City Spaces

The Spirit Garden was built in collaboration with Indigenous and city partners through the Prince Arthur’s Landing development, which was completed in 2011. The Spirit Garden is a space to honour the history and cultures of Indigenous peoples in the city. The Circle is reflected in the overall design of the spaces to represent inclusiveness and bridging of worldviews.

On the shore of Kitchigami (Big Ocean/Lake Superior) looking East with Nanabijou (Sleeping Giant) on the horizon, the Honouring Circle maintains the vision of honouring Turtle Island through its configuring of stones surrounding the fire pit. The fire pit is also placed in the centre of the Medicine Wheel, to honour the teaching principles of the Anishinaabe.

The Honouring Circle is a place of contemplation, ceremony and contribution. The Anishinaabe have always recognized the geographic and cultural importance of this area.

The form of the Celebration Circle is inspired by Roy Thomas’ concept for the space to pay homage to Turtle Island based on the Anishinaabe Creation Story. The site was designed in collaboration between Indigenous artist and architect Ryan Gorrie of Thunder Bay and Brook McIlroy architects. Its form is inspired by traditional Anishinaabe bentwood building techniques using wood harvested by Indigenous artist George Price and fabricated at Fort William First Nation.

The Circle symbolizes an “inclusive circle” between all people and creation and is a way to honour the local Indigenous and Original Peoples of the land.  It serves as a common ground – a spiritual place, a place of meditation and celebration gathering together all cultures. This space is embraced as a teaching and gathering space where stories can be shared from the perspective of the First Nations peoples who have lived on this shoreline for millennia.

 Watch a video about the St. Joseph's Indian Residential School Memorial:

Learn more about the St. Joseph’s Residential School Memorial site on the Doors Open Ontario website.