Last Updated on October 5, 2023
Whether you’re local or visiting Toronto, this list of Indigenous businesses in Toronto will help you discover amazing restaurants, galleries, museums, shops, and more.
Toronto is part of the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe peoples, including the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation.
The name “Toronto” comes from the Mohawk word tkaronto, meaning “trees standing in water.” It’s a reference to ancient fishing weirs set up between lakes Simcoe and Couchiching (near present day Orillia), a region north of Toronto.
The Wendat and other groups drove stakes into the water to create fish weirs, and of course, the weirs looked like trees standing in water.
Whether you’re local to Toronto, visiting from other parts of Canada, or from abroad, this guide will teach you the basics of Toronto Indigenous history. And, discover 14 Indigenous businesses in Toronto that you can visit and support!
Toronto’s Indigenous History
Toronto’s Indigenous history can be traced back 11,000 years. By 500 CE, the population of southern Ontario, including the Toronto region, was home to around 10,000 Algonquian speaking peoples.
The Toronto region has been home to various groups. Around 1400, Iroquoian peoples lived in fortified villages that typically included longhouses, stockades, and fields of crops. Later, Algonquian-speaking Anishinaabe established settlements in the Toronto area.
Some members of the Anishinaabe became known as the Mississauga, and dominated the area until the end of the 1700s.
Between 1634 and 1640, European settlers brought deadly disease to southern Ontario. During that period, half of the Indigenous population of southern Ontario and the Great Lakes region perished from the diseases that were brought to them from across the Atlantic Ocean.
In the 1800s, the colonial government of European settlers made treaties with Indigenous peoples for the surrender of their territories, and that included the Toronto region.
The “Toronto Purchase” was first discussed in 1787, and was initially disputed. The Toronto Purchase (known as Treat No. 13) eventually went through, in 1805.
The 11,000+ history of this region of Canada is the history of Indigenous peoples. For context, this land has only been known as Canada for just over 150 years. I’ve only touched on the milestone moments of this history.
To learn more about Indigenous history and reconciliation, try these resources:
- History of First Nations in Canada
- 21 Things You May Not Have Known About the Indian Act
- 8 key issues for Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Indigenous Businesses in Toronto
Cultural diversity and Indigenous presence aren’t at the centre of Canada’s brand as a destination in tourism. I’ve explored this issue in an interview with Ryan McMahon, an Anishinaabe writer, comedian, creator, and podcaster. You can read that interview, here.
Engaging with Indigenous history and culture in Toronto can be done by dedicating some time to learning about the 11,000 year old history of Indigenous cultures, and visiting Indigenous led businesses.
Here are Indigenous businesses in Toronto to check out, including restaurants, museums, artisanal shops, galleries, and more.
ImagineNATIVE
If you happen to be in Toronto during the month of October, stop by the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival. It’s the world’s largest Indigenous film and media arts festival, focusing on the film, video, radio, and new media work of Indigenous, Aboriginal and First Peoples from around the world.
Craft Ontario Shop & Gallery
Craft Ontario Shop and Gallery is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing local artists with support and opportunities to sell and display their work through membership. The shop and gallery showcase over 200 original handcrafted creations by local artists, including sculptures, prints, accessories, and paintings.
The Cedar Basket Gift Shop
If you’re looking for Indigenous businesses in Toronto that sell gifts, drop by Cedar Basket. They have a selection of First Nations, Metis and Inuit handcrafted jewelry, carvings, basketry, bead work, moccasins, original art and more.
Outlier Leather Co.
David Spence is a Nisichawayasihk Cree man who owns and operates Outlier Leather Co. He sells leather purses, key chain holders, belts, bags, and other leather goods. In his shop you’ll also find beadwork. Everything made is from ethically sourced and environmentally friendly materials.
Tea N Bannock
Tea N Bannock is an east-end eatery. It’s a laid-back spot to enjoy Aboriginal dishes, including buffalo, elk & fry-bread. Be sure to try their Gaagigebak (Ojibwe) Labrador tea, which is handpicked from northern Ontario and is used to help curb the common cold.
Pow Wow Cafe
Pow Wow Cafe serves Indigenous-inspired dishes, with the goal of preserving Indigenous Canadian culture. On weekends, they serve brunch and the rest of the time you can enjoy tacos served on Ojibway-style frybread. They’ve got a great patio out front where you can sit during the warmer months.
Oceah Oceah
If you’d like to go stand up paddling (SUP), or learn how to SUP while in Toronto, get in touch with Oceah Oceah. This mobile operation is run by First Nations sisters Jenifer and Sharon Rudski, who are on a mission to connect people and build community on the water in Toronto’s western beaches. They offer SUP yoga as well!
PACHA Arts
PACHA Indigenous Arts Collection is a family run business. Pacha (meaning “earth” in Kichwa) aims to showcase the best of Indigenous arts and crafts.
Sticks N Bones Studios
Sticks N Bones Studios creates unique dreamcatchers in the Algonquin tradition. Dream catchers are used to help filter good dreams from the bad, as we sleep. Sticks N Bones is an online business, but you can visit their Etsy shop, or contact them to arrange a workshop while you’re visiting Toronto.
Native Canadian Centre of Toronto
The NCCT creates a safe, empowering community space for Indigenous people in Toronto, while also providing non-Indigenous people with access to Indigenous culture and worldviews.
They offer a range of services and programs, from drumming, beading and language workshops to a bus tour that makes stops across the city so participants can learn about the history of the land.
First Story App
The First Story app is an interactive map accessing original stories, photographs, archival documents, audio and video clips that highlight the evolving Indigenous history of the Toronto area.
Bata Shoe Museum
The Bata Shoe Museum is completely dedicated to the history of shoes. Among the rare European footwear on display, you’ll find an extensive collection of Native American and Circumpolar footwear.
Resist Clothing
Head to Resist Clothing for streetwear! This Anishinaabe-owned brand makes tees and hoodies with bold graphic statements printed on them like “respect Indigenous sovereignty,” “we are still here,” “honour respect & recognize,” and “this is native land.”
Whose Land
Whose Land is a web-based app that uses GIS technology to help you identify Indigenous Nations, territories, and Indigenous communities across Canada. It’s a great learning tool, both for Canadians and tourists. You can also download it as an app.
Did I Miss Your Favourite Toronto Indigenous Business?
I do my best to regularly update this list, but if I missed an Indigenous business that should be on this list, send me a quick message so I can add it.
More From Pina Travels on Ontario:
Erin has been traveling for over a decade, both solo, and with her partner. She’s now traveled to countries across 6 continents, and has lived in 2 countries abroad. Erin also hosts the travel podcast, Curious Tourism, where she interviews travel industry thought leaders and experts about responsible tourism. Learn more about Erin, and get in touch with her, here.
