Residential School Survivor Lecture
Date: Tuesday, June 10
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: $15 General, $10 Senior (65+) and Students (with ID), $5 Friends of the BSM, Free for Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis)
Join us for an impactful and enlightening evening with Karen Chaboyer, an Ojibwe kwe, author, educator, and Residential School survivor. Karen is from Rainy River First Nation in Treaty 3 Territory, a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who has dedicated her life to sharing her story and educating others about the lasting effects of Residential Schools. Please note, due to the nature of the topic, we ask all audience members be 14+. The Bata Shoe Museum will be donating all ticket sales to the Giiwitaa Wholistic Counselling Services on behalf of Karen.
Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Refunds are permitted up until 3 business days prior to the event. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors Open
7:00 pm – Lecture Begins
8:00 pm – Lecture Ends, Galleries Open
9:00 pm – Museum Closes
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Karen Chaboyer is an Ojibwe kwe, a great-grandmother, a grandmother, and mother, she is also an author, a public speaker, and an educator. Karen is from Rainy River First Nation, a community in Northwestern Ontario, Treaty 3 Territory. Karen is a survivor of St Margaret’s Indian Residential School, also known as the Fort Frances Indian Residential School where she attended for 9 years.
Karen was born into a family of 11 siblings: 9 brothers and 2 sisters. She is the third youngest in her family. She is also a second generation survivor of Residential School.
Karen has been presenting since 2006. Her audiences are mostly elementary/high schools, colleges, universities and organizations. Karen shares the effects Residential School had on her and how she lost her identity, her roots, her culture and language. Karen’s goal is to educate people on the impact Residential Schools had on her and Indigenous individuals, families and communities to this day.
Moccasin-Making with the Manitobah Storyboot School
Date: Saturday May 31, Sunday June 7, Sunday June 14
Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: $195 General, Free for Indigenous Youth
Participants must attend all three workshop dates.
Learn the traditional art of moccasin-making with Anishinaabe artist Natalie Ortiz in this three-part workshop designed to teach hand-sewing leatherwork and beading techniques. Workshop facilitator Natalie Ortiz will guide participants through the full process, from start to finish, of creating their own custom moccasins from design, pattern-making, beadwork, and construction, to caring for the finished footwear. All tools, materials, and comprehensive instruction will be provided. Please note that missing one or more of the three sessions will likely result in an unfinished project. This course is designed for ages 12 +.
The Bata Shoe Museum is pleased to offer 10 free Indigenous Youth spots for free. Please fill out this form to express you interest. Based on a first come, first served basis.
Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Refunds are permitted up until 3 business days prior to the first workshop date. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
ABOUT THE FACILIATOR:
Natalie Ortiz is a Toronto-based Indigenous artist. Her work focuses on handmade jewelry, moccasins, and leatherwork. Natalie is Anishinaabe of Wauzhushk Onigum Nation and of Peruvian decent. Her art carries deep meaning connected to her roots, reflecting the traditions and teachings passed down through generations. She learned beading and moccasin-making through traditional teachings. She has been making moccasins for five years, and every pair is crafted with intention, meant to be worn and appreciated by anyone who connects with them. Follow Natalie on social media for moccasins and leatherwork at @natymocs. Her jewelry can be found on Oliva’s Jewelry and @olivasjewelry.
Moccasins to Murals: In Conversation with Joseph Sagaj
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: Free, registration required
Join us for an inspiring evening with Joseph Sagaj, Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) of the Sturgeon Clan, as he shares his remarkable journey as an Indigenous artist. Growing up in Neskantaga, a remote community of just 300 people located 433 km northeast of Thunder Bay, Joseph’s creative foundation was shaped by moments like making moccasins with his mother.
His artistic path took him from his home community to Toronto, where he graduated from the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD University) in Fine Arts in 1985. Despite the challenges and struggles often faced by artists, Joseph pursued his passion and carved out a meaningful career.
This conversation will explore his artistic evolution, his identity as an Indigenous artist, and the stories behind the many murals that adorn the city, each one a vibrant testament to his talent and heritage. The conversation will be moderated by Justine Woods, Curator of Indigenous Collections, and Shan Fernando, Manager of Public Programming.
Agenda
6:00 pm – Doors Open
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Conversation
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Galleries Open
Please present your ticket at the Front Desk upon arrival. This talk will take place in-person at the Bata Shoe Museum (located on the G level). Please note, seating is not guaranteed. Limited spots available. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
ABOUT JOSEPH SAGAJ:
Joseph is Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) of the Sturgeon Clan, and is from a remote and isolated community of 300 people in Neskantaga, located 433 km northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario. One of his highlight activities from his youth was making moccasins with his mother. Joseph later moved to Toronto, attended the Ontario College of Art, as it was called then, and graduated in Fine Arts in 1985. The art world, as it is with most artists, was at times a struggle and a challenge. Regardless, Joseph pursued his dreams with passion! This talk will highlight Joseph’s journey as an Indigenous artist and will give insight to his many murals across the city of Toronto.
Outlaws and Allies: Cowboys and Queer Culture
Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: $15 General, $10 Senior (65+) / Student (With ID), $5 Friends of the BSM
Join us for a compelling exploration of identity, culture, and history inspired by our newest exhibition, Rough and Ready: A History of the Cowboy Boot. This panel discussion will delve into the intersectionality of cowboy traditions and queer identities, uncovering the rich and often overlooked narratives of LGBTQ+ individuals within the iconic cowboy lifestyle. The conversation will challenge stereotypes, celebrate diversity, and reimagine what it means to be a cowboy in both the past and present.
Moderated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, BSM Director and Curator of Rough and Ready, this discussion will feature expert panelists Joseph (J) Shea-Carter, adjunct professor of English and Culture, University of Guelph and Brock Universityand, as well as Lauren Hortie, artist and leader of the popular long-running event Steers & Queers Gay Ole Opry. Together, the panel will explore topics such as the hidden histories of queer cowboys, the ways Western aesthetics have been reclaimed in queer art and fashion, and how the cowboy remains a symbol of individuality and rebellion in both mainstream and queer cultures.
Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Refunds are permitted up until 3 business days prior to the event. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors Open
7:00 pm – Panel Begins
8:00 pm – Panel Ends, Galleries Open
9:00 pm – Museum Closes
MEET THE SPEAKERS:
Joseph (J) Shea-Carter is an adjunct professor in English and culture at the University of Guelph and Brock University. They have published or have forthcoming work in The Capilano Review, The Malahat Review, ARC, Ex-Puritan, Canadian Literature, and Amodern. Their PhD focuses on queer poetry, writing, and culture alongside broader developments in geopolitics – including emergent nationalisms. They live in Toronto.
Lauren Hortie is an artist, DJ and educator based in Toronto Ontario. As an artist Lauren works in variety of mediums including pen and ink illustration, printmaking, paper cutting and projections. She has been creating underground queer nightlife and culture for over 20 years, including the popular long running event “Steers & Queers Gay Ole Opry” which explores the intersection between rural and LGBTQ identities. Lauren is also the head teacher of the Oasis Skateboard Factory, an award winning Toronto District School Board alternative high school program where at-risk youth earn credits by running a small design business.
Her work has been displayed at such venues as The Museum of Human Achievement in Austin Texas, ACE Art Winnipeg, The Gladstone Hotel, the Ontario Craft Council and the telephone pole across the street from your house.
Elizabeth Semmelhack: As Director and Senior Curator at the Bata Shoe Museum for over 20 years, Elizabeth Semmelhack is a renowned expert on footwear, including sneakers, and regularly consulted by scalars and global media such as the New York Times, National Geographic, The Washington Post, Forbes, CBC, and CNN, to name a few. Named by FASHION Magazine as one of the “world’s top five game-changing fashion curators”, Semmelhack’s award-winning publications include nearly 30 articles and chapters as well as numerous books and catalogs including Out of the Box: The Rise of Sneaker Culture (2015), which has sold over 45,000 copies world-wide, Collab: Sneakers x Culture (2019), and Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks (2022).
Country Music Trivia
Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Doors open 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $25 General, $20 Friends of the BSM
Test your knowledge of country music history, iconic artists, and classic hits in this fun and interactive trivia event celebrating our new exhibition Rough and Ready: A History of the Cowboy Boot! From legends like Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash to modern stars like Luke Bryan and Kacey Musgraves, challenge yourself and your friends to see who’s the ultimate country music fan. Yeehaw!
Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors Open
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Trivia
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Self-guided museum visit
9:00 pm – Doors Close
Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Ticket includes access to all exhibitions and one complimentary drink ticket. Refunds are permitted up until 3 business days prior to the event. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
Hoedown at the BSM: Pride Party
Date: Friday, June 6, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm (Doors open 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $30 General, $100 4-pack (includes access to all current exhibitions)
This event is 19+ only
Yeehaw and Happy Pride! Join us for Hoedown at the BSM, a fabulous celebration in collaboration with Steers and Queers and Spurs, in celebration of our newest exhibition Rough and Ready: A History of the Cowboy Boot. Stomp and shuffle alongside our new exhibition as we honour the spirit of the Wild West with a Pride twist. Enjoy dazzling performances by Selena Vyle, Lucinda Miu, and Fluffy Soufflé, with musical beats by DJ Sigourney Beaver to keep you dancing all night. Dust off your cowboy boots and let’s ride into an unforgettable evening of fun, fashion, and fabulousness!
Snacks and drinks available for purchase.
Celebrating 30 Years: Spring Exhibition Opening & Community Day
The Bata Shoe Museum first opened its doors 30 years ago on May 6th, 1995 with the mission to illuminate human history through footwear. A rare cultural gem, the BSM began as a small personal collection that has since transformed into an internationally celebrated museum caring for nearly 15,000 shoes and shoe-related artifacts spanning over 4,500 years. Visit our online timeline to learn more about the history of the Bata Shoe Museum.
To celebrate, we invite you to join us for a day of free family fun that honours both our 30-year milestone as well as the opening of our spring exhibition titled Rough and Ready: A History of the Cowboy Boot. Saddle up for a day of wild Western-themed activities, performances, games, and self-guided hands-on cowboy crafts that will have you hollering “Yeehaw”. Watch an electrifying Rhinestone Rodeo Show by the dynamic circus trio Rhinestone Rodeo, blending dazzling acrobatics with cowboy charm. Take a guided exhibition tour of Rough & Ready and then venture on a museum-wide scavenger hunt to win a prize. For the courageous type, try out your skills on the kid-friendly mechanical bull. (Consent form signed onsite by an adult required).
Dust off your cowboy boots and join us for a rootin’ tootin’ good time!
Agenda
Doors Open – 12:00 pm
Rhinestone Rodeo Show – 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm
Guided Exhibition Tours* – 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm
Crafts and Games⁻ – 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm
*Limited spots. First come, first served.
Country charm with a circus flair, the Rhinestone Rodeo circus show is coming your way. These gals will jump through hoops (and ropes!) for you with a smile on their face the whole time! Meet Bella Magic, the fastest wit in the west, Zoe Stardust, the bubbly Southern Belle, and our whisky darling Lucy Loop. You can expect to see rope tricks, comedy, hula hoops, hoop lasso’s, line dance routines, audience participation and, of course, a healthy dose of country music.
Curator’s Talk: Celebrating Women in Design
Date: Tuesday, March 11
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Doors Open 6:30 pm)
Ticket: $15 General Admission, $10 Student (ID Required) and Senior (65+), Free for Friends of the BSM
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Join us for an inspiring lecture by Bata Shoe Museum Curator Nishi Bassi as she explores the impactful, but often underrecognized contributions of women in shoe design. From Beth Levine’s pioneering work in the mid-20th century to Aurora James’s modern activism-driven designs, women have played a vital role in shaping the footwear industry. This engaging talk will explore the artistry and influence of these remarkable women but also examine the barriers that have historically limited female representation in shoemaking. Discover how these trailblazers have carved their path in a male-dominated field, paving the way for future generations.
Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors Open
7:00 pm – Lecture Begins
8:00 pm – Lecture Ends, Galleries Open
9:30 – Doors Close
Please present your e-ticket at the front desk upon arrival. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
Nishi Bassi is a Curator and Exhibitions Project Manager with over 10 years of experience in the museum industry. Her educational background is in British history, and current research interests include fashion, consumer culture, and post-colonialism. She is also an EDI champion, who strategically plans and advocates for change to ensure that accessibility remains a priority in all projects. Nishi has been with the Bata Shoe Museum since 2013 where she currently works as the Curator and Manager of Exhibitions. She currently holds a volunteer position on the Board of Directors for ICOM Canada.
Earth Day at the BSM
Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets:Included with Free Sundays admission, registration is encouraged
Celebrate Earth Day at the Bata Shoe Museum with fun and eco-friendly activities for all ages! Discover how footwear impacts the environment in our engaging Footwear and the Environment presentations, exploring sustainable practices and innovative designs shaping the future of shoes. Then, get creative with our shoelace coloring activity—a hands-on way to refresh your old shoes and give them a brand-new look while keeping them out of the landfill. Join us for a day of inspiration, creativity, and steps toward a greener future!
Agenda
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Shoelace Colouring (while supplies last)
12:15 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm – Footwear and the Environment Presentation
Please present your e-ticket at the front desk upon arrival. We encourage visitors to arrive early to avoid disappointment. All events and activities are presented on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions or concerns.
March Break 2025
When: Monday, March 10 – Saturday, March 15
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Included with general admission.)
Step into a fun-filled March Break at the Bata Shoe Museum with daily crafts, games, and tours that are sure to keep kids and adults entertained all week long. Get creative at our self-guided craft station, join one of our expert guides for a fascinating tour of our galleries, or challenge your footwear knowledge with our Wheel of Shoes Trivia game for a chance to win a shoe-themed prize.
Daily Drop-In Programming Schedule
Each program runs for about 45 minutes to 1 hour
11:00 am – Guided Exhibition Tour
12:00 pm – Wheel of Shoes Trivia
1:00 pm – Guided Exhibition Tour
2:00 pm – Wheel of Shoes Trivia
All March Break programming is included with your general admission ticket for adults and children. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult. Crafts are while supplies last.