New Indigenous Spirit Garden taking shape at Nathan Phillips Square

After years of planning, the construction of a 19,250 square-foot Indigenous Spirit Garden on the west side of Nathan Phillips Square is now showing signs of what’s to come.

The outline of a large reflecting pond is now being set in place and the markings of where a large turtle sculpture will stand can be seen from a pedestrian walkway above.

“What we’re seeing with the spirit garden is really about Indigenous resurgence,” said Theo Nazary, a strategic planner with the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre. “It’s about the culture, the traditions, the teachings, the languages, all coming back to fruition.”

The limestone turtle sculpture, created by Anishinaabe artist Solomon King, is now being stored in Barrie before it makes its way to Toronto. It stands two metres tall and will identify the names of the 17 residential schools that once operated in Ontario.

Other highlighted elements in the space will include a teaching lodge, which has already been installed, the Three Sisters teaching garden, a voyageur canoe and an inuksuk, along with a healing space.

“Once we broke ground, it’s been incredible.,” Nazary said. “We have an amazing project team and, this is what we say at Council Fire, we do the work that we do because of our partnerships.”

Originally scheduled to open before the end of this year, the project is now expected to be completed in the fall of 2024. Some initial issues involving community engagement and fundraising made way for the tendering process before construction could begin.

The project is part of the city’s effort to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action 82. The federal and provincial governments, in collaboration with Indigenous organizations, need to install a publicly accessible, residential schools commemorative project in capital cities to honour survivors and families.

“We have what will be an incredible, contemplative space that will enable the city to advance reconciliation for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples right at the heart of City Hall,” said Patrick Tobin, the general manager for Economic Development & Culture for the city.

The project has been led by the Toronto Fire Council, with $13 million in funding from the city and an agreement to help with future programming in the space.

“Torontonians can learn about the culture of what it means about harmony,” Nazary said. “That’s what the space will really provide.”

In the meantime, the 7th annual Indigenous Legacy Gathering will be taking place Friday, September 27 through Monday,, September 30 at Nathan Phillips Square. The event will feature performances and workshops, all in celebration of Grandmother Moon. Arts, crafts and traditional foods will be available from more than 20 local Indigenous organizations.