The Indigenous Landscape at Taddle Creek, University of Toronto is proposed in response to consultation with a broad range of Indigenous stakeholders on campus.
About the exhibition
The Indigenous Landscape at Taddle Creek, University of Toronto, will be one of the first implementation projects to address the short-term "calls to action" identified in the University of Toronto’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) Call to Action. It is proposed in response to consultation with a broad range of Indigenous stakeholders on campus.
The project will be located within the Hart House Green, at the University of Toronto St. George campus’s eastern gateway. This site area is an estimated 4,500 sm. Existing trees and topography will influence the design and programming of the site and the intent is to utilize the existing topography to the greatest extent possible. The site’s topography references Taddle Creek below the surface.
Throughout history, one of the main reasons to create greenspace, whether a garden or meeting place is to assist people to find balance in their lives through landscape. A greenspace has the potential to provide for social and spiritual needs, to heal and connect to the human senses.
Architects and Landscape Architects from the Indigenous Design Studio at Brook McIlroy Inc. were recently hired by the University. The design is in an early concept stage. The future landscape will be reflective of Indigenous world views and provide a dedicated place for Indigenous students, staff and faculty to gather, teach and learn as well as to host ceremonies & celebrations. Existing trees and landscape will influence the design of the site, with the intent to reference Taddle Creek below the surface. The significance of the Indigenous Landscape at Taddle Creek goes beyond the material. It needs to contemplate: “What does reclamation and reconciliation look like?”
