June 22, 2022, Treaty No. 1 Territory, Winnipeg, Man., – The eighth annual Indigenous Garden will once again be rooted at Air Canada Window Park on Portage Avenue at Carlton. The initiative, launched by the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ in partnership with APTN, will begin with a blessing of the plants by Elder David Budd at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 22 and will include a jingle dance performance by Kyla Henry. The event will conclude with planting which will be done by Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s team.
The Garden will showcase a variety of Indigenous plants, complete with on-site signage to give visitors an opportunity to learn more about the plants and their importance to Indigenous life and culture.
“The Indigenous Garden celebrates and shares Indigenous culture and traditions downtown, and is a step towards reconciliation,” says Pamela Hardman, Director of Marketing, Engagement and Communications for the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. “It’s especially meaningful to have this event during National Indigenous History Month—a time to recognize the achievements and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.”
“It’s especially lovely to be back in the garden after such a long and difficult Manitoba winter. There’s nothing greater than planting new seeds and connecting to the earth with dear friends,” says Monika Ille, CEO of APTN. “We’re delighted and honoured to once again plant the Indigenous Garden with Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, a tradition that guides us along the path of reconciliation and shares our cultures with all Winnipeggers.”
Plants in the Garden will include yarrow, sweetgrass, prairie sage, wild bergamot, false sunflower, tufted hairgrass, blue fescue, Solomon’s seal, and lily of the valley, which will join the junipers that are already thriving in the garden.
The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ intends for the Indigenous Garden to increase community experience, promote understanding of Indigenous culture and improve the visual landscape of downtown, in addition to:
- Bringing communities together
- Building a common experience
- Promoting a conversation and education about Indigenous culture and tradition
- Beautifying the city block