Toronto to mark Indigenous Veterans Day with Sunday ceremony at Spirit Garden

The City of Toronto will host a ceremony to commemorate Indigenous Veterans Day this Sunday at the Spirit Garden on Nathan Phillips Square.

The service begins at 2 p.m. on Nov. 8 at the garden, located at 100 Queen St. W., beside City Hall. Mayor Olivia Chow will attend, joining Canadians in paying tribute to the service and sacrifices of First Nations, Inuit, Métis and non-status Indigenous veterans.

Traditional ways of remembrance

According to a City of Toronto news release, the event will include traditional ways of remembrance. Young Spiritual Elder Noodjmowin will lead a Sacred Fire, and a Sharing Circle will be held in the Spirit Garden Teaching Lodge.

The Spirit Garden, opened on the western side of Nathan Phillips Square, was created as a space to recognize Indigenous presence, cultures and histories in Toronto, and has become a focal point for civic commemoration of Indigenous veterans.

The ceremony is open to the public, and Torontonians are invited to attend the tribute on the square Sunday afternoon.