New “Sacred Circle of Unity” mural by UFCW Local 175 reflects commitment to reconciliation

Mississauga, Ont. – April 27, 2026 – UFCW Canada congratulates UFCW Local 175 & 633 on the unveiling the Sacred Circle of Unity mural by Indigenous artist Philip Cote at their head offices in Mississauga.

The mural is a result of a UFCW partnership with the Indigenous-led group called Moccasin Identifier. This group is dedicated to connecting all Canadians with a deeper understanding of Reconciliation and Treaty Recognition through symbolic art, education, and public awareness campaigns.

This is the second of three murals that UFCW Canda and UFCW Local Unions in Ontario will release as part of our ongoing work to advance reconciliation. The first was unveiled in the National Office in November as part of Treaties Recognition Week.

Cote’s mural, installed at the Local Union’s Mississauga office, was unveiled on April 15, 2026. Speakers at the unveiling included UFCW 175 President Kelly Tosato, the artist, Philip Cote, representatives from Moccasin Identifier, and UFCW Canada National Indigenous Committee member and UFCW 175 representative Alex Stubbs.

“We wanted this mural to anchor the entryway to our offices here to ensure that anyone who enters our space understands our commitment to those principles and to the spirit of Reconciliation,” said UFCW 175 President Kelly Tosato at the unveiling.

“We understand it is our responsibility to acknowledge that our offices, our staff, and our members live and work on the unceded territories of many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people,” added President Tosato. “We take that responsibility seriously and we continue to pledge to do our part in raising awareness and advancing Reconciliation, working with groups like the Moccasin Identifier and the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society, and taking an active role in dismantling existing racist and classist systems that continue to harm Indigenous people.”

“This thing is really important because this is part of the Truth and Reconciliation. This is why it’s all happening,” said artist Philip Cote. “This is why the union decided that they needed some representation of Indigenous people on their property.”

The mural, titled the Sacred Circle of Unity, looks at the interconnection of family, spirituality, and the earth through an Indigenous perspective. Through symbolism, colour, and storytelling, the mural captures the time of the Eighth Fire and the pathway to heart-thinking.

It featured the red dress in commemoration of May 5th Red Dress Day. All guests were welcomed with drums played by Jared Big Canoe from Georgina, Ont., and featured Bannock and cedar tea from an Indigenous caterer.  

Learn more about UFCW 175’s commitment to reconciliation and the Sacred Circle of Unity here.