The Spirit Garden

The Spirit Garden was designed in collaboration with Indigenous communities. Inspired by Indigenous use of the land, the employment of traditional building techniques, and the incorporation of Indigenous art, the design highlights Indigenous knowledge and restores the waterfront with native vegetation. Consultation with Indigenous stakeholders took place in a series of workshops that included First Nations and Métis community members.

The Celebration Circle within the Spirit Garden provides infrastructure for teaching, performance, celebration, and contemplation while the Honouring Circle, a public fireplace, is located near the water in view of the Sleeping Giant. The Sleeping Giant landform, known by the Anishinaabe as the cultural figure Nanaboosho, is credited with bringing fire to the people.

The lighting design references the gift of fire by illuminating the bentwood structure in a warm, golden glow. The lighting also puts the Spirit Garden in dialogue with the Sleeping Giant across the water in the from dusk to dawn and the long dark winters.

CLIENT
The City of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

TEAM
Brook McIlroy, architect and landscape architect
Ryan Gorrie
Randy Thomas, artist

RECOGNITION
2012 Woodworks Northern Ontario Excellence Award
2012 ON-ASLA Award: Service to the Environment
2012 ON- ASLA Award of Merit
2012 Canadian Institute of Planners  Excellence Award
2020 Untapped New York’s Best of New York: Best New Park

Photography: Courtesy of David Whittaker