Ethennonnhawahstihnen’
Park, Community Centre & Library
“'Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ – where they had a good, beautiful life.”
– The Wendat Nation
Community Centre & Library Grand Opening!
Mark your calendars! The Grand Opening of the Ethennonnhawahstihnen' Community Centre & Library is coming up on March 23rd at 10:00 AM.
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We are honoured to have representatives from the Huron-Wendat Nation, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and Six Nations of the Grand River in attendance. There will be cultural performances and free activities for the whole family to enjoy, including swimming, face painting, fitness classes, and more!
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For those of you who haven't been, the community centre is located at 100 Ethennonnhawahstihnen' Lane, behind Bessarion TTC Station.
On October 10, 2019, North York Community Council voted unanimously in support of re-naming Woodsy Park to Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Park. [Pronunciation: et-hen-nonn-ha-wah-stih-nen’]
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On July 4, 2023, Ethennonnhawahstihnen' Community Recreation Centre & Library opened to the public.
These actions are a step towards fulfilling the City of Toronto’s commitment to truth and reconciliation with the Indigenous people. This name was suggested by the Wendat community, and honours the Wendat Nation who first inhabited the area.
History
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Wendat place names typically reflect the geological features of the landscape or document events that occurred there. A significant Wendat archaeological site, the Moatfield Ossuary, is only 500-800 metres from this park and adjacent street.
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One of the striking things about this area was the presence of many people who lived over the age of 50, which was not common at the time. The inhabitants enjoyed good health and lived in peace, experiencing much less violence and warfare compared to other sites.