitated workshops in Toronto, working with diverse groups, including Latin American senior women, Chilean exile survivors, Latin American women who have experienced domestic violence, and LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. Her workshops provide a safe and empowering space for participants to reflect, heal, and reclaim their personal histories through writing. With a deep understanding of Andean culture, Paulina integrates Indigenous worldviews into her approach to writing and identity exploration. She is currently developing a creative writing workshop in English for anglophone participants, offering a unique one-session experience where individuals will explore the SELF through Andean philosophical principles. This workshop invites participants to reflect on their personal journeys using Andean concepts of balance, reciprocity, and interconnectedness as guiding themes. Photo Credit: Unknown

The Jamii Hub turns into a painting sanctuary once every month on Thursdays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / PAINTING NIGHTS / PAINTING GROUNDING AND RENEWAL - MARCH 2025 CREATING Thursday 7 pm Painting Nights PAINTING GROUNDING AND RENEWAL March 2025 March 6, 2025 Facilitator: Seema Anwar What colours make you feel grounded? What textures bring a sense of renewal? In this guided, reflective workshop, participants of all ages and skill levels will explore these questions through mixed media painting. Using acrylic paint, recycled textiles, and craft materials, you’ll start by creating a background of colours, patterns, and shapes that evoke stability. Then, through layering, stitching, and gluing, you’ll add textures that represent renewal, what sustains and refreshes you. With a brief discussion to spark ideas before diving into painting, this two-hour creative experience is not just about making art but about connecting with yourself and your community. You’ll leave with: Your own finished artwork New painting and mixed media techniques New memories shared with others Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or you’ve been making art for years, this is a space to reflect, create, and feel inspired. For those who want to take their experience further and display their artwork, we invite you to join Saturday Mingling on March 22, a lively evening of artistic sharing where community members and artists come together to celebrate the creative journey. Join us for an evening of colour, creativity, and connection. Painting Night is part of Jamii's March Cycle evolved around lead artist Sharon Zarita Adhiambo’s theme "Grounded", which includes workshops like Monday Dancing, Tuesday Culture Cloths, Tuesday Book Club, Tuesday Creative Writing, Wednesday Sewing, Thursday Crafting, and Friday Singing. “Through these workshops, we let art and community exchanges guide the discovery of what grounds us, or what we need to find grounding on, and pass this discovery to someone else's journey.” - Sharon Zarita Adhiambo. Please note that the March 6 workshop is now full . Join the waitlist, and we will contact you if there are spots open up. We encourage you to look out your email inbox (including "Promotion" / "Other" inbox) closer to the workshop date. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Afnan Yakot, Ghader Bsmar, Hadeal Karrar Seema Anwar Seema Anwar has a diploma in textile design. She was under the tutelage of Mr. Azer Zubi and Mohammad Ali Bhatti, both well-known artists in Pakistan. Seema uses various mediums such as watercolor, pen work, pastels, glass, and oil paints. Seema believes art can be used as a therapy to relieve stress, trauma, and other daily struggles. Ever since she moved to Canada she has been working with many communities such as the Flemington Community Centre, Arts in the Park, Malton Women Council, Making Art Making Change, Voice of Toronto, Afghan Women, Toronto Green, TNO organization, FHC and Flemingdon Community Support Services. She has worked on various projects such as gender-based violence, green earth initiatives, and art therapy with the TNO organization in the senior group and Early On, Autism Thorncliffe group and Alzheimer Society. In 2023, she did 2 exhibitions, one was Wedbi and one was Scarborough's topic on Islamic heritage. She did one event with the Art in the Park organization in 2023 at Burgess Park Thorncliffe to reduce climate change and recycle textiles. She leads art workshops for physical and mental health and wellness in the community. She has aimed to use her artwork to spread joy and happiness. Photo by Iris Unlu

The Jamii Hub turns into a singing sanctuary on Fridays! In June, join us to explore melodies and create a communal song led by Nickeshia Garrick and Paula Sofía Morales. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / FRIDAY SINGING / EXPLORING MELODIES AND CREATING A COMMUNAL SONG TOGETHER - JUNE 2024 SINGING Friday 7 pm Explore singing in a community sing-along! EXPLORING MELODIES AND CREATING A COMMUNAL SONG June 2024 June 7 - 14 - 21, 2024 Facilitator: Paula Sofía Morales, Nickeshia Garrick Join us on Fridays June 7th, 14th and 21st for a three-part workshop series where we explore the melodies within us while creating a collective song celebrating Latin American rich cultural connections. Guided by June lead artist Nickeshia Garrick (June 7th) and singer-songwriter Paula Sofía Morales (June 14th and 21st), we'll explore music and storytelling, emphasizing unity and strengthening our community bonds through the power of music. The participants will be encouraged to sing with each other, strengthening their listening skills and singing in tune as a group. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Jae Yang Paula Sofía Morales Paula Sofía is a Guatemalan singer-songwriter based in Toronto. From the stage, Paula weaves a playful connection with her audience, turning each live performance into a unique, shared moment. While most of her songs are in Spanish, Paula transcends language boundaries through her quirky songwriting, vivid imagery, and a touch of playfulness. She navigates the human experience and shares it with her listeners through her melodious voice. Instagram Nickeshia Garrick Nickeshia Garrick is a settler on the stolen land of Tkaronto and has performed on this land for over 25 years. They are unapologetically a Black, Queer Artist, who believes in the healing power of breath through raw emotion and movement. Nickeshia received their dance training at the NYIDE (New York Institution of Dance and Education), National Ballet School of Canada (Tkaronto), Toronto Dance Theatre (Tkaronto), and Simon Fraser University (Vancouver). Nickeshia is a Dora Mavor Moore, winning and multi-nominated artist who holds a BFA in Dance from Simon Fraser University. Recently, Nickeshia became the Co-Founder of the dance collective CinnaMoon Collective which premiered their full-length work, Surrendered Spirits at Canadian Stage. Instagram Photo by María Vega

2015 Forty-One 2015 A book, a mural, a dance performance & a visual exhibition The BOOK "Forty-One Neighbours" From our immediate neighbors to people living in neighboring countries, there are unique, moving and beautiful stories to be discovered, to be shared, and to be enlivened. Each story is a component of an ensemble. Written by 53 students from The Esplanade , FORTY-ONE Neighbours is a portrait book of 41 people, each one currently living in one of the countries participating in the 2015 Toronto Pan Am/Parapan Am Games and having a personal link to The Esplanade neighbourhood. 39 photographers from the Americas participated in the project. 600 copies were printed and distributed locally and internationally. After its launch on April 14th, 2015, FORTY-ONE Neighbours became a source of inspiration for a visual arts installation, a dance performance and a mural project – all unveiled in our park on July 4th 2015. Credits Book creative team: Curator: Isorine Marc Project Coordinator: Zoie Browne Editorial Coordinator: Rosemary Doyle Graphic Designer: Joseph Harbans Cover illustration: Yasmin Harris International Outreach Coordinator: Kerryn Graham Translator: Alvaro Blanch Co-produced by Jamii & CORPUS; In partnership with St Lawrence Market BIA , St Lawrence Neighbourhood Association , St Lawrence Recreation Centre , Toronto Public Library -St Lawrence Branch , Young People’s Theatre , St Michael’s Catholic School, Market Lane Public School, Canada Running Series , Prologue to the Performing Arts , Berkeley Castle ; With the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation , Ontario Ignite, Ontario Arts Council , Toronto Arts Council . Partnering schools: St Michael’s Catholic School Market Lane Public School FORTY-ONE embarked Esplanadians on a one-of-a-kind journey that contributes to defining our common identity and embracing our differences. The MURAL"Forty-One" To all the constellations that shine above us, wherever we may be. This mural embraces our neighbours from all point of the compass. In spite of the physical distance, we all remain connected. Inspired by the book “FORTY-ONE Neighbours”, a mural was created during an 8-week process under artistic leadership of Nick Sweetman. Seven Esplanadian painters designed and painted the mural at the “Circle/Stonehenge” (The Esplanade & Frederick St). It represents all landmasses in a mixed arrangement, with 41 dots spread throughout and all connected to each other by a ribbon. The artists involved in this project celebrated our connections in spite of physical distance. Artistic Team: Lead artist: Nick Sweetman Esplanadians: Suzanne Barnes, Kerryn Graham, Marina Hanacek, Andrew Patterson, Julian Periquet, Dan Philips, Ivan Blagojevic, Diana Portokalidis Curator: Isorine Marc Project Coordinator: Zoie Browne Produced by Jamii @jamiiesplanade The DANCE"Forty-One" Based on the concept of ÉCOUTE POUR VOIR, each dance solo was inspired by a portrait from the book “FORTY-ONE Neighbours”. This dance performance was presented on July 4th on The Esplanade, at the opening of the St Lawrence Market on July 11th, and at the Ontario Celebration Zone at the Harbourfront Centre on both July 11th and 13th. Artistic and Community team: Original concept: Emmanuel Jouthe/Danse Carpe Diem Lead artists: Michael Caldwell, Laurence Fournier Campeau, Emmanuel Jouthe, Indrit Kasapi, Jolyane Langlois, Alix Sideris Esplanadians: Mumina Aden Hussien, Karam Aly, Christine Andrews, Athan Belasco, Farid Dastmalchi, Iraj Dastmalchi, Amber Ebert, Yossef Kurdi, Hiba Kurdi, Nasir Robertson, Jacqueline Tarne, Pauline Williams, Kenan Yousef The VISUAL EXHIBITION"FORTY-ONE The Esplanadian Connection" “FORTY-ONE The Esplanadian Connection” celebrated our similarities and shared our stories with a series of 33 installations along The Esplanade’s promenade. A mirrored reflection of each original picture from the book “FORTY-ONE Neighbours” was re-enacted by 7 local photographers and 104 Esplanadians. This photo exhibit was designed by 9 Esplanadians during a two-month creative process, under the artistic leadership of Jacques Fortier. The exhibit was on display from July to October 2015. Artistic and Community team: Lead artist: Jacques Fortier Esplanadians: Nancy Barber, Nancy Brown, Gabrielle Franke, Raecheal Goddard, Mia Hesse-Fernandes, Mike Hutchinson, Margot Mercier, Majeeb Zafar, Ribqah Zafar Graphic designer: Gus Morainslie Photographers: Grant Cockburn, André Daley-Wiltshire, Laura Dittmann, Cyesha Forde, Charlie Lindsay, Aleshia Nigh-Neverson, Nick Spector PARTNERS

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Brescia Nember Reid Puppetry website Brescia is a queer multifaceted artist and birthworker, with a focus on large-scale shadow puppetry and paper cut-outs. Passionate about community and local arts, Brescia has worked solo and in collaboration on projects with Summerworks Performance Festival, Buddies in Bad Times, Victoria Mata Productions & Aluna Theatre, and more. She/They was one of the minds behind Mudlark, the theatrical shadow puppetry performance Jamii perfermed on December 2023, and described the history of a young girl who seeks a place to call home among the enchanting stories of the Esplanade neighbourhood. << BACK TO ARTISTS

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / LAINI / LAINI LAND LAINI Youth Wednesday & Thursday After School A Jamii initiative to encourage girls and young women to explore art and leadership! LAINI LAND August 2023 - Ages 7 - 15 Led by Ayelen Liberona, Zaynab Wilson, Isorine Marc, Afnan Yakot Jamii offered girls and young women - who are local to The Esplanade - a wonderful 5 days camping on the land! In partnership with Becoming Praxis, 15 girls made lifelong memories through artistic experiences in the outdoors. For some it was the first time leaving the city, going camping, swimming in a river or being close up to cows. They made arts, spent time outdoors, played, shared, recharged, and (re)connected with nature. At Jamii, we are so proud to see such a project, Laini Land, coming to life for a second year in a row and watching first hand the impact it has on the girls. Participants who enjoyed Laini Land have been involved with Jamii through the year doing various programming and this is part of our intent to nurture long-term relations with these youths. - Photo Credit: Unknown

The Jamii Hub on The Esplanade is home to movement workshops for older adults on Tuesdays. Register now to join! Movement INDOOR ACTIVITIES / BELONGING / BELONGING Tuesday 10am Movement WHEN | Tuesdays from 10am to 11:30am WHERE | The Jamii Hub @ 264 The Esplanade AGE GROUP | 55+ FREE ADMISSION | REGISTRATION REQUIRED | NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NEEDED Our Movement workshops series is a safe and inclusive space for older adults with all levels of mobility to engage in collective physical exercises tailored towards their needs with a focus on fun and joy. This weekly workshops series goes beyond the average gym class. They are led by professional dancers who bring their diverse cultural backgrounds and artistic visions into their choreographed dance moves. Each week, participants learn new moves and steps, work on their mind and body coordination, and practice a collective fun routine. The Movement workshop has become a weekly rendez-vous for our older Esplanadians who look forward to exercising alongside their friends in the community every Tuesday. Workshops are free. The program is supported by the Government of Canada, New Horizons for Seniors Program, as well as the Canada Council for the Arts. Join our Movement workshops on Tuesdays at The Jamii Hub! REGISTER NOW Calendar UPCOMING DATES Nickeshia Garrick Carolina Rojas Nicola Pantin Newton Moraes Tue, Nov 25 Belonging Older Adults - Movement / The Jamii Hub Nov 25, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Movement workshop series for older adults Tue, Dec 02 Belonging Older Adults - Movement / The Jamii Hub Dec 02, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Movement workshop series for older adults Tue, Dec 09 Belonging Older Adults - Movement / The Jamii Hub Dec 09, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Movement workshop series for older adults

Winter 2024 Community Projects/ Photo Exhibits/ THE PACT THE PACT Winter 2024 Winter 2024 Exhibited at The Jamii Hub (264 The Esplanade) Since 2022, a group of about 15 girls and young women from The Esplanade has traveled to Farming Futures Coop near Madoc, ON, where they are led by both Jamii and the Becoming Praxis teams for five days of artistic adventures on the land. During this immersive week, the participants, guided by a professional artist, harvest food from the garden, swim in the river, walk through the forest, share stories around the fire, and engage in arts projects. In 2024, the group embraced the challenge of creating a photo exhibition exploring the meaning of friendship. Participants chose the theme, took the photographs, curated the collection, and crafted their own artistic statement, which includes the exhibit’s powerful title:  The Pact.  This project reflects what friendship means to them. Unveiled on Thursday, November 28, 2024 On display from November 2024 to February 2025 CREDITS Producer: Jamii and Becoming Praxis Lead Artist: Nilaya Sabnis Artistic Advisors: Ayelen Liberona, Isorine Marc Photographers: Chloé, Aéla, Santana, Jacqueline, Trinity, Kandi, Ruby, Mila, Garesah, Zélia, Maryam, Lisa, Sanaa and Ariya. Youth support: Karen Lam Coordination & Hearth Care: Lindy Zucker, Angell Owens ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY LEAD ARTIST NILAYA SABNIS: In our week together, I learned a lot about friendship watching the way these incredible girls looked out for each other, tried new things in a new land, played together, and shared an experience that none of us will soon forget. They showed me that friendship is indeed a pact, a decision, a promise, sometimes unspoken, but always shown. Friendship is making sure that everyone gets a cookie before anyone takes seconds. It’s walking the youngest across the field to the outhouse so she doesn’t feel alone and scared. Friendship is noticing when someone is struggling and offering your help. It’s braiding bracelets in the dome, and each other’s hair by the river. Friendship is encouraging someone when they’re trying something new. It’s holding hands on slippery rocks and making sure no one is left behind. Friendship can be quiet, or it can be rowdy. It lasts through laughter and through tears. Friendship is the comfort of knowing you are not going through anything alone. And this is exactly the story these girls have so beautifully told through this series of images, each one unique and true to the vision of artist who made it. It was a privilege to show them basic photography techniques and watch them take it on as their own. I am so proud of them for learning a new language in such a short time and using it to tell this story. But above all, I'm so grateful to them for reminding us all what friendship truly is.  ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHERS: Friendship is like juice boxes. I give you one now because you’re thirsty, and when I’m thirsty, you’ll have one for me too. We share, we care, and we’re here for each other. There are some basics about friendship: trusting each other and creating a space to share our true feelings. You tell each other things you wouldn’t tell anyone else. Respect, care, and support are key. Friends can laugh with each other in a genuine way, tease each other for fun, and know how everyone is feeling. We make sure everyone is included and having a good time. Friendship is also about finding compromises that work for everyone when we don’t agree. Friendship can be complicated. Sometimes, things don’t go right the first time, and you mess things up. But friendship can be wonderful if you work hard at it. One of the most important things about friendship is believing in one another—when we encourage each other, we can do great things that make us feel stronger. Friendship is precious: it’s joyful, warm, and priceless. You’re never alone, with friends who check in on you every day to make sure you’re okay. Older friends show me respect and care, which makes me feel great. We care for each other, and we make sure it’s safe for everyone. Friendship is something you can’t take away. You’re there for your friends, not just in joyful times but also when they’re down, sad, or angry, or feeling anything else. You support them and encourage them to look on the bright side. Friendship brings happiness all around. In the end, friendship is life. Friendship is love. Friendship is happiness for all. And really, making new friends is easy—kindness is the way to go. Be kind to the people you meet because they could become friends who share some of the most wonderful experiences that might transform your life.

The Jamii Hub on The Esplanade is home to a new dance form guided by Toronto dance artists each month. Join our dance workshops and enjoy being around a community! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY DISCOVERING / BOOK CLUB / THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS - FEBRUARY 2025 DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Book Club THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS February 2025 February 4, 2025 Facilitator: Eshe Mercer-James This month, as part of Jonelle Sills' theme “Mirrors,” Jamii’s Book Club will explore Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking-Glass . Following Alice’s journey into a mirror wonderland, we’ll explore the theme of reflection and ask ourselves: What’s in your looking-glass world? The book is in the public domain and is easily accessible online , at libraries, or in bookstores. We invite you to read it and join our discussion, facilitated by literature professor Eshe Mercer-James. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Afnan Yakot Eshe Mercer-James Eshe Mercer-James has taught literature courses at both York and Trent Universities and also works with the Canadian Language Museum. Her PhD dissertation, Framing Standard and Dialect in Black Women’s Novels (2021), was nominated for the Mary McEwan Memorial Award, a prize for feminist scholarship. She is excited to share her passion for literature with the Jamii community! Photo Credit: Ghader Bsmar

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Gillian Mapp Photography website I started seeing images early on when I was younger, way before I even held a camera to conspire to make images I’d use my eyes to capture moments and make them permanent treasures in my mind’s eye. Back then, I saw the importance of documenting my story because it was clear that no one else would do it for me. The importance of recording history was instilled by my mothers determination to document every moment of our childhood. I remember every trip we made to drop off film roles, and patiently waiting for their development to reveal what she had captured. Since then, I’ve made photography a way to record history in an effort to change the way people see and remember the world. My photography is grounded in showcasing the beauty in the moments and people around me, and bringing untold stories to the forefront. More info: https://www.jamii.ca/emerging-artists/gillian- << BACK TO ARTISTS

This mural was co-created by local youths in partnership with St Lawerence Market Community Projects/ MURALS/ PROTECTOR PROTECTOR St Lawrence Market This mural was co-created by local youths in partnership with St Lawerence Market In July 2024, a team of 16 youth participants, under the guidance of artist Jieun Kim, project coordinator Karen Lam, and artistic director Isorine Marc, collaborated to design, paint, and unveil a vibrant mural at the corner of Jarvis and The Esplanade on St. Lawrence Market, in partnership with the market. This previously overlooked and underutilized area, primarily serving as a garbage zone, was transformed into a lively, inviting space. The mural’s dynamic colors and design have revived this community corner, making it safer, more welcoming, and visually connected to the surrounding neighborhood. Throughout the two-week design and painting phases, the youth participants were deeply engaged, acquiring a range of transferable skills, both artistic and leadership-oriented. These included project planning (including painting coordination schedule and the unveiling event), teamwork, and time management. Additionally, they gained hands-on experience with various artistic techniques, from concept sketching and color theory to mural painting and community engagement. This project not only enriched their practical skills but also empowered them with a sense of ownership and pride in contributing to their community's transformation. A beautiful unveiling ceremony for the mural took place on August 1st, 2024, featuring a ribbon-cutting and remarks from guest speaker MPP Chris Glover. This celebration highlighted the project’s success and brought together community members to appreciate the collaborative effort, symbolizing a shared commitment to revitalizing public spaces. The project strengthened community cohesion through a meaningful partnership between St. Lawrence Market and Jamii, sparking discussions to extend this beautification initiative into 2025. This collaboration has laid a foundation for continued efforts to enrich and enliven shared spaces, with the mural serving as a testament to the positive impact of community-driven art. ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY LEAD ARTIST, JIEUN KIM: This mural at St. Lawrence Market is deeply significant to me, celebrating the diversity and community I cherish. Working with enthusiastic youths to bring this vision to life was incredibly rewarding. Together, we crafted a design that embodies the market's cultural richness and unity. Leading the young students, I encouraged a collaborative environment, celebrating their voices and ideas. Engaging the youth in such projects empowers them, fostering pride in their heritage and teaching teamwork and leadership. I believe this mural will transform the community and youths by showcasing our diversity and inspiring them to recognize their potential. As an artist, this project reaffirmed my commitment to uplifting diverse voices within our community. ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY YOUTHS: Toronto, being the fast-growing city it is, features shiny new buildings rising alongside everlasting historical structures. The St. Lawrence Market specifically is an iconic example of a place that withheld its significance in a city of gentrification. The Market is a microcosm of our city’s diversity and with this mural, titled "Our Protector”, our intent is to celebrate the diversity of this beautiful landmark. Stepping into the Market feels as though a different world of unique decor, food, people, and music has been entered. With fantasy, we tried to recreate the magical universe that is the Market. Every part of the mural was thoughtfully designed with hopes to encompass all that holds meaning and relevance. In our mural, the mermaids represent diversity; they come from different places and cultures, yet they all meet in a place where they share food and company. Each mermaid has a different musical instrument, and together they play music harmoniously, and, like food, it feeds our souls. The stalls represent not only the diversity of food but also shelter for friendship, family, and community. They also represent all the small businesses the market has supported over time. It’s a place of trade, exchange, and shared moments. The flowers in full bloom symbolize joy and life and the river represents the land we share. The dragon, with its strong energy and powers, keeps a protective eye on our community, as well as being a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, bestowing blessings upon all who call this area home. Being treated equally is important to us, and that’s something we wanted to highlight in this mural. Everyone is welcome, regardless of abilities, ethnicity, age, or economic status. It is through socialization and inclusivity that new people can be met, new things can be learnt, and our everlasting journey of growth continues. The Market is far beyond just a stop along the way; It is a place to gather, to remember, and to feel the livelihood of human connection that every being craves. It is truly an honour to add a piece of ourselves onto a location of great history, and we hope what this mural stands for—its vibrancy and uniqueness—will welcome more people to visit the St. Lawrence Market. Credits: Lead Artist: Jieun Kim Artistic Director: Isorine Marc Project Coordinator: Karen Lam Designing and Painting: Aéla Kuria Alina Khurram Chloë Henderson Daniella Kabeya Dario Oluwole Faith Ssempiira (Painting Only) Francesca Ssempiira (Painting Only) Huda Mourad Jacqueline Kabeya Kandi Kabeya Lisa Oluwole Maël Alcouffe Morgan Tortolo Santana Young Sitara Tredille Suhanna Tredille YaYa Chau Zélia Kuria Partners: St Lawrence Market Funders: City of Toronto Main Street Innov Fund FedDev Ontario COMMERCIAL USE FORM

The Jamii Hub on The Esplanade is home to a new dance form guided by Toronto dance artists each month. Join our dance workshops and enjoy being around a community! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY DISCOVERING / BOOK CLUB / A ROSE FOR WINTER - MARCH 2024 LEARNING Tuesday 7 pm Book Club A ROSE FOR WINTER March 2024 March 5, 2024 Facilitator: Judith Cohen Join our Monthly Book Club! In March, embark with us on a literary journey through the enchanting pages of 'A Rose for Winter' by Laurie Lee, a captivating memoir, where the author's eloquent prose transports us to post-Civil War Spain, unveiling the beauty of the landscapes, people, and customs. Immerse yourself in the discussions about post-war Spain's cultural nuances and savor the transformative period the author navigates. Whether you're a seasoned book club enthusiast or a newcomer, all are welcome to partake in this literary exploration. Share your insights, unravel the layers of this memoir, and connect with fellow readers who share a passion for storytelling. Reserve your spot and let the captivating journey begin! REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Ghader Bsmar, Jeeya Gandhi Judith Cohen Dr Judith Cohen is an ethnomusicologist, medievalist, singer, multi-instrumentalist and storyteller, who has travelled widely over the past half-century and plans to keep travelling. Both as an academic (Ph.D. ethnomusicology, MA Medieval Studies) and as a singer, she focuses on Sephardic music and related traditions of the Mediterranean and elsewhere, including songs in Judeo-Spanish, Spanish, Portuguese, Yiddish, Bulgarian, Croatian, medieval languages and more, accompanying herself on traditional percussion and string instruments. Judith teaches part-time at York University, and is also the editor/consultant for the Spain-1952 recordings and diaries of the legendary folklorist Alan Lomax. She integrates her research and travels into her singing and storytelling, in a warm, informal way, with spontaneous audience interaction. Instagram Photo Credit: Anonymous

2018 - 2019 I am Me 2018 - 2019 Click here to find more information about this project

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Sagatay Kwandibens Jingle Dancer website Saga kwandibens is a fancy shawl & jingle dress dancer, dancing since the age of 3. She is ojicree & of loon clan decent. Her parents hail from Whitesand and Constance Lake First Nation. << BACK TO ARTISTS

OUTDOOR EVENTS / DRAG QUEEN STORY TIME - 2019 Drag Queen Story Time July 2019 David Crombie Park Location: David Crombie Park Jamii and the Toronto Public Library St. Lawrence Branch joined forces on July 10th, 2019 to co-present a fabulous event for children of all ages! More than 150 people joined us for a very special story time with drag queens Atmos Fierce and Lucinda Miu; Face painting with our local artist Linda Epp; live music with Sergio Xocoloate; stilt walking with SoCirc; and last but not least, crafts with Parent Resource Early ON Centre! PHOTO CREDITS

The Jamii Hub turns into a singing sanctuary on Fridays! In March, join us to explore flamenco and sephardic songs led by Tamar Ilana and Judith Cohen. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / FRIDAY SINGING / SEPHARDIC & FLAMENCO SONGS - MARCH 2024 SINGING Friday 7 pm Explore singing in a community sing-along! SEPHARDIC & FLAMENCO SONGS March 2024 March 8 - 15 - 22, 2024 Facilitator: Tamar Ilana & Judith Cohen Led by Tamar Ilana (March 8 & 15) & Judith Cohen (March 22) Immerse yourself in the joy of communal singing during this workshop! Participants will explore fundamental warm-up vocal exercises, embrace singing in another language, and enjoy the experience of singing within a large group. Instead of delving into the technical aspects of singing, our focus will be on the delight that songs and the act of using our voices bring. During the workshops, we will learn how to sing a Sephardic song and a Flamenco song. The workshop series will culminate in a live performance at the March 23rd Saturday Mingling! REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Mariana Hernandez Tamar Ilana Tamar Ilana is a Jewish-Indigenous multilingual singer and flamenco dancer. Tamar's music and fierce talent reflect her life growing up in multicultural Toronto; accompanying her ethnomusicologist mother, on village fieldwork expeditions and on stage as a child; and living in Ibiza, Barcelona, Paris and Seville. Tamar is a renowned flamenco dancer and multilingual singer, and in 2011 she founded her flamenco/global roots project, Ventanas. Together they have released three albums, been nominated for four Canadian Folk Music Awards including Best Traditional Singer, and toured Canada, US and Colombia. They are currently working on their 4th album and will be embarking on their first European tour in October 2023. Tamar has collaborated with such renowned artists as Jesse Cook, Measha Brueggergosman, Anna Colóm (Rosalía), Manu Soto, Jim Creeggan (Barenaked Ladies), Suba Sankaran, Meesha Shafi, and Margaret Atwood. Tamar has also been featured in award-winning international musicals in New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, the UK and Germany. Tamar Ilana is the Executive and Artistic Director of FabCollab, a performing arts organization based in Toronto, Canada. Tamar was one of the first Toronto-based artists to pivot to live-streaming during the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully making the transition to online as a presenter and performer. In August 2020 she co-founded FabCollab in order to continue this work, and, with FabCollab, has since created numerous programmes and presented over 200 IBPOC womxn and minority artists at iconic Toronto sold out venues, live streaming to audiences of 40,000+ in partnership with the National Arts Centre, Lula Lounge, Koerner Hall, Small World Music and the Aga Khan Museum and the Royal Ontario Museum. Instagram Photo by Cassandra Popescu

2021/03 < Back to Events Red Rhythm & Blues CREDITS: WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / WEDNESDAY SEWING / HOODED SCARF - SEPTEMBER 2024 SEWING Wednesday 7 pm Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects September 2024 HOODED SCARF Sept 4 - 11 - 18 - 25, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey This September, we invite you to participate in our exciting new series of sewing workshops, themed “Storybeing.” This concept, introduced by lead artist Nova Bhattacharya, reflects the idea that “art making is embodied storytelling.” Nova’s vision of “Storybeing” emphasizes that we are all living dynamic stories as the main characters in our own narratives. Our Sewing Facilitator, Anita Boey, has designed a Hooded Scarf made from repurposed sari and wool. This elegant scarf wraps around the neck while providing protection for the head. Much like a storyteller revealing layers of a narrative, this scarf unfolds to showcase intricate details and diverse characters within its design. Create Your Own Customized Hooded Scarf Participants will have the opportunity to create their own Hooded Scarf. We will provide a selection of fabrics to choose from, and we encourage participants to bring any special fabric that holds personal meaning. For this project, participants will need 2 meters of thick, yet soft fabric (imagine a cozy scarf). For novice sewers, our dedicated Sewing Workshop Assistants, Shaimaa and Ghader, will guide you through the fundamental skills of operating a sewing machine, starting with a simple yet captivating scarf without the hood. SHOWCASE YOUR WORK Sewing participants are highly encouraged to attend the “Saturday Mingling” event at Jamii on September 28th. This will be an opportunity to showcase your Hooded Scarf to the rest of the Jamii community. Let’s stitch our Wednesdays away in a warm and encouraging atmosphere. By the end of this workshop series, you’ll not only have a garment to treasure but also the pride of mastering new sewing skills! Workshop Schedule Wednesday, September 4 Introduction to the theme of “Storybeing” and its inspiration for the Hooded Scarf design. Participants will choose their fabric, transfer the pattern pieces onto their fabric, and cut their fabric. Wednesday, September 11 Sew the outer and lining of the hood. Wednesday, September 18 Sew the outer and lining of the scarf and piece together the hood and scarf. Wednesday, September 25 Add finishing touches to the Hooded Scarf. Conclude with a Storytelling Fashion Show! SEWING WORKSHOPS FOR SEPTEMBER IS NOW FULL. PLEASE JOIN THE WAITLIST THROUGH THE BUTTON BELOW AND WE WILL GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU IF ANY SPOTS BECOME AVAILABLE. REGISTRATIONS WILL OPEN FOR WEDNESDAY SEWING OCTOBER WORKSHOPS ON SEPTEMBER 15 AT 12 PM. PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE AND REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING MONTH. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PROJECT PARTICIPANTS WORK ON IS DIFFERENT EACH MONTH. REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Photos by Isorine Marc & Anita Boey Anita Boey Business Professor by day, sewist by night. I am a passionate sewist with a deep interest for sustainability and creativity. As an advocate for reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices, I utilize rescued materials in my sewing projects. I hope that my sewing serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can emerge from diverted waste, while inspiring others to join me in the quest for a more sustainable world, one stitch at a time. Instagram Photo Credit: Unknown

The Jamii Hub turns into a painting sanctuary once every month on Thursdays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / PAINTING NIGHTS / EXPLORING THE CHAKANA - APRIL 2025 CREATING Thursday 7 pm Painting Nights EXPLORING THE CHAKANA April 2025 April 10, 2025 Facilitator: Andre Mandela Lopez Join us on April 10 for an evening of painting and reflection as we explore the rich symbolism of the Chakana, an ancient Andean symbol representing the three realms of existence: Hanan Pacha (Upper World), Kay Pacha (World of the Living), and Uqhu Pacha (Lower World). Led by multidisciplinary visual artist Andre Mandela Lopez, this 2-hour workshop will guide you through the process of creating your own personalized Chakana cross while reflecting on its deeper meaning in your life. Using acrylic paints on wooden canvases, you’ll create a personalized Chakana cross that blends Andean cosmology with your own story while exploring the three realms of the Andean worldview. Through thoughtful prompts, Andre will encourage you to reflect on your unique experiences and their spiritual, earthly, and ancestral significance, translating these reflections into your artwork. In addition, you will gain knowledge about the colour symbolism of the Wiphala flag, learning how its vibrant colors represent life, wisdom, nature, and spirituality. Andre will offer guidance on how to incorporate these colours and symbols into your Chakana cross, helping you bring your creative vision to life. Whether you're adding intricate details or focusing on the cross itself, Andre’s step-by-step support will ensure that everyone can create something meaningful. By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a unique and personalized painting that combines Andean cosmology with your own life’s story, a piece of art that resonates with both spiritual and cultural significance. No prior painting experience is needed; Just bring your creativity and curiosity! For those who want to take their experience further and display their creations, we invite you to join Saturday Mingling on April 26, a lively evening of artistic sharing where community members and artists come together to celebrate the creative journey. This Painting workshop is part of Jamii's April cycle, guided by lead artist Carolina Rojas, and centred around the theme of the Chakana—an ancestral Andean symbol representing the connection between the spiritual, earthly, and inner realms. Through these workshops in dancing, painting, crafting, sewing,singing and creative writing, we’ll reflect on how these ancient teachings resonate with our modern lives, connecting us to nature, the cycles of life, and our community. “This is an invitation to reinterpret the meaning of the Chakana, connecting its ancient wisdom with our modern experiences.” – Carolina Rojas. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Afnan Yakot Andre Mandela Lopez Andre Mandela Lopez is an Afrolatino multidisciplinary visual artist with Chileno, Peruvian, Mapuche, and Andean roots. His work is deeply influenced by his diverse heritage and focuses on freedom, economic justice, food sovereignty, and radical education reform. Spanning murals, digital illustration, sculpture, and tattoos, Andre uses art to promote healing, play, and connection to one’s inner child. Originally studying political science and engaging in grassroots activism, Andre shifted to art as a tool for social change. He blends activism with creative expression, addressing political and environmental issues through a spiritual, indigenous lens. Photo Credit: Unknown

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Sharon Liboi Singer website Liboi is a Nairobi-based Singer/ Songwriter who uses her creative ability to express the human experience, question humanity and improve the well-being of the deprived in society. Liboi is also a filmmaker, community journalist and project coordinator. Liboi is a strong proponent for social change, culture, and mental awareness. She does African Contemporary music which is a blend of traditional music with elements of popular African genres. Through her music, Liboi has been able to embrace diverse themes from hope, mental health, life, love, patriotism, tribalism, peace, immigration and social ills. She has performed at many events including Unplug Fest: A wellness and revitalization festival, Usawa Festival, and Fete De La Musique at Alliance Francaise Nairobi among others. She has also been in Artist Residencies like Look Me In The I: Co-creation, installation and performance show in Nairobi, Kenya and Into The Mirror: Co-creation, installation and performance show in Rome, Italy. Liboi has also made musical tours in Tanzania, Norway and Spain. She has been featured in ‘From The Margins Album’- an album by Dorphan, a Kenyan poet and ‘Art Continues Album’- an album by Pawa254. << BACK TO ARTISTS

2020 < Back to Events Wind Stories CREDITS: WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Tugce Alemdar Visual Artist website Tugce was born in Istanbul, Turkey. She has studied philosophy at Istanbul University, then she has done her master’s in philosophy of art at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. She has always interested in visual arts but she professionally started while she was doing her master’s degree. She always finds art as a way of exposing absurdity of the system that we live in. This is why she makes satires by drawing herself criticizing her life and social issues. She also makes abstract paintings regarding existence and its heaviness. She is currently studying Psychology at York University, and planning to do her master’s in Social Work. << BACK TO ARTISTS

< Back I am me. I am beauty. A series of workshops to find your voice, facilitated by Georgia Reynolds. 2019 - AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2019 - AUGUST & SEPTEMBER Hosted at Windmill Line Co-Op. The reflective nature of this workshop invited each of the women to a space of vulnerability in order to embrace inner beauty. The workshop opened them to see, share and celebrate who they are. Facilitator Georgia had these heartfelt words for the participants at the end of the workshop: "To be able to spend these evenings with you, uncovering some of the parts of us, gave me energy to continue to hold these workshops where people can explore both empathy and their natural qualities in a safe and creative space. My wish for you is you are able to take small bits of time each day for yourselves, and engage in all three pillars Empathy ~ I ~ YOU ~ WE." To register, click below: http://closed

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Edz Gyamfi Dancer website Edmund “Edz” Gyamfi (born, 1986), better known by his stage name Edz Gyamfi, is a Ghanaian-Canadian dance choreographer from Ottawa, Ontario Canada. Born in Kumasi, Ghana Edz was exposed to dance at an early age. He was exposed to various genres of music from all around the world. In addition to cultural influences, Edz was also heavily inspired by his two older brothers who used to be dancers in the 80s. Edz main dance styles consist of Hip Hop, Dancehall & Afro dance. He has over 15 years of teaching experience and has taught hundreds of clients ranging from toddlers to seniors. This has given him the opportunity to travel all over Canada and abroad. Edz has taken his dance training to new heights by traveling and seeking knowledge from world renowned Choreographers such as Rhapsody James “Motivating Excellence” (Intensive Program) in Montreal, Luam Keflezgy’s “Rock The industry” in NYC and Galen Hooks “Galen Hooks Method” in LA. Edz has also worked alongside world renowned Choreographer & Author LaurieAnn Gibson. Edz has recently expanded his repertoire by taking numerous acting, commercial voiceover and animation classes. He believes that the industry is filled with opportunities that could present itself at any time, so why not train and learn new skills along your journey. << BACK TO ARTISTS

2021/07 < Back to Events Becoming Garden CREDITS: WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

Summer 2022 Community Projects/ Photo Exhibits/ THE RED CHAIR SESSIONS THE RED CHAIR SESSIONS Summer 2022 Summer 2022 As part of Jamii's 5th Annual National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations Exhibited at The Esplanade & Princess St. David Crombie Park Nadya Kwandibens’ The Red Chair Sessions showcases Indigenous Peoples inextricable relationships to the land, ancestral bloodlines and waterways through a striking series of portraits. The photo exhibition, unveiled on National Indigenous Peoples Day June 21, 2022, is a selection of 8 portraits from the wider series. This selection was made with the intent to highlight the importance of water, memory and intergenerational stories. Unveiled on Monday, June 21, 2022 On display from June to November 2022 Filmed and Edited by Recro Digital Marketing Jamii Statement: Jamii’s 2022 theme is titled “Water is Memory”. It is an invitation to (re)connect the memory cells of water to the stories of our community. In “water” we recognize and honour that our neighbourhood, the Esplanade, was under water less than 200 years ago, and the meaning of “Esplanade” is “boardwalk by the water”. We also embrace the unseen waters that bring life to our surroundings as we acknowledge the river that crosses underneath our community. This theme is an opportunity to bring “water” to the forefront of our programming, addressing both issues of environmental degradation, climate change and access or lack thereof to clean drinkable water in many Indigenous communities across so-called Canada, such as our partnering community in Pikangikum First Nation. In “memory”, we dive into exploring how the shared and life-changing memories we create with our community can impact and enhance social cohesion and health outcomes of our community members. You belong to a community if you share its collective memories and thus, memory works as an important agent of social cohesion. All of the artists and contributors to Jamii’s 2022 season are invited to enrich this theme with their own perspective and interpretation. Nadya Kwandibens’, The Red Chair Series showcases Indigenous Peoples inextricable relationships to the land, ancestral bloodlines and waterways through a striking series of portraits. The photo exhibition is a selection of 8 portraits from the wider series. This selection was made with the intent to highlight the importance of water, memory and intergenerational stories. About Photographer Nadya Kwandibens: Nadya Kwandibens is Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) from the Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation in northwestern Ontario. She is an award winning self-taught portrait and events photographer, a Canon Ambassador, and has travelled extensively across Canada for over 10 years. In 2008 she founded Red Works Photography. Red Works is a dynamic photography company empowering contemporary Indigenous lifestyles and cultures through photographic essays, features, and portraits. Red Works specializes in natural light portraiture and headshots sessions plus event and concert photography. Red Works also provides image licensing, workshops, presentations and print products. Nadya’s photography has been exhibited in group and solo shows across Canada and the United States. In 2018, Nadya won the Ontario Arts Council’s Indigenous Arts Award. Jurors stated, “Nadya is an intrepid, ground-breaking and influential artist. She has brought an Indigenous voice to portrait photography that recontextualizes images and shows us our true selves.” In addition to commissioned works, Nadya delivers empowering photography workshops and presentations for youth, universities, and community groups. She currently resides in Tkarón:to on Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Mississauga of the Credit River & Dish With One Spoon Territory. Filmed and Edited by Recro Digital Marketing Artistic Statement by Nadya Kwandibens: The Red Chair Sessions is an ongoing open-call portraiture series that places importance on the acknowledgement and reclamation of Indigenous lands and the revitalization of Indigenous languages. This series ultimately disrupts colonial narratives, centres Indigenous Peoples who have been here since time immemorial, and reminds us that we are all guests on Indigenous land. The colour red represents Indigenous Peoples on the Medicine Wheel and, in this series, signifies Indigenous Peoples’ inherent connection to the land and to ancestral bloodlines. Whether sitting on or standing beside the red chair, one feels grounded and firmly rooted; the act itself and the resulting portrait serves as a reminder of our responsibility to steward the lands upon which we walk. Accompanying each photograph is text in the subjects’ respective Indigenous language, or a mix of languages, and can include: names gifted/given in ceremony (written in either English or syllabics), the Nation to which they belong, and the placenames of traditional and Treaty areas that each session occurs. In this way, Indigenous voices are amplified and become a refusal of the colonizer’s language while pointing out the erasure of Indigenous history. The series is also a celebration honouring the many achievements of Indigenous Peoples and presents a positive perspective for future generations. Supported by:

Toronto Waterfront Marathon Cheering Site GET INVOLVED / MARATHON / 2017 MARATHON CHEER 2017 October 22 Toronto Waterfront Marathon Cheering Site On Oct 22nd, Jamii spearheaded the St Lawrence Market Neighbourhood Cheering Site. We were awarded 2nd prize for Best Cheering Site, which was shared with Friends of Berzy Park and Princess Gardens. The programming included a 1km Family Fun Run attended by over 100 participants, steel band players, stilt walkers, and a crafts table. We thank New Balance for their shoes donation which were offered to participants to the 1 km Family Fun Run. Supported by:

The Jamii Hub turns into a crafting sanctuary twice a month on Thursdays! LINE DRAWING AND CARD MAKING - FEBRUARY 2025 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / CRAFTING NIGHTS / CREATING Thursday 7 pm Crafting Nights LINE DRAWING AND CARD MAKING February 2025 February 13 - 20, 2025 Facilitator: Vicky Wang and Danika Lorèn LINE DRAWING PORTRAIT Arti st: Vicky Wang Thursday, February 13 at 7pm Join Vicky for an engaging workshop exploring the art of reflection through blind contour drawing exercises. Guided by the theme of mirrors, participants will discover how this intuitive art style helps us see ourselves and our communities in a new light. Together, we’ll explore our perception through bold lines and celebrate our uniqueness and stories, as we create meaningful, expressive art portraits. This workshop will take place on February 13, at 7 p.m. at The Jamii Hub. FOR FEBRUARY 13 SELF-REFLECTION THROUGH CARD MAKING Arti st: Danika Lorèn Thursday, February 20 at 7pm A mirror allows us to see ourselves literally, and this workshop is all about how visual art can act as a metaphorical mirror, revealing the unseen parts of ourselves. Together, we will explore art as a medium for self-reflection using a combination of self-portraiture, collage, and intention-setting. Participants will create a three-part card as a creative reflection tool. On the front, we will make self-portraits—either drawn or collaged—focusing on our outer selves without using any words. Inside the card, participants can choose one of several reflective exercises: writing a letter to themselves, making birthday wishes for their future selves, or crafting a mood-board forecast of their hopes for the year ahead. Finally, on the back of the card, we’ll draw or write something we want to leave behind or shed as we move into our next chapter. This workshop is as much about what we are creating as it is about how we approach creative philosophy, and how we can learn about ourselves through observing our own creative instincts. This workshop will take place on February 20, at 7 p.m. at The Jamii Hub. FOR FEBRUARY 20 Photos by Hadeal Karrar Vicky Wang Vicky Wang is an artist specializing in line art portraits. Her art is marked by her signature style of fun and flowing lines that reflect her zest for life, joyful spirit, and love of human connection. Her continuous lines are a deliberate choice, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation. She started her business “A Portrait By Vicky” to spread the joy of her portraits with the people around her. What began as a pandemic project in 2020 has now expanded to drawing portraits of hundreds of people all over the world. She loves engaging with the people she’s drawing, and the surprise delight that arises when they see their portrait for the first time. It is a joy and honour for her to share the uniqueness and beauty she sees in each human face through her art, giving others the opportunity to see themselves in a new light. Danika Lorèn Danika Lorèn is a multidisciplinary creator and musician. Though their primary field is music/theatre, Danika has honed many creative skills including visual art, paper craft, beadwork, sewing, and construction. Prioritizing sustainability, most of Danika’s creative endeavours aim to recycle materials into both practical things as well as works of art.   Photo Credit: Unknown

Make shadow puppets with Kristine White. Explore storytelling through silhouette cut-outs, jointed figures, and creative light play. SILHOUTTE PUPPETS AND STORYTELLING INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / CRAFTING NIGHTS / CREATING Thursday 7 pm Crafting Nights SILHOUTTE PUPPETS AND STORYTELLING May 2025 May 15 - 22, 2025 Facilitator: Kristine White Create your own world of light and shadow at this month's Crafting Night sessions with artist Kristine White. Inspired by Jamii’s May theme of "Small & Mighty," you will design and build your own silhouette puppets, bringing small paper figures to life through the playful power of storytelling. During the workshop, you will learn how to craft detailed shadow cut-outs of people, nature, and scenic elements. You will also explore techniques for making jointed paper puppets and experiment with different sources of light to create dynamic effects. Whether you attend one or both sessions, you will have the chance to bring your own imaginative characters into motion. Kristine White brings a rich background in collaborative art-making, working across shadow, light, live performance, and installation to tell vivid, visual stories. Her warm approach invites participants of all experience levels to explore creativity through hands-on making. No prior experience needed. Come curious and ready to play with light and imagination! For those who want to take their experience further and share their puppet creations, we invite you to join Saturday Mingling on May 24, a lively evening of artistic sharing where community members and artists come together to celebrate the creative journey. Spots are limited, so be sure to register today! Click the button below to register for Crafting Night #1 on May 15, at 7 p.m. Click the button below to register for Crafting Night #2 on May 22, at 7 p.m. This Thursday Creating - Crafting Night 1 & 2: Silhouette Puppets and Storytelling workshop is part of Jamii's May cycle, guided by lead artist Heidi Chan, and centred around the theme of Small & Mighty. Through these workshops in dancing, painting, crafting, sewing, singing, and creative writing, we will reflect on how these ancient teachings resonate with our modern lives, connecting us to nature, the cycles of life, and our community. “This is an invitation to reinterpret the meaning of Small & Mighty, finding the joy and value in doing one thing, but doing it well by slowing down and zooming in.” - Heidi Chan. Photos by Afnan Yakot Kristine White Kristine White (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist who works across the mediums of shadow, light, live performance and installation to tell visual stories. Her work is always collaborative, and has been created in relationship with musicians, dancers, theatre-makers, academics, and communities. Photo Credit: Unkown

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / WEDNESDAY SEWING / MIGRATION WRAP TOP - MARCH 2024 SEWING Sunday 11 am Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects March 2024 MIGRATION WRAP TOP March 3 - 10 - 17 - 24, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey The theme of the month at Jamii is “Migration” - Migration indicates movement from one place to another one, with intention and hope. For this month’s Sunday Sewing, artist Anita Boey offers participants two options: one for beginners, with the making of a shawl, and another, for more experienced sewers, a “Migration Wrap Top”. The wrap design intends to represent ourselves in the multiple cultures that form our identity. Sizes are adjustable, and at the end of these workshops, you'll take pride in wearing your finished garment. Fabric and materials will be provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own fabric to represent your culture(s). You would need 1.5 yards of cotton fabric for these projects. Here is the plan for March: March 3 : Introduction (design of the wrap top and how it tells the story of migration), transferring pattern pieces onto fabric of choice and cutting. March 10: Sewing outer layer and lining of wrap top. March 17 : Sewing wrap top together and hemming. March 24 : Adding finishing touches and ending with a fashion show! While intermediate participants work on their wrap tops, Shaima, our host will teach basic sewing skills to the beginner participants and empower them to take on simple projects and make basic functional pieces. Please commit to completing your projects as we aim to minimize fabric waste. Choose to be part of our community for the entire year or select specific projects that resonate with you. REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Photos by Anita Boey Anita Boey Business Professor by day, sewist by night. Anita is a passionate sewist with a deep interest for sustainability and creativity. As an advocate for reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices, I utilize rescued materials in my sewing projects. I hope that my sewing serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can emerge from diverted waste, while inspiring others to join me in the quest for a more sustainable world, one stitch at a time. Instagram Photo Credit: Unknown

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / WEDNESDAY SEWING / TWO-TONE DRESS WITH BELT - NOVEMBER 2024 SEWING Wednesday 7 pm Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects November 2024 TWO-TONE DRESS WITH BELT Oct 30 - Nov 6 - 13 - 20, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey Join us in a new series of sewing workshops this November (starting on October 30th as our first session). Our theme for this month is “Return”, which is Lead Artist, Razan Samara’s vision of being away from our homeland, yet remaining steadfast to preserving one's cultures, traditions, and the longing to return to the familiar. Sewing Facilitator, Anita Boey, has designed a Two-Tone Dress with Belt, which showcases the stark contrast between traditional (patterned fabric) and contemporary (black fabric) elements. The wearer expresses a deep desire to preserve their cultural identity and a longing to “return” to their roots. Additionally, the combination of different fabrics and colors pays homage to the traditional practice of intentional mending, historically done to extend the longevity of family heirlooms and costumes. This practice symbolizes a commitment to sustainability and the passing down of garments to future generations. The belt holds the significance of bridging both the traditional and the present together. Join in to create your own customized Two-Tone Dress with Belt. Jamii will provide a selection of fabric for you to choose from, and we also welcome you to bring fabric that means something special to you. For this sewing project, you’ll need 3 meters of fabric (1.5 meters for each side of the dress). Note about Color Harmony: Ensure the colors of the fabrics complement each other well. If the traditional fabric has patterns, the modern fabric should be solid to balance the design. For novice sewers, Ghader, our dedicated Sewing Workshop Assistant, will guide you with the fundamental skills of operating a sewing machine while delving into a simple yet captivating belt. Let's stitch away our Wednesdays together in a warm and encouraging atmosphere. By the end of this workshop series, you'll not only have a garment to treasure but also the pride of mastering new sewing skills! Lesson plan: 1) Wednesday October 30th – Introduction to the theme of “Return”, and how it inspired the design of this Two-Tone Dress with Belt. Participants will choose their fabric, transfer the pattern pieces onto their fabric and cut their fabric. 2) Wednesday November 6th – Sew the front panels and back panels of the dress. 3) Wednesday November 13th – Sew the front to the back of the dress, hemming the neckline, armholes and length of the dress. 4) Wednesday November 20th – Sewing the belt and adding finishing touches to the outfit, and end with a Fashion Show! Sewing participants are highly encouraged to attend November’s “Saturday Mingling” event at Jamii, to show off their Two-Tone Dress with Belt to the rest of the Jamii community! REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Photos by Ghader Bsmar, Anita Boey Anita Boey Business Professor by day, sewist by night. I am a passionate sewist with a deep interest for sustainability and creativity. As an advocate for reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices, I utilize rescued materials in my sewing projects. I hope that my sewing serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can emerge from diverted waste, while inspiring others to join me in the quest for a more sustainable world, one stitch at a time. Instagram Photo Credit: Unknown

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Nova Bhattacharya Dancer website Nova Bhattacharya is an award-winning, barrier-breaking, artist and cultural leader based in Tkaronto. Her creations are filled with lush, vivid images that invite the viewer on a journey of imagination. Her creative inspiration is found in her hybridity of born and raised in Canada-Bengali-ness, and immersion in global movement traditions that are carried in bodies of the diaspora. She’s always been a rebel breaking rules, reinterpreting traditions, and reinventing rituals. In 2008 she founded Nova Dance a space for creation, conversations, and collaborations. << BACK TO ARTISTS

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL EVENTS / THE FRENCH WINE RAFFLE SPECIAL EVENTS Fundraising Support Jamii's Free Arts Programs! THE FRENCH WINE RAFFLE June 4-30, 2025 From Isorine, Jamii's Founder and Alchemist, Dear Neighbours, I recently traveled back to the South of France, to the village where I grew up. Just a few minutes away, in the charming village of Saussines (Hérault), lives my mother’s best friend, Claudine. When I told her I wanted to bring back some beautiful wine to share with my neighbours on The Esplanade/St Lawrence, she immediately said: “You have to try my friend Marc Paul's wine, he makes the best in the region!” Marc runs a small, family-owned vineyard – petit domaine familial  – with just 18 hectares. The vines are spread across six nearby communes, growing on a rich variety of soils: argilo-calcaires , argiles blanches , and éboulis calcaires , with some parcels even classified as "AOP Grés de Montpellier". Marc’s son, Sylvain, has recently taken over the winemaking tradition, a legacy that has been in the Paul family since 1720. The wines are crafted with care: all grapes are hand-harvested in small crates to avoid crushing, and in the cellar, gravity is used to move the wine gently. The process is eco-conscious, with pneumatic pressing, stainless steel tanks, and minimal additives, some cuvées even use indigenous yeasts or are made without added sulfites. Here’s the exciting part: I’ve brought back an exclusive bottle of this wine which you can't find anywhere in Canada! We're raffling them off to raise funds for Jamii’s community programming and we’d love for you to join in. Raffle runs from June 4th to June 30th   – get your tickets for a chance to win one of these rare wines: Marcel  – a bold, rich red. Très concentré, with ripe fruit and jammy notes (cherry, blackberry). Perfect for a special evening. Cuvée des Amis  – a dry, aromatic white (Sauvignon, Roussanne). Fruity and fresh, ideal for apéro, with sea food, or cheese. Winners will be drawn on June 30 – just in time to toast Canada Day with something truly special! Your support helps Jamii continue to bring vibrant, inclusive programming to our community. Thank you for being part of this journey and I’m thrilled to share a little taste of my home with you. Warmly, Isorine Terms and Conditions Eligibility This raffle is open to individuals who are 18 years of age or older and reside in Canada. Jamii employees and affiliates involved in organizing the raffle are not eligible to enter. Entry Method Participants must purchase raffle tickets to enter. There is no limit to the number of tickets an individual may purchase. All ticket sales are final, and no refunds will be issued. Prizes The prize is a bottle of Marcel red wine. The prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or any other alternative. The winner must accept the prize as awarded. The winner must be able to pick up the prize at The Jamii Hub (264 The Esplanade). The prize is not available for shipping. Draw Date & Winner Notification The raffle draw will take place on June 30th at 1:00 pm (EST) either digitally through an online randomizer or manually. The winner will be selected randomly from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified via email within 48 hours of the draw. If the winner does not respond within 7 days of notification, a new winner may be selected. The organizer has the right to change the raffle draw time if necessary. General Conditions By entering the raffle, participants agree to comply with these terms and conditions. The organizer reserves the right to disqualify any entrant who violates these terms or engages in fraudulent behaviour. The organizer’s decisions regarding the raffle are final and binding in all matters. Privacy We respect your privacy. Any personal information collected during the raffle will be used solely for the purpose of administering the raffle and notifying the winner. Personal information will not be shared with third parties without consent. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW Photos by Murphy Owusu

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / WEDNESDAY SEWING / QUILTED PILLOWCASE SET - MARCH 2024 SEWING Sunday 11 am Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects March 2025 QUILTED PILLOWCASE SET February 26 - March 5 - 12 - 19, 2025 Artist: Anita Boey In March at "Wednesday Sewing" we are making together a Quilted Pillowcase Set with the leadership of Anita Boey and support from Ghader Bsmar. Quilted Pillowcase Set This March, our theme is "Grounded" , curated by lead artist Sharon Zarita Adhiambo . As Zarita describes, “being grounded  is a shared reflective experience of what we hold onto—within or around us—that sustains our personal journeys, making life’s phases fruitful while refreshing those around us.” To bring this theme to life, sewing facilitator Anita Boey  will guide participants in creating a Quilted Pillowcase Set . Why a pillow? Because it offers comfort, a place to rest, and a sense of home—where we return to, find shelter, and feel grounded. You'll have access to a curated selection of fabric from Jamii, and we will provide poly fill, but you’re welcome to bring your own. Each pillow insert and quilted pillowcase  will require 1.5 yards of fabric  plus poly fill . Throughout the workshop, sewing workshop assistant Ghader Bsmar will support you in mastering sewing machine basics while working on this engaging and meaningful project. Join us in a warm and encouraging space where creativity, skill-building, and connection thrive. By the end of the series, you'll leave not only with a beautiful Quilted Pillowcase Set but also with newfound sewing skills and community! Workshop plan: February 26  – Introduction to Grounded  and the inspiration behind the Quilted Pillowcase Set. Participants will choose fabric, transfer pattern pieces, and cut fabric. March 5  – Sew the pillow insert and enjoy stuffing it with poly fill. March 12  – Sew the quilted pillowcase top. March 19  – Assemble and finish the pillowcase. Let’s stitch together and create something both meaningful and practical. See you on Wednesday evenings! Sewing participants are highly encouraged to attend “Saturday Mingling” event at Jamii, to show off their mirror bag to the rest of the Jamii community! The capacity for this workshop series is 16 people without a machine, and we can accommodate 4 more people if they bring their own sewing machines. While you are only required to register for the February 26 session, participants are expected to join all four sessions on March 5, 12, and 19 . If you register for the February 26 session, you do not need to register again for the sessions on March 5, 12, and 19. New registrations will not be accepted throughout the month. We expect a high number of registrations, so please let us know immediately via email at info@jamii.ca before Monday, February 24 at 12 PM if you foresee that you will not be able to join all four sessions , so another participant from the waitlist can take your spot. We apologize if the workshop is filled before you register. REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Photos by Ghader Bsmar, Anita Boey Anita Boey Business Professor by day, sewist by night. I am a passionate sewist with a deep interest for sustainability and creativity. As an advocate for reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices, I utilize rescued materials in my sewing projects. I hope that my sewing serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can emerge from diverted waste, while inspiring others to join me in the quest for a more sustainable world, one stitch at a time. Instagram Photo Credit: Unknown

OUTDOOR EVENTS / JOY IN THE PARK: SUMMERWORKS - 2024 Joy in the Park: SummerWorks August 2024 David Crombie Park - Lower Jarvis St & The Esplanade On August 1st and 2nd, Jamii joined forces with SummerWorks to celebrate Emancipation Day as part of "Joy in the Park" with live performances by CinnaMoon Collective (Nickeshia Garrick and Irma Villafuerte), Rudy Ray Trio Band, and Maulid Owino. Hosted by Brayden Cairns, the event included face painting and henna for the young attendees, making it a memorable community gathering. The Rudy Ray Trio Band kicked off the evening at 6 pm and 7 pm with dynamic and soulful performances. Led by exceptional trumpet player Rudy Ray, known for his virtuosic technique and expressive tone, the trio captivated audiences with unique interpretations of gypsy jazz. Guitarist Jared Higgins and bassist Max Simpson complemented Rudy’s trumpet, creating a vibrant sound that breathed new life into jazz classics. At 6:30 pm, the dance duet "Surrendered Spirits," choreographed and performed by Nickeshia Garrick and Irma Villafuerte, unfolded on stage. This powerful piece explored the artists’ reflections on childhood, familial displacement, and their identities as children of marginalized, racialized, and immigrant families. With emotional depth and physical virtuosity, the performance took the audience through moments of collective breath, care, and ancestral healing. The evening’s final performance featured Maulid Owino at 7:30 pm, a talented dancer from Kenya who was invited to Toronto following Jamii’s recent trip to Kenya. Alongside his solo piece, Maulid surprised the audience with a collaborative performance with Nickeshia Garrick. Known for his work with the Flat Dance Company in South Africa and for his internationally recognized dance films, Maulid brought a unique and powerful presence to the celebration. The event charmed attendees and added a joyful spark to the mid-summer evening, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. Supported by Artist Line-up: CinnaMoon Collective (Nickeshia Garrick & Irma Villafuerte), Rudy Ray Trio Band, Maulid Owino PHOTO CREDITS

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / WEDNESDAY SEWING / PATCHWORK PADDED TOTE BAG - MAY 2025 SEWING Wednesday 7 pm Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects May 2025 PATCHWORK PADDED TOTE BAG April 30 - May 7 - 14 - 21, 2025 Artist: Mariam Ahmad Patchwork Padded Tote Bag This May, join us for a cozy and creative sewing series where you'll be guided through making your very own patchwork padded tote bag, a functional and usable piece that’s all your own. Led by sewing facilitator Mariam Ahmad, this 4-part series is all about slowing down and reconnecting with the art of honing in and creating something unique. Inspired by the theme of Small and Mighty , we’ll take our time learning the basics of patchwork, a technique rooted in care, patience, and resourcefulness. We will all be working with fabric scraps collected to form our own textiles, giving new life to leftover materials and practicing care in how we create. Every stitch becomes part of the story, a reminder that small pieces, when thoughtfully brought together, can build something strong, functional, and meaningful. Whether you’re new to sewing or looking for a fun and beginner-friendly project, this workshop will guide you through all the steps of designing, sewing, and finishing your padded tote bag. You’ll have a mix of colourful fabric scraps to choose from to create your patchwork design, but you’re also welcome to bring your own fabrics to personalize your bag even more. Week 1 — Introduction to patchwork, fabric selection, assembling and sewing patchwork Week 2 — Cutting patchwork textile pattern for bag and start sewing padding to self Week 3 — Sew outer shell of bag, including pockets, strap etc Week 4 — Finishing sewing the bag and attaching lining, show off your bag! By the end of this series, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind tote bag that tells a story — stitched slowly and intentionally by you. This is a beginner-friendly, welcoming space for anyone looking to learn new skills, meet new people, and connect with sewing as a mindful, creative practice. REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Photos by Ghader Bsmar, Anita Boey Mariam Ahmad Mariam Ahmad is a BIPOC artist who learned to sew as a child on hand-pedalled Singer machines alongside her grandmother. Her work blends her Eastern heritage with ancestral textile traditions, creating romantic silhouettes that carry a sense of nostalgia. Beyond sewing, Mariam explores her artistic passions through photography and web design. As a mother, she draws inspiration from motherhood and her love of literature, infusing her creative journey with depth and meaning. Photo Credit: Unknown

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Nicola Pantin Dancer website Nicola Pantin is an independent dance artist, choreographer and dance instructor based in Toronto, Canada. << BACK TO ARTISTS

The Jamii Hub turns into a niche artistic sanctuary once a month on Tuesdays! In April, join us to learn making waist beads led by Eleshia Thomas. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY LEARNING / NICHE ARTISTIC PRACTICES / WAIST BEADS - APRIL 2024 LEARNING Tuesday 7 pm Niche Artistic Practices Waist Beads April 2024 April 9, 2024 Workshop Lead: Eleshia Thomas Come to The Jamii Hub to create your waist beads! At this workshop led by jewelry crafter Eleshia Thomas, we will be diving into the culture of waist beads, where it started to present day. As a participant, you will learn to use the bead-making tools while tuning into your spiritual intent during the creative process. At the end of the workshop, you will leave with a beautiful piece of adornment to wear and display and to stay in tune with the intention of your creation. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Isorine Marc Eleshia Thomas has been handcrafting jewelry in the community for 4 years and is the owner of La Mermaid Noir Urban handcrafted jewelry. Her goal is to empower the collective to be their own creatives and to explore the realm of their inner creativity through the use of multi mediums. Her passion and creativity is inspired by the patterns and feelings that color the world and through her internal realm of creativity. Photo Credit: Unknown

The Jamii Hub turns into a creative writing sanctuary once a month on Tuesdays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CREATIVE WRITING / CRYSTAL CLEAR CONVERSATIONS - FEBRUARY 2025 DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Creative Writing February 2025 CRYSTAL CLEAR CONVERSATIONS February 18, 2025 Facilitator: Joshua "Scribe" Watkis In this creative writing workshop led by Joshua “Scribe” Watkis, we’ll explore the art of framing self-talk through poetry. Together, we’ll craft poems that serve as both affirmations and challenges, designed to inspire personal growth. By learning to view ourselves honestly, we uncover the potential for creating profound poetry, and by practicing healthy self-critique, we enhance our ability to set and achieve goals with clarity and purpose. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Shaimaa Yakout, Hadeal Karrar Joshua “Scribe” Watkis Scarborough-born poet Joshua “Scribe” Watkis has performed spoken word and Hip-Hop across Canada; opening for Hip-Hop legends like Saukrates and The Roots. He was a four-time finalist at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word, winning the national championship in 2019. The two-time Tedx speaker has authored two chapbooks (Tethered and Black Blossom/Harsh North), and was featured on the first Spoken Word Audiobook on Audible: Power In Poetry; Moods That Move. Most recently, he co-curated and hosted ‘The Old Black Maple’, for the NAC’s debut Hip-Hop Theatre Festival. Additionally, Scribe is also an arts educator and mentor, sharing his story to help others share their own; in their words, out loud. Photo Credit: Unknown

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Karen Lam Acting, Visual Arts website Karen Lam was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. She has starred in the short film "SOLITUDE" (2021) that was nominated in the NYC Film Festival, and a finalist in Beyond the Curve International Film Festival. She was also one of the actors of Jamii's Unlocked (2020). In 2023, Karen performed in Mudlark, presented to 400 spectators in David Crombie Park, produced by Jamii. << BACK TO ARTISTS

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY CELEBRATIONS / 2025 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY Jamii's Annual Celebrations 2025 - 7th Year! On June 21, 2025, we were thrilled to host Jamii’s 7th Annual National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration in David Crombie Park — and what a beautiful evening it was! The event featured the powerful performance of Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone with their band, Red Rhythm & Blues. Accompanied by the talented violinist Brittany Iwanciwski and gifted singer-songwriter Leah Holtom, their music became a symbol of reconciliation on our shared lands, creating a space for healing. In essence, it was soul music made of magic. As part of the celebration, Jamii also honoured its long-standing relationship with Pikangikum First Nation by unveiling a new photo exhibition by Kurri Quill. Titled “Mong'Kah'Job” , the exhibition invited us to see the people of Pikangikum — individuals of all ages navigating their own life journeys — while celebrating their culture and way of being. Kurri’s message was a quiet yet powerful invitation to grow closer, bridge gaps in understanding, and honour the dignity of every story captured through his lens. “Mong'Kah'Job” encouraged us to see one another more fully. The event was guided by Suzanne Smoke, who shared with us Indigenous rhythms of tradition, joined by Dakota Myran’s hand drumming and Abby Myran’s beautiful dance, and offered a beautiful opening and closing ceremony and talks. The celebration also featured face painting with Linda Epp, crafts with Sun Raven Arts, and delicious food by Tea & Bannock. We came together for the food, the music, the dancing, and above all - the joy. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Indigenous voices, artistry, and community. Photos by Laura Dittmann