toronto sign

The Toronto sign just got a major facelift

The iconic Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square just got a new look.

The new wrap recognizes UNESCO's International Decade of Indigenous Languages, which focuses on the rights of Indigenous language speakers worldwide.

Mayor John Tory joined Anishinaabe artist Joseph Sagaj, of the Sturgeon Clan, along with Elder Dorothy Peters and others to unveil the new wrap Wednesday morning.

“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,” Tory said at the wrap reveal.

Sagaj designed the new wrap, which covers each letter and symbol in the Toronto sign with renderings, art, poetry, song, dance, and more. The piece is titled Rekindle which translates to the "dawning of light" in Anishinaabe language, and symbolizes different forms of language.

It also offers a glimpse into how languages are vital to identity, voice and expression. Additionally, it features the seven-pointed star system of clans and governance, the 28 day, 13-moon calendar cycle, and the significance of Indigenous traditions, heritage and world view.

This is the first time since 2020 that a new wrap has been placed on the Toronto sign. Rekindle will remain on display until fall 2023, and comes just in time for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.

Lead photo by

@TorontosMayor


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

People spotting Toronto's fancy Roombas for cutting grass in parks are enthralled

Ontario just got hit with an earthquake and officials blame this mine

TTC workers are gearing up to go on strike and here's what you need to know

Here are the highest and lowest paying gig jobs at the City of Toronto right now

Yonge-Dundas Square renaming to Sankofa Square is about to become more official

A 7-kilometre stretch of the TTC subway will be closed for this entire weekend

Years of construction on major Toronto street set to extend even longer with new project

Toronto just got a beautiful new streetscape but oops it's already being torn up