This week long fall 2019 retreat at Gibralter Point, Toronto Island was an initiative of Mississaugas of Credit First Nation, Ngā Aho Māori design collective, University of Toronto (Scarborough Campus), and urban planning friends from New Zealand. Inspired by the visible Māori presence celebrated in New Zealand cities, and concern for the comparative lack of it in Toronto, conversations grew, creative minds created, and Social Sciences Health Research Council funding was obtained. A public forum was held at the end of the week to share the work produced, including art, a game on decolonization, music, poetry, wood carvings, and to share deep thoughts about the importance of Indigenous placekeeping / placemaking in the city. See a short film of this event here.

(Sheila participated in the retreat and advised the organizers from the planning phase on, and still stays in touch with and collaborates with Māori friends from Ngā Aho)