George Brown College's Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (CHCA) and Indigenous Initiatives teams hosted a blessing ceremony on July 8 at the future site of the Medicine Garden at 290 Adelaide St. E. The ceremony was intended to bring in good energy before the dig.
“This is the first step in creating a tranquil, spiritual place on campus that holds sacred medicines for the Anishinaabeg to share within the community,” said Audrey Rochette, Director, Indigenous Initiatives.
Members of the Indigenous Initiatives and CHCA teams spoke to the significance of the Medicine Garden, and Rick Bourque, Traditional Knowledge Keeper, blessed the site.
The Medicine Garden is part of a larger Greening Through Food and Education initiative spearheaded by CHCA, with consultation from Indigenous Initiatives. The project will increase canopy coverage on campus by planting non-invasive, native trees and shrubs on the rooftop garden of 200 King St. E. and the outdoor seating area of 290 Adelaide St. E. At the completion of the project, there will be 1300m² of green space for students to engage with in their studies and to create teaching spaces that enhance our curriculum.
The Greening Through Food and Education initiative has been funded in part by the City of Toronto through the Urban Forestry Grant. The collaboration between CHCA and Indigenous Initiatives and the creation of the garden is part of George Brown’s ongoing commitment to truth and reconciliation, as well as the college’s Indigenous Education Strategy.
Photo: From left to right, Sharon Booy, Carol Ducharme, David Wolfman, Rick Bourque, and Lisa Zangerl
