Toronto sign receives new wrap design honouring Indigenous languages
The iconic Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square has received a makeover.
The city unveiled a new wrap design on the popular Toronto sign Wednesday morning in recognition of UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022 to 2032), which focuses on the rights of Indigenous language speakers worldwide.
“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,” Mayor John Tory said at the wrap reveal on Wednesday. “Sometimes they're threatened just by the fewer number of people who are using them, but they're also threatened just by us not paying attention to trying to do everything we can to preserve them.”
Anishinaabe Artist Joseph Sagaj, of the Sturgeon Clan, designed the new wrap, which covers the exterior of each letter and symbol in the Toronto sign.
After much consideration, Sagaj decided to title his piece Rekindle which translates to the “dawning of light” in Anishinaabe language.
“Rekindling is also symbolic in the way we pass our traditions on to the next generation. So that’s kind of basically what it reflects and what these designs speak of,” Sagaj told CP24.
Each letter of the Toronto sign is covered with renderings depicting art, poetry, song, dance and more, which Sagaj says symbolizes different forms of language.
“From its presentations of syllabics, beaded designs, medicine berries, sacred scrolls, song, dance, and teachings; the seven-pointed star system of clans and governance to the 28-day, 13-moon calendar cycle; of the earth, air, water, to the sky world; of life, the androgynous viewing the vast universe, the poem, to the children, youth, young men, and women and the wisdom of our Elders and Knowledge Holders, are the significance of our traditions, heritage, and world view,” Sagaj said in a written statement.
The original Toronto sign was built in 2015 for the Pan American Games and was replaced with a new and more durable permanent fixture in fall 2020, due to its overwhelming popularity as a hit tourist attraction.
This is the first time a new wrap has been placed on the sign since 2020.
Rekindle will remain on the Toronto Sign until the fall of 2023.
The City has proclaimed the International Decade of Indigenous Languages and will join Canada in marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this Friday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.