While we all do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19 by physically distancing, the City of Markham has modified a selection of its signature events to virtual experiences for everyone to enjoy from the comfort of their homes.
Sign up for eAlerts to get reminders about Markham’s virtual signature events. #MarkhamEvents
In June, to address one of the
94 calls to action
from the
Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Federal Government of Canada passed Bill C-5, declaring September 30 the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day is intended to be a day of reflection, learning, and to honour the survivors, their families, and communities, and to educate us about the true history and legacy of residential schools in a very dark chapter of Canadian history.
About Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day began in Williams Lake, B.C. in 2013 and was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, who wanted to pass along the message that every day, every child matters.
The “orange shirt” refers to a new shirt that was given to Phyllis in 1973 when she was six-years old, by her grandmother, for her first day of school at St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, B.C.
When Phyllis was taken to the school, the school took away her clothes, including her beloved orange shirt, and they were never returned.
Today, Orange Shirt Day encourages education about the history of residential schools, and highlights the importance of anti-racism and anti-bullying.
What is the City doing in recognition of September 30?
City of Markham staff, in addition to Mayor and Members of Council, will take time during our workday on September 30 to reflect on how we can collectively play a significant role in the reconciliation with Indigenous communities. Educational programming is also being scheduled for staff to participate in on this day.
We are committed to advancing truth and reconciliation efforts across all departments and all staff are encouraged to reflect on the true history of Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples and on what they can do as individuals, and what we can do as a municipality to encourage reconciliation between non-Indigenous and Indigenous communities.
How can I participate and get involved?
Reconciliation is a commitment to creating respectful relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. It is an opportunity to identify meaningful ways to move forward together. Leading up to and on September 30 we encourage you to reflect, learn about and honour the survivors, their families and communities about the true history and legacy of residential schools in Canada.
Community members are encouraged to wear orange on September 30 in recognition of the harm residential schools had on the generations of Indigenous children’s sense of self-esteem and well-being, and as an affirmation of our continued commitment to ensure that everyone around us matters.
We invite you to also download a digital Orange Shirt Day graphic (two design options to choose from) which can be printed or filled out digitally to share “What Orange Shirt Day means” to you.
Download and print Orange Shirt Day Graphic – Use a Sharpie or similar marker to write your answer
We encourage you to share this completed graphic on your social media channels with the hashtag #OrangeShirtDay and tag the City of Markham using the “@” function.
If you’d like to purchase an Every Child Matters shirt, or Orange Shirt, please consider sourcing from these websites:
Disclaimer: The above links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the City of Markham of the linked websites, or the information, products or services contained therein.
Silent Auction (including original works of art) | Wine Pull | Exhibition Tour | Musical Performance by Spoons
Join us for the Rouge: Virtual Varley Gala, live online and hosted by Jessica Holmes – comedian, actor, author and mental health advocate.
Enjoy an evening of glitz and glamour, while supporting the arts in Markham. Tickets are only $80!
Take your experience to the next level and pre-order your Mystery Party Box for $50! Mystery Party Boxes are available for pickup from the Varley Art Gallery on October 13, 2021.
Funds raised support the Varley Art Gallery of Markham’s exhibitions, collection and education programs.
Your support is especially important during these ongoing challenging times caused by COVID-19. Help keeps the arts alive and thriving!
We’re celebrating Canada Day virtually again this year.
This year, the City of Markham acknowledges the need to balance the significance of marking Canada Day with being sensitive to the challenging times faced by our community.
This year has been difficult, but through it our pride as Canadians, for Canada and for Markham remains stronger than ever.
This year Markham’s virtual Canada Day efforts will share some of the history and success of past Canada Days in Markham, and will engage residents in the National Canada Day celebrations.
The City has proclaimed June as Pride Month in Markham.
As Canada’s most diverse city, Markham is proud of its rich diversity. We strive to make sure that everyone feels welcome and has a sense of belonging.
Together with Pflag York Region and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, the City is proud to honour and celebrate Pride Month with a special video message and by raising the rainbow flag virtually.
The City has also planted a special commemorative rainbow flag flower installation on the Markham Civic Centre grounds along Highway 7 at Town Centre Boulevard.
Be sure to check out this large rainbow flag made of flowers as a celebration of the courage and resilience of our LGBTQ2+ community and its spectrum of gender and sexual diversity.
If you visit, please make sure to keep a safe distance of 2 metres or 6 feet from others to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
June is recognized as National Indigenous History Month.
This year’s recognition of National Indigenous History Month follows the tragic discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia. We reflect deeply on the terrible and long lasting impact of residential schools on Indigenous Peoples and their families and grieve with them.
National Indigenous History Month is a time for learning, honouring, reconciliation and acknowledgement of the contributions First Nations, Inuit and Métis people have made in shaping Canada.
National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day.
In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice – and the longest day of the year for National Indigenous Peoples Day. Learn more on the
Government of Canada website.
In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, the City of Markham is pleased to share this video, The Power of the Land, by
Sultans of String
and
Twin Flames, featuring the lyrics from the poem of the same name written by Indigenous elder
Duke Redbird.
Through The Power of the Land, Ojibway Elder Duke Redbird, reminds us that “The spirit of the people is equal to the power of the land,” and offers a call for unity among peoples and with the Earth.
The City of Markham stands against all forms of racism, discrimination and prejudice. We all stand together to support reconciliation.
On June 21 at 1 PM, Markham Public Library will host an online Indigenous Peoples Day Drumming/Meditation led by Indigenous Artist, David Maracle.
In this virtual session, David will bring teachings from many cultures, including the hand drum of the Plains Cree, Dakota/Lakota peoples and the water drum of the Haudenosaunee-Mohawk Peoples.
Throughout 2021, the City of Markham will be marking its 50th anniversary with a series of celebrations that will bring us together as a community, while physically apart.
Highlights:
Lining select streets in the community with commemorative banners co-designed by Unionville High School students that feature notable residents and landmarks
Marking Innovation Month in June by highlighting Markham’s tech industry leaders and long-standing local businesses
Activities that spotlight transformational moments in the community’s journey from a town into a modern city
Showcasing Markham’s achievements, history, diversity and community on social media using #Markham50
Each year, Markham joins municipalities from coast-to-coast-to-coast in May to celebrate youth and their active participation in our community.
Whether it is through recreation, drama, sport, dance, civic engagement, volunteerism or leadership, every day young people are getting involved in meaningful ways that have real impact.
Join us for the City’s biggest annual youth festival – Markham Youth Expo, presented by York University!
This year, we’ve gone virtual due to COVID-19. Instead of a one-day event, Markham Youth Expo will feature four themed events... meaning four days full of fun
On April 28, the City of Markham marked the National Day of Mourning by lowering the flags at the Markham Civic Centre, 8100 Warden Avenue and Markham Fire Stations, and through the release of its new “Zero is the number” video.
On this National Day of Mourning, The City of Markham reaffirms that zero is the only acceptable number of workplace deaths and injuries.
April is Earth Month in Markham – and we are celebrating with a variety of virtual events and activities! Things are kicking off early with Earth Hour on March 27 at 8:30 PM.
We encourage you to learn about climate change and the ways that you can take action to help protect the planet. Celebrate Earth Month with us and take a stand to live a more sustainable lifestyle all year long.
Share photos of how you are taking action during Earth Month with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by tagging @cityofmarkham and using #greenMarkham!
The City of Markham is pleased to proclaim February 2021 as “Black History Month”. This year’s theme is “Words of Wisdom”, chosen in celebration of the wisdom and guidance shared and bestowed by Black Elders. Now more than ever, in the face of the challenges brought about by the pandemic and other world events, learning from the experience and teachings of others gives us strength and hope.
On February 17, in partnership with the Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association (MACCA), the City of Markham released its ‘Words of Wisdom’ video in virtual celebration of Black History Month in Markham.
The ‘Words of Wisdom’ video features knowledge and insight shared by Black Elders in our community; shares musical and choir performances, spoken word poetry, and photos; and recognizes the contributions of a selection of Black leaders in our community.
The City of Markham extends recognition and appreciation to this year’s Black History Month Award Winners:
Kearie Daniel
Inspector Maurice James
Audrey Hayle
Ivy Matthews
Julius Nuako K. Adu
Sergeant Shane Spina
Through their actions and dedication to championing diversity, especially through these challenging times, these individuals actively contribute to building a warm, welcoming and inclusive community in Markham.
Black History Month in Markham
Monday, February 1 – The City raised the Pan African Flag virtually
on social media
in celebration of Black History Month.
Wednesday February 10, 7 p.m. – Markham Public Library presented an
Artist Talk with M.Falconer, Toronto-based self-taught visual artist whose work is strongly influenced by North American Black pop culture.
The City of Markham is committed to being a diverse and inclusive City. We lead these efforts through our commitment to learning and sharing both the history and accomplishments of Black communities as well as the impact of anti-Black racism in Canada.
To date, the City of Markham has taken intentional steps to develop and move forward with a strategy to
combat anti-Black racism. Our progress over the last few months includes:
Monthly meetings with the York Region District School Board and other stakeholders to discuss opportunities for collaboration
Regular check-ins with the City’s Special Advisor Mary Anne Chambers
Development and roll-out of mandatory anti-Black racism staff eLearning (97% completion rate)
Sharing the eLearning with external stakeholders in the community and beyond
Preparation of a Request for Proposal (RFP) to engage a consultant to update the City’s Diversity Action Plan, including consultations with Black community members
Update the status of recommendations identified in the City’s Diversity Action Plan (2010 – 2019)
Identifying consultants to undertake an Equity Audit
Interviewing and appointing new members of the Race Relations Committee
Developing Terms of Reference for the Mayor’s Black Youth Liaison Committee
Markham Remembers – Remembrance Day and the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War
Watch Markham’s virtual Remembrance Day ceremony
Remembrance Day is a day for all Canadians to remember the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country.
This year, in light of COVID-19 restrictions, the City of Markham's annual Remembrance Day will be observed virtually, and a selection of commemorative initiatives will take place to allow citizens to reflect on the freedoms and peace we enjoy today.
Throughout the month of November, the community is invited to leave a message of remembrance in the City's virtual Book of
Remembrance.
During Remembrance Week, November 7-14, individuals are invited to visit Markham’s memorial sites at Veteran’s Square and Cenotaph in Markham Village, and Crosby Memorial Cenotaph in Unionville, to place a poppy and pay respect for the sacrifice of all Canadians in the military service of our country. Please remember to follow physical distancing guidelines.
In-person Remembrance Day ceremonies will not take place at Markham’s memorial sites this year.
This year the City has again partnered with the Markham District Veteran’s Association (MDVA) to host the Veterans’ Memorial Banners Program. In 2019, 40 commemorative banners featuring the picture, name and details of both former and active service members, were installed by the City on street poles in Markham Village. Expanding the program this year, an additional 16 banners featuring additional service members have been installed along Main Street, Markham, between Highway 7 and Parkway Ave./Bullock Dr.
During this time of Remembrance, the City encourages everyone to take time to mark the sacrifice of the many who have fallen and to acknowledge the courage of those who still serve.
On October 23, 2020 the City of Markham celebrated the students, teachers and mentors who took part in this year’s virtual Business Plan Competition, Summer Company Program and Starter Company Program, as part of the Markham Small Business Centre’s (MSBC) Made in Markham initiative.
The Made in Markham initiative recognizes promising innovators and entrepreneurs that have utilized the resources provided by MSBC to operate their new business in Markham.
Watch greetings from Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti as he highlights his experience celebrating Markham’s promising young business leaders.
Watch the City of Markham’s Made in Markham Virtual Recognition event:
The 2020 Civic Holiday in August marks the first William Berczy Day in Markham, in honour of one of Markham’s founding pioneers and designated national historic person. Watch greetings from Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Markham’s Official Historian Lorne Smith:
The rich and diverse talent in Markham is driving innovation. We are home to industry leaders, businesses and talent that are leading the way to a brighter future.
In June, we are celebrating our innovation, with a special lens on businesses and individuals who answered the call for resilience during these precarious times.
We are proud of the various community and city initiatives that displayed rapid adaptive efforts in the midst of COVID-19.
This blend of resilience, creativity and innovation make Markham a leader in advancement within Canada.
