Tkaronto Open II

Tkaronto Open II is a celebration of Indigenous culture and beauty, presenting the highest level of showmanship among Indigenous dancers from across Turtle Island. The second edition of this powwow style competition will feature: Women’s Jingle Dress and - new this year! - Men’s Fancy War vs. Women’s Fancy Shawl.

WHEN: Saturday Sep 28, 2024 from 12pm-6pm
WHERE: In-Person | Union Station Outdoor Plaza (65 Front Street W)

This is a free event at Union Station Outdoor Plaza, with limited seating.

Arrive anytime after 12:00 PM

Approximate event length is 4-5 hours (exact order of events will be communicated closer to the date)

Tkaronto Open II will also feature a small artisan market with handmade goods available for purchase from local Indigenous vendors.

Tkaronto Open is an opportunity for our Toronto community to partake in an Indigenous tradition that has been in practice for over 100 years. Indigenous dance competitions, such as Tkaronto Open, provide a platform that supports dancers, singers and artisan craft-makers and their desire to continue the cultural expression, resiliency and longevity of Indigenous People’s way of life.

REGISTERATION FOR CONTESTANTS IS NOW OPEN!

Registration is $25 + fees.
(nonrefundable - all proceeds will be donated to the Dokis First Nations School)

Please register either online or in-person.

*Please note: each category has a capacity of 20 participants. Once the capacity is reached, participants will be added to a waitlist and contacted in case of cancellations*

*Must be 18+ to register as a contestant*

Doors will open at 10:00 AM and the competition will start at 12:00 PM (exact order of events will be communicated closer to the date)

See details of categories, and event flier below:

MEN’S FANCY WAR VS WOMEN’S FANCY SHAWL
FIRST PLACE: $1,000 CAD
2ND: $800 CAD / 3RD: $600 CAD / 4TH: $400 CAD

WOMEN’S JINGLE DRESS
FIRST PLACE: $1,500 CAD
2ND: $800 CAD / 3RD: $600 CAD / 4TH: $400 CAD

REGISTER HERE

For any further questions, please contact us at info@ffdnorth.com

TKARONTO OPEN II team:
Producer: Freddy Gipp (Lawrence, KS)
Associate Producer: Thunder Jack (Ontario)
Head Judge: Acosia Red Elk (Pendleton, OR)
Arena Director: Ryland Moore (Pawnee, OK)
Master of Ceremony: Adrian Harjo (Six Nations, ON)
Host Drum: Smoke Trail Singers (Ontario), Walking Buffalo (Big River First Nation, SK)
Community Partner: Dokis First Nation (Ontario)
Community Partner: Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto (Ontario)
Graphic Design: Kehiw Frazier

TKARONTO OPEN I was hosted by Fall for Dance North and Union in Fall 2023 during FFDN's 9th Annual Festival.
Here are some highlights from the inaugural year of Tkaronto Open.

View the gallery