Mayor Olivia Chow Presents Key to the City Honouring Indigenous Teaching of Wahkohtowin
Ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square recognizes Cree worldview centred on kinship, interconnectedness and shared responsibility
TORONTO — Mayor Olivia Chow presented Toronto’s Key to the City on Monday in honour of Wahkohtowin, a Cree teaching rooted in kinship, interconnectedness and collective responsibility.
The ceremony took place at the Spirit Garden in Nathan Phillips Square, a public space created for reflection, healing and cultural learning for Indigenous communities and visitors alike.
According to the City of Toronto, Wahkohtowin reflects the understanding that all beings are interconnected and that people share responsibilities toward one another, the environment and future generations.
The teaching recognizes relationships among:
- People
- Animals
- Water and land
- Plants and nature
- The Earth and sky world
City officials said the recognition forms part of Toronto’s broader reconciliation efforts and its commitment to building respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities.
Elder Andrew Wesley accepts honour on behalf of Indigenous communities
The Key to the City was accepted by Elder Andrew Wesley in honour of Wahkohtowin and on behalf of Indigenous communities.
Mayor Olivia Chow described the recognition as an important reflection of Toronto’s ongoing reconciliation journey.
“Wahkohtowin reminds us in Toronto that we are all connected to one another, to the land, and to future generations through relationships of respect, care and shared responsibility,” Chow said in a statement released by the City.
“It is an honour to present the Key to the City in recognition of this teaching at the Spirit Garden in Nathan Phillips Square, a place of reflection and healing, as we continue our journey of reconciliation and building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities.”
Spirit Garden created as part of reconciliation efforts
The Spirit Garden was developed through collaboration between the City of Toronto and the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre on behalf of Indigenous communities.
The site was created in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action related to public monuments and recognition of residential school survivors and children who never returned home.
The garden includes several Indigenous cultural and artistic features representing First Nations, Inuit and Métis traditions, including:
- A Turtle sculpture and reflecting pool
- A teaching lodge
- A Métis Spirit Canoe
- A traditional Inuksuk
The City says the space serves as a location for:
- Ceremony
- Celebration
- Reflection
- Teaching and cultural sharing
Toronto’s highest honour
The Key to the City is considered Toronto’s highest honour presented by the Mayor to individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to civic life.
The City also announced that residents can continue submitting nominations for future recipients through the Mayor’s Office website.
The presentation comes amid ongoing efforts by municipalities across Canada to strengthen Indigenous partnerships and expand public education surrounding reconciliation and Indigenous teachings.
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