Today, Mayor Olivia Chow presented the Key to the City in honour of Wahkohtowin, a Cree concept and worldview grounded in kinship, interconnectedness and shared responsibility.
The presentation took place in the Spirit Garden at Nathan Phillips Square, a place of reflection, teaching, learning, sharing and healing for Indigenous communities and all who visit.
Wahkohtowin teaches that all beings are interconnected and that people have a responsibility to care for one another, the land, waters, animals and future generations. The teaching recognizes the relationship between the two-legged, the four-legged, the ones that fly, the ones that swim, the ones that crawl, the ones that grow, the Earth and sky world, and reminds us that no one part of creation is more important than another.
The Key to the City presentation honours these teachings, while reflecting the City of Toronto’s ongoing journey toward reconciliation and its commitment to building respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities. The Key was accepted by Elder Andrew Wesley in honour of Wahkohtowin, on behalf of Indigenous communities.
About the Spirit Garden
The creation of the Spirit Garden was a joint effort between the City and Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre on behalf of Indigenous communities, reflecting common threads across Indigenous cultures through its landscape and structures. Part of the City’s reconciliation journey, it responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action outlining specific directives for public monuments to honour survivors of the residential school system and the children who did not return home.
The site includes spaces for contemplation, celebration and ceremony, with features created by Indigenous artists representing First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures, including a Turtle sculpture and reflecting pool, teaching lodge, Métis Spirit Canoe and traditional Inuksuk.
More information is available on the City’s webpage.
About the Key to the City
The Mayor awards the Key to the City to inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds who embody the spirit and potential of Toronto, and who have contributed significantly to civic life. The Key to the City is Toronto’s highest honour granted by the Mayor to an individual or a group.
More information, including a list of past recipients, is available on the City’s Key to the City webpage.
Mayor Chow invites residents to share their suggestions for individuals they believe should receive the Key to the City. To nominate someone who has made a meaningful impact on Toronto, visit: www.mayoroliviachow.ca/keytothecity.
Quote:
“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. 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.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As an Official Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.