Photo by Curtis Galbraith.

By Curtis Galbraith

Community

Traditional Healing Garden taking shape

Jun 5, 2022 | 1:08 PM

A lot of work has been completed on the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre’s Traditional Healing Garden.

Planters have been set up and some seed is in the ground. A greenhouse will also be set up.

The centre’s Vice-President Amy Lee Snider says they started with what she describes as “a huge empty parking lot” but will become a place for people to gather.

“There’s nowhere in Grande Prairie for us to come together as an Indigenous culture every day and gather and do our ceremonies and our traditions.”

“There will be a place for us to have our sacred fire pit. There will be medicines planted all around our circle, giving us an opportunity to pick and use our own medicines but (to) also have elders do teachings.”

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Snider says they hope to grow vegetables in the greenhouse that will help sustain their Community Kitchen.

“As well, we are planting potatoes and tomatoes and squash and (doing) more to give back to the community.”

The garden is located on the west side of the Friendship Centre building, which is located on 98 Avenue just west of 105 Street.

Snider says there has been a good response to the garden.

“Anybody that comes down and starts taking part and getting involved, people are very excited about this opportunity, especially (to) have this beautiful space to gather in the middle of the city. You don’t see a garden or place to gather quite often in the middle of a city.”

Snider says the community is invited to a grand opening on June 21. The road in front of the Friendship Centre will be closed off and there will be a barbecue, live entertainment, and what she describes as “a wonderful celebration of Indigenous culture.”