TELUS Harbour – Place of Many Rivers

Place of Many Rivers stemmed from a vision to foster connection, community, storytelling, and cultural respect by introducing an Indigenous Placekeeping floor at TELUS’ head office in downtown Toronto, on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Ojibwe-Anishnaabeg and the Haudenosaunee. Rooted in cultural authenticity, the design process benefited from the input and support from Indigenous leaders, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, and various Indigenous artists.  

Located on the 28th floor of TELUS Harbour, Place of Many Rivers honours and amplifies Indigenous culture, voices, and stories within a contemporary workplace while also adhering to TELUS’ functional and programmatic standards. Upon entering the space, users are welcomed with sightlines to the water and then prompted to engage with thoughtful storytelling elements and curated artwork through the presence of murals, installations, photography, sculptures, and interpretive text. The environment invites natural light, while also paying attention to acoustic control, and incorporating warm wood tones. 

Built partitions are aligned to true north, shaping the geometry of the floor plan. Colours, textures, and natural references to smoke, beadwork, fur & hide, medicinal flora, water, weaving, and mapping are carefully woven into the interior environment and branding, creating a sensory experience that embodies Indigenous teachings and ties to the land and practices of Indigenous peoples. The design narrative highlights Indigenous values and history including The Longhouse, The Village, The Place of Wild Rice, The Marsh, and The Talking Circle. 

This evolving workplace also features improved collaboration focus, and flexible spaces for hybrid work format, offering TELUS team members a meaningful and unique environment to connect, reflect, learn, and work. The project stands as a testament to collaboration and respect by creating a space where function and culture converge.