On View: Biiskaabe Zaa’Emaanag (Return of the Salmon) by Joseph Sagaj

Biiskaabe Zaa’emaanag (Return of the Salmon) is a powerful temporary installation by Anishinaabe artist Joseph Sagaj (Sturgeon Clan), commissioned by our friends, Red Pepper Spectacle Arts.

This work honors the recent return of salmon to the Don River and invites us to reflect on resilience, renewal, and our shared relationship with the watershed.

If you are joining the Costume and Puppet Procession, it will conclude here for community members, artists, and neighbors to gather to pause, witness, and imagine together the future of Ookwemin Minising and the Don River.

Rain or shine, the river flows in all weather—all are welcome.

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The tour is part of .

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The Don River Awakens is produced by in partnership with .

Additional support and partnership is provided by , , , local and indigenous artists and leaders in Tkaronto.

Special thanks to our friends and Kayos Jones for their leadership and collaboration.

The Don River Awakens is generously funded by the .

Info: Arrival & Check-in

Head to the playground when you arrive.
If you’re early, feel free to explore the park or grab a bite at a nearby restaurant.
Meet west of the Owl in the playground and follow the event wayfinding signs.
If you need assistance at any point, email [email protected]

Info: Join us for a 25–30 minute Salmon Lantern Procession through Biidaasige Park, along the river’s edge. Everyone is welcome to march — come in costume, bring your lanterns, carry a puppet, or simply walk with us in the spirit of celebration. Together we will fill the park with light, movement, and music as we honour the Don River as an ecological wonder and welcome the rebirth of Ookwemin Minising (Villiers Island) and Biidaasige Park.

The procession will conclude at the far end of the park near the Indigenous shade structure, just as dusk falls.

Info: Take time to experience Biiskaabe Zaa’emaanag (Return of the Salmon), a powerful installation by Joseph Sagaj with Red Pepper Spectacle Arts. As dusk settles in, this is a moment to pause and observe the artwork, the river, and Biidaasige Park — a space to reflect on the recent return of salmon to spawn in the Don River only weeks ago, and on the renewal of land and water that has been reshaped, rebuilt, and reborn in Ookwemin Minising.

Afterward, you are welcome to continue exploring the park and trails by flashlight, celebrating the changing seasons and the river as an ecological wonder.

During this time, The Public Great will invite attendees to share reflections on engagement boards, helping us think together about the meaning of the river, community connection, and the future of this place. It is also an opportunity to learn more about related City of Toronto initiatives along the Don River and waterfront.

Info: Join us at the Keating Channel Pub to keep the celebration going with neighbours, artists, and friends. You’re also welcome to head off anytime. Share your photos with us at [email protected]
or tag us on social media.

Host or Publisher Public Great