Toronto sign gets new wrap recognizing Indigenous languages
Anyone walking through Nathan Phillips Square this week may notice the iconic Toronto sign has a new look.
The sign has been given a new wrap called Rekindle, recognizing the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, which focuses on the right of Indigenous language speakers worldwide.
The wrap was created by Anishinaabe artist Joseph Sagaj. Sagaj joined city officials and Indigenous leaders at the square to unveil the new design on Wednesday morning.
Advertisement
“Language is the essence and spirit of my identity and culture,” Sagaj says. “However, it is not exclusive to the spoken word in the ways of storytelling I grew up hearing and speaking in my community.”
In my later years, I realized that expression and voice are also reflected in art, poetry, song, dance, and storytelling through various mediums and genres. Language is also present in ceremonies; the spirit is expressed by way of the heart and its lifeways.
My art renderings and what is featured here in the ‘TORONTO’ sign is a ‘glimpse’ of expressions of these ways and reflection of values.”
The new wrap will remain on the sign until the fall of 2023.
Toronto will join the rest of Canada in marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Friday, Sept. 30.
