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Garden Medicine - Youth Wellness Garden Project
We embarked on a new project this past Spring and have had many opportunities for learning, connection and growth!
Earlier this year, Canada Bridges was invited to participate in building a garden plot at River Run Community Gardens. We saw this as an experiential learning opportunity to bring young people together outdoors for connection though learning how to grow food and medicines, for storytelling and cultural practices, and to build relationship with each other and nature.
We began by approaching folks with experience growing plant medicines or have developed garden projects around the city of Calgary to share any advice or wise practices with us. We also reflected back from the last 'A Youth Explosion' (AYE) - a lot of the young people expressed wanting more opportunities for land-based learning, and cultural education. We engaged with youth through our programming and social networks, to gauge interest and identify any needs or ideas they wished to share.
We were guided by knowledge holder Myra LaFrance GoodEagle in the designing and visioning aspects for the youth wellness garden and explored its potential. Myra shared a blessing at the site, and we offered tobacco to bless us with learning and an abundant harvest.
On June 29, we enjoyed an afternoon of learning, teachings, and laughter at the Willow Basketmaking Workshop. Each of us ended up with very unique baskets in the end, allowing the willow and our creative expression to take the lead.
We have held weekly hangouts, and tending to the garden days, along with hosting workshops and activities at the site led by other areas of Canada Bridges programming. We look forward to hosting a feast day this early Fall, to celebrate the harvest and learning process through food, stories, and practices - so keep an eye on our Social channels in the coming month!
The goal of this project is to nurture deeper connections with young people and community as we grow towards resurgence and revitalization of land-based learning and cultural practices through a community garden. The overall intention is to encourage youth visibility and representation within the garden, and natural environments in general, to reflect the vast wisdom of youth voices and perspectives.
We are so grateful for Myra's guidance, and the River Run Community Gardens for this exciting opportunity.