Indigenous Commemorative Medicine Wheel Garden

Jun 05, 2024

In 2022 one of the Land ‘O Lakes Garden Club members proposed the idea of a garden for remembrance and acknowledgement of the children lost, and survivors of the Residential School System.

The Club quickly came on board with the vision of a Medicine Wheel and Healing Garden, as the recent Truth and Reconciliation Commission was very much on their minds.

Considering the best location for the garden took time. However, the best location of Benny Lake Heritage Park soon became apparent for several reasons. The two townships, Addington Highlands, and North Frontenac are joined there. There was accessibility to green space between the museum and Barrie Township Hall, and Bon Echo Park is located just north, on Highway 41. the Club's hope is that many visitors will stop by to learn, find peacefulness for reflection and enjoyment, in the space.

“A core group undertook the task of realising the vision,and it took them down many challenging, and wonderful paths. We have learned much. How the Residential Schools changed lives and generations; how important it is to acknowledge these past wrongs and reach out to others who live amongst us. We have made new friends. We have learned about native plants; and we have learned new words in the Algonquin language. We have been reminded time and again how kind and good and giving our community is when it comes to undertaking a worthy project,” said Rosemary Teed of the Garden Club.

The garden is now ready to be unveiled and a celebration has been planned for later this month. The public is invited to come to the garden on June 22 at 11 am for the Strawberry Moon Opening Ceremony.

“We are honoured to have Danka Brewer, an Elder and Knowledge Keeper from Sharbot Lake, attend to help us open the Medicine Wheel with smudging, drumming, and storytelling,” said Teed.

The garden opening ceremony coincides with the annual opening of the Pioneer Museum by the Cloyne and District Historical Society. The museum, and garden, will be welcoming visitors for the rest of the summer.