Restoration of Identity
Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre is leading the development of the Spirit Garden (formerly named the Teaching, Learning, Sharing and Healing space).
The 19,250 square foot Indigenous cultural space will be in the southwest quadrant of Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto. Full day cultural programming will be offered year-round providing cultural programming and traditional knowledge sharing.
The Spirit Garden will feature prominent symbols of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures including the focal piece Restoration of Identity, a turtle sculpture designed and fabricated by Anishnaabe artist Solomon King. This sculpture commemorates the victims and survivors of Canada’s residential schools within Ontario’s capitol, thereby fulfilling the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action 82.
The Spirit Garden is scheduled to be completed by 2023.
As of November 2020 the Design Committee is finalizing the cultural elements in consultation with Indigenous knowledge keepers and Elders.