Youth Life Promotion Coordinator, Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre Jayden Wemigwans is a dedicated community youth leader and the Youth Life Promotion Coordinator at Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre. Of mixed Anishinaabe and Cree heritage, Jayden hails from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory and also has familial roots in Grand Prairie, Alberta. He began singing and dancing at the age of seven and has since become a passionate advocate for Indigenous culture and wellness. Jayden is a proud member of the Buffalo Charging Drum Group (formerly All Nations Juniors). Through his work, Jayden consistently encourages healthy lifestyles and the revitalization of cultural traditions among Indigenous youth.

Wasa Nabin Coordinator | First Fire Dance Program Lead

Anishinaabe-Kwe and Mi’kmaq Athena Tomes brings vibrant energy and deep cultural roots to everything she does. Proudly Anishinaabe-Kwe and Mi’kmaq, Athena grew up in a large family in Toronto’s east end. Today, she serves as the Wasa Nabin Coordinator at the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, where she supports and empowers Indigenous youth. Athena expresses her spirit through the art of hoop dance, a powerful mode of healing and self-expression. A model youth within the community, she began as an Ember in the First Fire Dance Program and now leads it with passion and purpose.

Prairie Chicken Dancers | Samson Cree Nation, Alberta

Twin brothers Kehew and Kirby Buffalo hail from Samson Cree Nation in Alberta, and from the moment they could walk, they’ve been dancing! Prairie Chicken dancing has been central to their journey as proud Nehiyaw (Cree) men, shaping their identity and grounding them in tradition. From a young age, the Buffalo brothers have shared their powerful energy and commitment to culture across Turtle Island. Their performances are more than just dance; they’re a celebration of resilience, a source of inspiration for youth, and a tribute to the importance of honouring traditional protocols and practices. Get ready to be moved by their spirit and skill!

From the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation

The Manitou Mkwa Singers — meaning “Spirit Bear Singers” — are a vibrant family hand drum group rooted in the Bear Clan and guided by tradition, spirit, and song. Proudly representing the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, they bring the powerful rhythms of pow-wow and round dance songs to life, carrying forward the heartbeat of their ancestors.

With over a decade of musical journeying since their debut album, they have grown into a respected and award-winning traditional hand drum group. Their voices and drums resonate not only with music but with purpose: raising awareness of Indigenous issues and advocating for inherent and treaty rights. Every performance is a gift of good medicine, meant to uplift the spirit and beauty of Indigenous culture.

The members of Buffalo Charging have been singing, dancing, and celebrating their culture since they were little. They first came together in 2012 through Toronto Council Fire’s youth program — starting out as the Little Embers, then All Nations Junior, and today, they proudly drum as Buffalo Charging. The group has composed many songs, one of which, ‘Everyone Welcome’ was written by members Dakota Myran and Jayden Wemigwans. This Cree/Ojibwe song was composed in honour of all peoples across Turtle Island and tells a story that all dancers are welcome to come into the arena to dance and showcase their styles and culture. Buffalo Charging are also a part of the A More Beautiful Journey project.

The Red Bear Singers started singing together in circle at Toronto Council Fire in 2018. This was done as a way to continue the personal healing journeys of each individual member in a group setting. The group wrote their first song in 2018, titled “Away Back”. This song honours the children taken from their families and placed into foster care, orphanages, day schools, and Residential Schools. Since then, the group has worked on learning several community songs, including the three songs which can be heard on the Soundways App. The App is a part of the Toronto Transit Commission and the City of Toronto’s Year of Public Art, A More Beautiful Journey landmark XR audio installation.