Toronto unveils name of new island [Video]

Toronto’s new island in the Port Lands will be “the place of black cherry trees.”

That is the meaning of the island’s new name, Ookwemin Minising, in Anishinaabemowin/Ojibwemowin. It pays homage to the black cherry trees that once grew abundantly in the area 200 years ago.

The city unveiled on Friday the official name of the island, which has been recently referred to as Villiers Island.

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“Guided by the insight and wisdom of the Indigenous Advisory Circle convened to suggest a name, Ookwemin Minising honours the natural history of the land, a vision of environmental restoration and highlights a path to First Nations, Inuit and Métis community engagement and collaboration,” Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow who was at the announcement on Friday.

“The decision to hand over that naming power to Indigenous communities was both a symbolic and concrete step in turning words into actions that contribute to truth, justice and reconciliation.”

During the announcement, city …