Ziibiing
Inspiring land-based education at a prominent University of Toronto landmark
Location
Toronto, Ontario
Client
University of Toronto
Date
2022
Scope
Indigenous Design
Landscape Design
Architecture
Located at Hart House Circle, one of the most prominent landscapes at the University of Toronto and the eastern gateway to the St. George Campus, the Ziibiing project is a multi-use greenspace for learning, gathering, and ceremony. The name ‘Ziibiing’ means ‘at the river’ in Anishinaabemowin, a fitting name as the site is located along the historical course of Taddle Creek. Designed by the Indigenous Design Studio and Landscape Architecture team at Brook McIlroy with input from University of Toronto Elders, faculty, and students, this landscape acts as an immersive, active, and meaningful space that is representative of the many diverse Indigenous Nations on Turtle Island—and that will connect visitors with land, culture, and each other.
To foster an inclusive space, the design draws from cultural elements significant to many Indigenous communities such as fire, water, and the stars. A bronze open-air pavilion featuring a sacred fire and wood seating serve as a ceremonial gathering space. Situated atop of a hill, the pavilion forms a focal point in the landscape and is a beacon of welcoming to all. Marking the importance of waterways in Indigenous cultures, the design seeks to honour the memory of Taddle Creek which once flowed through the site and is now buried far below.
“The burying of the land and waters of Taddle Creek was synonymous with the burying of Indigenous culture. The impetus for the project was: How do we get more Indigenous representation in spaces that are in otherwise colonial institutions? And doing so in consultation with advisory committees and elders to improve not only visibility but also opportunities for outdoor education, teaching and learning events, and to really bring Indigenous knowledge to the forefront of the campus.”
Ryan Gorrie, Principal
“Our voices, traditions and histories are woven into the fabric of this new landscape, sending a clear signal that we are seen, that we matter and that we belong.”
— Shannon Simpson, Senior Director of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives
Inspired by the Anishinaabemowin words Awaadiziwin (knowledge you can see) and Akinoomaage (to look to and take direction from the earth) this landscape encourages reclamation of Indigenous knowledge. Working with Indigenous plant medicine expert Joseph Pitawanakwat, the plant selection—including woodland plantings, rain gardens, and forest plantings—is curated to demonstrate a microcosm of this region’s most significant plants. Following on the University’s mandate for teaching, this is intended to inspire education about plant medicine and increase Indigenous planting initiatives in urban settings. Indigenous plantings and immersive teaching spaces will provide resources for unique land-based education.
This project is among the University’s early responses to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and contemplates reclamation and (re)conciliation. It is being coordinated with a larger campus revitalization project, Landscape of Landmark Quality, which will fundamentally rethink the landscapes in and around King’s College Circle.
