Toronto, – In a momentous occasion marked by cultural significance and community spirit, the City of Toronto celebrated the grand opening of the Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Community Recreation Centre and Library. Mayor Olivia Chow, alongside Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North), Chief William Romain from the Huron-Wendat Nation, Elder Valarie King from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill from the Six Nations of the Grand River, and other esteemed guests, gathered to officially inaugurate the center.
Named “Ethennonnhawahstihnen’,” a gift from the Huron-Wendat Nation, the term translates to “where they had a good, beautiful life,” paying homage to the historical significance of the site. Situated near Bayview and Sheppard Avenues in North York, the center resides within proximity to the Moatfield Ossuary, a significant Huron-Wendat archaeological site, where evidence suggests inhabitants lived long and peaceful lives.
Honoured to join the official opening of the Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Community Recreation Centre and Library today.
The name (pronounced Etta-nonna wasti-nuh) is Wendat and means “where they had a good, beautiful life.”
Those are words that’ll echo from here for years to come. pic.twitter.com/XuUnBb59ld
— Mayor Olivia Chow (@MayorOliviaChow) March 23, 2024
The renaming of the street and park adjacent to the center to Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Lane and Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Park was approved in 2019 by the North York Community Council following widespread support from public consultations. This renaming was viewed as a meaningful step towards Indigenous placemaking and reconciliation, showcasing the city’s commitment to honoring Indigenous heritage.
Boasting approximately 218,400 square feet of space, the community recreation center offers an array of amenities, including a large double gymnasium, indoor track, swimming pool, multipurpose rooms, teaching kitchen, and fitness facilities.
Of notable significance, the collaboration with the Huron-Wendat Nation in naming the center marks a historic milestone, making it the first City community recreation center and library branch in Toronto to be named in collaboration with an Indigenous community.
Mayor Olivia Chow expressed her gratitude to all involved parties for their dedication to honoring Indigenous culture and history, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful public spaces. Councillor Shelley Carroll highlighted the center’s role in fostering dialogue and preserving Indigenous heritage within the community.
Chief William Romain of the Huron-Wendat Nation expressed appreciation for the recognition of their historical presence, emphasizing the City of Toronto’s willingness to acknowledge Indigenous heritage through the naming of the center, street, and park.
The City reaffirmed its commitment to furthering Indigenous placemaking and reconciliation efforts, pledging to explore opportunities for programming and engagement at the new facility and across Toronto.
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