Banners celebrate the First Nations people of Markham
Commissioned by the Markham Village Music Festival, the Indigenous Public Art Legacy Project showcases a striking series of vibrant banners created by Indigenous artist Naomi Peters. Installed along the streetlight poles of Main St. South in Markham Village, this public art installation, titled Wiijishimotaw mashkiki (dance with medicine in Ojibwe), is situated near a site of historical significance, where Indigenous communities have flourished since time immemorial.
Peter’s artwork celebrates the First Nations people of Markham, using colorful depictions of drumming, singing, and dancing, along with symbols like the Medicine Wheel and Four Sacred Medicines. These sacred symbols reflect the interconnectedness of life and the balance of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, while also honouring the enduring traditions of First Nations communities and Markham’s evolving cultural landscape.
Peters, a Potawatomi and Chippewa (Ojibwe) member of the Caldwell First Nation with Swiss heritage, was chosen by a panel through an Open Call to Indigenous Artists to create the banners. Her work aims to educate audiences on the history, traditions, and future of First Nations peoples in North America. A graduate of Tyndale University, she was also one of three artists selected to create a public art mural for the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
The Indigenous Public Art Legacy Project highlights the Festival’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and celebrating Indigenous culture and Markham’s diverse community. By commissioning site-specific public art in a familiar, everyday setting, the installation of art banners on streetlight poles—near a historically significant site where Indigenous communities have thrived for thousands of years—invites viewers to rethink their perception of art and reimagine the public space.
This initiative, made possible through the support of My Main Street, aims to celebrate and acknowledge Indigenous cultures within our community.
My Main Street is built on the principle of supporting community economic development and creating vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods which will enhance the overall quality of life for residents while also promoting sustainable and inclusive community development. My Main Street is delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), and supported by a Government of Canada investment through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
Founded in 1978, the Markham Village Music Festival stands as York Region’s largest free outdoor music event, drawing over 35,000 attendees. This vibrant festival celebrates the rich tapestry of music, performing arts, and cultural diversity, while also promoting values of reconciliation, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Featuring five stages and over 55 performances spanning diverse genres, the festival has proudly hosted celebrated artists, including Juno Award winners and notable headliners such as Broken Social Scene, Maestro Fresh Wes, Haviah Mighty, and Tom Wilson.
“Given the positive economic impact the Markham Village Music Festival and its volunteer-driven organization bring to Main St. Markham, we are excited to see the Legacy Indigenous Public Art Project contribute to the placemaking efforts in Markham Village,” said Paul Cicchini, chair of the Markham Village BIA.
Learn more about the Markham Village Music Festival at markhamfestival.com.
Photo: Naomi Peter’s artwork celebrates the First Nations people of Markham, using colorful depictions of drumming, singing, and dancing, along with symbols like the Medicine Wheel and Four Sacred Medicines.