The Toronto sign just got a major facelift
The iconic Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square just got a new look.
The new wrap recognizes UNESCO's International Decade of Indigenous Languages, which focuses on the rights of Indigenous language speakers worldwide.
Mayor John Tory joined Anishinaabe artist Joseph Sagaj, of the Sturgeon Clan, along with Elder Dorothy Peters and others to unveil the new wrap Wednesday morning.
This morning I joined @Thompson_37, artist Joseph Sagaj, Elder Dorothy Peters & others to unveil the new Toronto Sign wrap.
— John Tory (@TorontosMayor) September 28, 2022
The new wrap recognizes @UNESCO's International Decade of Indigenous Languages, which focuses on the rights of Indigenous language speakers worldwide. pic.twitter.com/urDFsViLtC
“I think it's relevant to note in the context of UNESCO's decade that there are 70 Indigenous languages spoken in Canada alone, but that many of those and others around the country are threatened today,” Tory said at the wrap reveal.
Sagaj designed the new wrap, which covers each letter and symbol in the Toronto sign with renderings, art, poetry, song, dance, and more. The piece is titled Rekindle which translates to the "dawning of light" in Anishinaabe language, and symbolizes different forms of language.
It also offers a glimpse into how languages are vital to identity, voice and expression. Additionally, it features the seven-pointed star system of clans and governance, the 28 day, 13-moon calendar cycle, and the significance of Indigenous traditions, heritage and world view.
This is the first time since 2020 that a new wrap has been placed on the Toronto sign. Rekindle will remain on display until fall 2023, and comes just in time for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.
