The 21st Annual Toronto Gala was hosted by Carla Colins at the Westin Harbourfront Hotel. Susan Aglukark opened the evening with her classic, Hina Na Ho and we were honoured to have Dan Secord of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation open the event with a prayer and land acknowledgement. This was followed by our government officials the Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Mines, Northern Development and Indigenous Affairs, and MPP Sol Mamakwa, a member of the Kingfisher First Nation, representing the riding of Kiiwetinoong.
In honour of 2019 being the Year of Indigenous languages, iconic Inuk singer/songwriter Susan Aglukark sang her new song “Tiktaummata” as well as her beloved classics. We were also entertained by comedian/actress, Carla Collins, who unified the guests in laughter as emcee.
And of course, the evening celebrated and honoured the accomplishments of our incredible award recipients Brenda LaRose, awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award and Kylik Kisoun-Taylor, recipient of the Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
