CIBC opened a Legacy Space at its global headquarters, CIBC SQUARE, ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The space is dedicated to the shared history of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and was designed in consultation with local First Nations leaders and Indigenous team members, and in partnership with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund through their Legacy Spaces program.
Consultation began in 2018 with the design inception of Toronto’s CIBC SQUARE and builds upon the previous CIBC Legacy Space located at Commerce Court West.
Brook McIlroy’s Indigenous Design Studio brought the space to life. Key features include an engineered HVAC system to support traditional ceremonies and a vaulted ceiling of solid carved oak and wood-veneer ribbing, inspired by the Anishinaabe teaching lodges and the longhouses of Wendat and Haudenosaunee villages.
The practice of Indigenous sharing circles inspired the oval table in the middle of the room, which was designed to encourage meetings and events to follow the same format of participatory discussion.
Graphics on glass walls name the signatories of the Toronto Purchase that marked the sale of land by the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation to Britain. The signatures take the form of animal pictographs that represent each person as well as their clan, position and background.
“The Legacy Space is an opportunity to become immersed in an experience centered around Indigenous design, materials, and histories,” said Brook McIlroy Principal Ryan Gorrie. “The wood feature enclosure serves as a unifying presence, referencing Indigenous structures of the region, and providing warmth and connection to the natural. Limestone from Manitoulin Island anchors the room at either end providing a visual richness.”
Sarah Midanik, president and CEO of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, said CIBC was one of the first companies to sign on as a Legacy Spaces partner. “Developed through a holistic community engagement model, engaging Indigenous community members, stakeholders, and employees throughout the process, I am so proud of the work done to create this powerful space.”
