Program
Turtle Sculpture, Reflecting Pond, Voyageur Canoe, Teaching Lodge, Amphitheatre, Inukshuk, Benches, Three Sisters Garden, Gathering Areas, Tree Of Peace, Walkways
Description
Toronto's Spirit Garden is a public place for teaching, learning, healing, and moving the dialogue forward between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. It is dedicated to Indigenous history and culture—the first public space built in a Canadian capital city to honour those impacted by the Residential Schools program and directly respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Action 82.
Nathan Phillips Square was selected by the City of Toronto, in partnership with the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, as a publicly accessible, highly visible location to celebrate the resilience of survivors and their families with space for teaching, learning, sharing and healing. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, this transformation integrates Indigenous culture, symbols and plantings within Canada's largest urban centre. With pedestrian linkages to City Hall, Osgoode Hall, and Queen Street West, the site can impact millions of visitors and advance reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Toronto.
Gow Hastings Architects led the design and delivery of the project, transforming the southwest quadrant of Nathan Phillips Square into a new public space that provides education and builds relations with the larger Toronto community. Engagement with Indigenous design consultant Two Row Architect and Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre ensured that the design stemmed from collaboration with Indigenous peoples, survivors and their organizations. Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre has interpreted the call in a culturally appropriate way, with the commission and installation of a Turtle sculpture, as it includes all people and reflects Indigenous teachings.
The design of the Spirit Garden revolves around Turtle Island and offers dedicated places for contemplation, celebration, and ceremonies, which are open, accessible, and welcoming to all. The Turtle sculpture, by Anishinaabe artist Solomon King, is at the centre of the Spirit Garden and identifies the names of the 18 residential schools that operated for more than 160 years in Ontario. The sculpture's design is based on the traditional Indigenous creation story of Turtle Island. The fully accessible site also includes a reflecting pond, a Two Row Wampum path, a Voyageur canoe, an Inukshuk, A Tree of Peace, a Three Sisters illustration on metal, and a timber-frame Teaching Lodge.
In support of the Toronto Green Standard, the sustainable design solution utilizes on-site energy, incorporates recyclable building materials, and integrates green space, including the Three Sisters garden, a healing space with Indigenous landscaping.
