Installation builds on Nieuport and Toronto Port Authority’s sponsorship of The Power of the Land during Luminato Festival 2026

TORONTO, July 30, 2026 – Nieuport Aviation, in partnership with Luminato Festival, today celebrated the showcasing of a mural by renowned Indigenous artist, historian, activist and ancestral knowledge keeper Philip Cote in the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. The event also featured a guided learning experience, offering airport employees and invited guests an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Indigenous culture, history and the significance of the mural.

The installation builds on Nieuport and Toronto Port Authority’s sponsorship of The Power of the Land during Luminato Festival 2026 and reflects a shared commitment to creating meaningful arts and cultural experiences for Toronto’s waterfront community. The mural will be displayed in the airport’s passenger terminal through September, offering travellers, employees and visitors an opportunity to engage with Indigenous art, storytelling and cultural expression in one of Toronto’s most important transportation hubs. Following its time at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the mural will be relocated to its permanent home at the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre, located just outside the airport’s mainland pavilion.

“Not only does this mural represent Indigenous culture, but it represents indigenous history,” said Philip Cote, artist and ancestral knowledge keeper. “We are sharing our narratives and prophecies about the seven fires, which takes us to the Eighth Fire, the time of the spirit—a time predicted 1,200 years ago symbolized here by the White Bear coming down from the north.”

“Billy Bishop Airport is more than a transportation hub; it’s a place where people connect with the stories and identity of Toronto and the surrounding region,” said Jennifer Quinn, CEO, Nieuport Aviation. “We are honoured to host Philip Cote’s work in the passenger terminal in partnership with Luminato, creating a space that recognizes Indigenous histories, celebrates artistic excellence and strengthens the connections to the lands and waters that have shaped this region for generations.”

“One of Luminato Festival’s goals is to bring transformative artistic experiences into the everyday spaces where people live, work and gather,” said Natasha Udovic, Vice President, Development, Luminato. “We are proud to partner with Nieuport to extend the life and reach of this important work beyond the festival, ensuring that even more people can engage with Philip Cote’s powerful artistic vision and the teachings it conveys.”

“Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport plays an important role in connecting people to Toronto and to communities across Canada and the United States,” said RJ Steenstra, President & CEO, Toronto Port Authority. “We are honoured to have partnered with Nieuport Aviation and Luminato Festival to support the creation of this remarkable mural by Philip Cote. It invites travellers to engage with Indigenous knowledge, history and culture, fostering greater understanding. This powerful work creates a meaningful sense of place while reflecting the diversity and stories that make Toronto such a vibrant and welcoming city.”

Visitors can view the mural in the arrivals level of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport through September before it is relocated to the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre.

Image captions:

Philip Cote mural 1: (from left) Olivia Ansell, Artistic Director, Luminato Festival; Jennifer Quinn, CEO, Nieuport Aviation; Janis Mayers, Producer, Luminato Festival; RJ Steenstra, President and CEO, Toronto Port Authority

Philip Cote mural 2: The event featured a guided learning experience, offering airport employees and invited guests an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Indigenous culture, history and the significance of the mural.

Philip Cote mural 3 and 4: The mural will be displayed in the airport’s passenger terminal through September, offering travellers, employees and visitors an opportunity to engage with Indigenous art, storytelling and cultural expression in one of Toronto’s most important transportation hubs.

About Nieuport Aviation

Nieuport Aviation is the terminal partner at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and is committed to elevating every journey, helping communities thrive and ensuring growth is inclusive and enduring. In addition to managing the passenger terminal, Nieuport Aviation offers passengers a free bus shuttle service between the airport and downtown Toronto, helping to provide a seamless travel experience. Since acquiring the airport terminal, Nieuport has invested nearly $90 million in terminal upgrades, including the Aspire | Air Canada Café for domestic travellers, the recently opened US preclearance facility and a host of food, beverage and retail enhancements. For more information, please visit www.nieuport.com.

About Philip Cote

Philip Cote is a celebrated Indigenous artist, activist, historian and ancestral knowledge keeper from Moose Deer Point First Nation with Shawnee, Lakota, Potawatomi and Ojibway ancestry. Through painting, mural-making, public speaking and cultural interpretation, his work explores Indigenous histories, cosmology, language and storytelling traditions while creating opportunities for education, dialogue and understanding.

About Luminato Festival

Luminato Festival transforms the people, places, and possibilities of Toronto with extraordinary art experiences. Every June, we present bold, playful, and of-the-moment art for all to enjoy. In 2026, Luminato Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary edition. Distinctly Toronto, proudly Canadian and totally Global, we welcome the world to explore our streets, stages, and stories. Encounter our city like never before.

About Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is an award-winning gateway to Canada’s largest city, offering unmatched convenience just minutes from downtown Toronto. Serving passengers since 1939, the airport provides service to more than 20 cities across Canada and the U.S., with connections to more than 100 global destinations through its airline partners, and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility.

Renowned for its accessibility, stunning skyline views and 98% passenger satisfaction rating, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport supports critical regional services, including medical travel and medevac operations through Ornge. It is also a key economic driver, supporting more than 4,000 jobs (2,000 directly associated with its operations) and generating approximately $2 billion annually for the regional economy.

Committed to sustainability, the airport is a three-time recipient of the Airports Council International–North America’s Environmental Achievement Award and is certified under Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is owned and operated by the Toronto Port Authority. Nieuport Aviation is the terminal partner and operates the airport’s complimentary shuttle service to and from downtown Toronto. Learn more at www.billybishopairport.com.