From cannons to cannoli!

 

The tour of ‘resistance and reconciliation’ in ‘Old Town Toronto’ provided an insight into the struggles that continue for First Nation Canadians. The tour guide was earnest, scripted and committed to First Nations rights. He had lived in Toronto for the past decade, and was of mixed heritage—Mi’kmaq, English, and Irish and is connected to his community of Membertou First Nation in Unama’ki (Capl Breton). 

His presentation across a number of street art representations was impressive though failed to reveal his personal journey as a First Nation resident of Toronto. The tour did not however include his personal story to complement the broader story of colonisation, repression, and the continuing need for reconciliation expressed by the artists on the streets of Toronto.

 From the cannons of the past that included the crucial role played by First Nations warriors in defending British territories against American invasion during the War of 1812 to the cannoli at the Little Italy festival of the present. 

Italian Canadians have a rich history in Canada, with immigration waves shaping communities in the late and early 19th and 20th centuries. A significant wave of Italian immigrants followed World War II. Today, Canadians can enjoy snd celebrate Italian cuisine, music, hospitality and ‘la dolce vita’!

However the Little Italy festival in downtown Toronto felt more like a celebration of the multicultural diversity of this city. The Italian was overtaken by the smells and exotic tastes of that diversity from immigrants around the world. However we did stumble across the Riviera Bakery with its pastries, coffee, laminated tables and state of the art expresso machine driven by a person who had seen Little Italy past and present. 

The future will surely not be without the Italian influence!