The ArtSparks powered by FirstOntario program is working towards providing all children in Milton in Grades 1 to 8 an opportunity to attend and experience a performance at the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton, free of charge. This program removes the socioeconomic barriers that often surround the arts.
ArtSparks 2026
Sechile Sedare
The ArtSparks 2026 program proudly presents Sechile Sedare, a contemporary roots duo led by sibling singer-songwriters Leela Gilday and Jay Gilday.
Sechile Sedare—which means “my younger brother, my older sister” in the Dene language—celebrates the deep bonds of family, culture, and tradition through music and storytelling.
Hailing from the Northwest Territories, Leela and Jay draw inspiration from their Dene heritage and their shared life experiences growing up in the North. Leela, a JUNO Award-winning artist, brings powerful vocals and moving lyrics, while Jay adds rich guitar stylings, soulful vocals, and compelling stories. Together, their harmonies—shaped by family and connection—evoke humour, memory, and emotion in equal measure.
This uplifting performance introduces students to Indigenous voices and contemporary Canadian music in a way that is both accessible and unforgettable.
This performance is FREE for Milton students in Grades 3-8 based on performance date. Busing to and from the venue is provided by the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton at no additional charge upon request.
School performances
- Monday, Sept. 29, 2025 10:30 a.m.
- Monday, Sept. 29, 2025 12:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 10:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 12:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 10:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 12:30 p.m.
Shaun Boothe
Shaun Boothe is an award-winning hip-hop artist, TEDx speaker and creator of ‘The Unauthorized Biography Series’. The Unauthorized Biography Series is a critically acclaimed musical project that celebrates the world's greatest cultural icons through biographical raps songs. Each chapter of the series captures the legacy of an influential iconic figure in a documentary-style music video. Icons featured in the series include Bob Marley, Muhammad Ali, Serena Williams, Malala Yousafzai, Terry Fox, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and more.
The Hope in Challenging Times Series speaks directly to the topic of mental health- our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It offers hope, inspiration, and practical tools to stay strong in a world forced to stay inside. It also offers tools to explore and navigate the world inside of us- our feelings, emotions, and untapped reservoirs of strength.
This performance is FREE for Milton students in Grades 6-8. Buses to and from the venue are provided by the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton at no additional charge upon request.
School performances
- Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 10:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 12:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 10:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 12:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 10:30 a.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 12:30 p.m.
Support the ArtSparks powered by FirstOntario program
Show how much you value future generations and art education in your community. Become a donor for the ArtSparks powered by FirstOntario program today.
Program benefits
Participation in the arts has a positive impact on children. Evidence shows that children benefit in multiple ways when they engage in arts and culture activities. Some benefits include:
- Stronger academic performance, including improved scores on standardized tests
- Enhanced critical thinking skills, communication skills and emotional intelligence
- Improved health (mental and physical)
- Improved empathy and compassion for others
- Greater ability to express emotions
- New ways to perceive and relate to the world and an increased ability to connect with others
- Renewed focus and motivation to learn and actively engage in education
Testimonials
Watch testimonials from participants, sponsors, community members and politicians.
Promotional video
