BONNYVILLE – The Lakeland Society for Truth and Reconciliation (LSTR) presented plans for a community healing garden in Bonnyville, featuring native plants and space for a teepee, a monument, accessible walkways, a sacred fire pit, and more.
Corita Vachon presented the information to the Town of Bonnyville during the March 25 council meeting and requested the town partner with the LSTR to build the community healing garden.
Vachon explained that the LSTR has looked at many potential locations for the 100x100 ft garden and decided that an ideal location would be along Lakeshore Drive on 51st Street and 49th Avenue.
The cost of the project is currently unknown. Vachon explained that once the location is secured, the group can apply for grants.
Council accepted the presentation as information and directed administration to work with the LSTR on the project.
Vachon explained that the LSTR aims to foster education and awareness around Indigenous Canadian history, and the generational impact of residential schools.
LSTR aims “to embrace Indigenous traditions, culture and language, to provide safe spaces for survivors, elders, knowledge keepers, educators to share their stories and raise healthy conversations surrounding the information provided, to build relationships and allyships as we all walk towards the path of healing and reconciliation,” according to Vachon.
A community healing garden aligns with the LSTR’s goals to establish areas within the community that acknowledge the Indigenous history and experience.
Coun. Neil Langridge inquired into the reasoning behind choosing the Lakeshore Drive location, and Vachon explained that many other locations were considered but found to have some roadblocks. The place they picked on Lakeshore Drive offered an accessible and well-travelled area.
The entire Lakeshore Drive location was considered, and they decided that they did not want to interfere with any parking situation at the hospital, nor did they want to interfere with the breeding and hatching areas that geese use.
Vachon explained that the location would also be accessible to schools.
“All of the schools can access it and learn about Indigenous history. When they’re wanting to learn about the plants and the culture, there will be plaques with information,” said Vachon.
The teepee proposed would have 13 permanent poles, and a canvas would be put on for ceremonies.
Deputy Mayor David Sharun complimented the concept drawings of the garden and inquired into the significance of the turtle being front and centre on the monument, displaying the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
Vachon explained that there are several factors, including the Indigenous origin story of Canada, also known as Turtle Island. The turtle is also associated with the teaching of truth, which aligns with the intentions of the LSTR.
A turtle will be featured in the middle of the garden where there will be a medicine wheel painted on the concrete, with the intention of being seen from above.
Coun. Phil Kushnir explained that there is a five-year plan established for Jesse Lake, and the location has already been earmarked, though no final decisions have been made. Kushnir asked if the LSTR would be willing to work with administration on a potential new location and Vachon said they are open to that discussion.
“Our big thing is that we want it open and accessible. We don't want it hidden away, because historically our culture has been put in the back and hidden. We want it available to everybody to learn and to see and to appreciate the culture,” said Vachon.
Mayor Elisa Brosseau voiced her support of the project, and said she understands the LSTR has been talking about this project for a number of years, and she is grateful for the effort they put into creating the plan and presentation.
“I think that Jesse Lake is the perfect location. The town as a whole and our residents would benefit greatly to have something like this that's visible and accessible . . . I think it is a great time for this because we are working out a vision of what we want around Jesse Lake . . . So, I think it's a really good time for you to work with our administration to find that spot.”
