Mayor Olivia Chow and Toronto Fire Services to Launch Fire Prevention Week

New Spirit Garden Opens at Nathan Phillips Square in Honor of Truth and Reconciliation Day

September 30, 2024 Kelly Deschamps

Toronto, ON — On September 30, 2024, Mayor Olivia Chow officially inaugurated the new Spirit Garden at Nathan Phillips Square in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This significant addition to the city serves as a memorial for residential school survivors and a poignant reminder of the children who did not return home.

The Spirit Garden is designed as a reflective space for healing and education, encouraging visitors to come together to learn about the historical impact of residential schools and to engage in meaningful discussions. Mayor Chow emphasized the importance of this space, stating, “It’s a space to honour residential school survivors and remember the children who didn’t make it home — a space to come together to learn, share, teach, and heal.”

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the new Spirit Garden at Nathan Phillips Square is opening.

It’s a space to honour residential school survivors and remember the children who didn’t make it home — a space to come together to learn, share, teach, and heal. pic.twitter.com/0moiCcYhMV

— Mayor Olivia Chow (@MayorOliviaChow) September 30, 2024

The opening of the Spirit Garden aligns with the broader objectives of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which seeks to promote awareness and understanding of Indigenous history and culture. This day also acknowledges the ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities across Canada.

Visitors to the Spirit Garden can expect a tranquil environment conducive to reflection and learning, with installations that celebrate Indigenous culture and heritage. The garden aims to be a place where all Toronto residents can engage with the city’s commitment to reconciliation.

The Spirit Garden at Nathan Phillips Square stands as a testament to Toronto’s dedication to fostering healing and understanding among its diverse communities, making it a vital landmark in the journey toward reconciliation.