How Rogers Ishkozi Park is providing a place to reflect on truth and reconciliation

The reinvigorated and renamed park features Indigenous art, open spaces and benches to gather, meditate and reflect.

At Rogers, we are committed to making a meaningful impact in partnership with Indigenous communities and our Indigenous team members on the collective journey towards truth and reconciliation. As part of that commitment, we aim to create safe and inclusive spaces for our team members and the community.  

One of those spaces is the newly reinvigorated Ishkozi Park. Located on the grounds of Rogers Toronto headquarters, the former Huntley Parkette was renamed using the Anishinaabemowin/Ojibway word for ‘awake’ and local Indigenous artists such as Patrick Hunter were invited to transform the space through art to create a place for reflection, healing, and to learn about Indigenous culture. One of the four painted benches is called “Allied in presence and action” to represent all Rogers Diversity Groups working in partnership with Rogers Indigenous Peoples’ Network.  

Rogers recently hosted an intimate smudging ceremony with employees, Elders, and residential school survivors to commemorate the park. The park is open for use by Rogers team members and community members alike between dawn and dusk from Monday to Friday, through to November 11 and opening again in the spring.  

“For me this park symbolizes hope at Rogers, and the fact that Indigenous people are very much alive and present here in the walls at Rogers and in the communities we serve.”
– Nicole McCormick, Co-Chair Rogers Indigenous Peoples Network

“It’s important for the Indigenous culture and the lens we’ve inherited over thousands of years in North America that we call Turtle Island – this is a place of meditation and a place to give thanks.”
– Duke Redbird, Elder of the Saugeen Nation 

Through investing in our networks to connect Indigenous communities, creating safe spaces for employees, growing our culture of inclusion, and empowering the next generation of Indigenous youth through scholarships and grants, Rogers is committed to making a meaningful impact on our collective journey towards truth and reconciliation in partnership with Indigenous communities. Visit here to learn more.