10 Years of the Healing Forest
- stmattsunited
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
By Patricia Stirbys and Peter Croal
Co Founders National Healing Forests Initiative
Dear Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Healing Forest Creators and Visionaries,
It was 10 years ago on May 31 that Patricia and I met while on a Healing Walk in Ottawa just one day before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report on the residential schools was released by Justice Murray Sinclair.
While walking beside Patricia, and without knowing each other's names, we both said that it would be more culturally appropriate that reconciliation discussions, education, ceremonies and healing take place outside in green spaces. We both said we wanted to help each other with that idea. We met a week later over coffee to start our relationship and generate ideas. It was at the coffee that I learned Patricia is a member of the Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan. First Nation and settler culture working together on reconciliation is what Justice Sinclair wanted to see for real reconciliation to happen. You are exemplifying Justice Sinclair's vision as well with your respective Healing Forests.
Ten years have passed and there are 28 Healing Forests in Canada on Church grounds, universities, hospitals, private land, municipal parks, First Nation lands and elementary schools. The Noojimo'iwewin Gitigaan Garden (shown below) at St. Matthew's Church is one of these.
This journey continues to inspire and motivate us. But all this wonderful progress would not be possible without your vision, energy and ideas for all the Healing Forests created. As well, those who have not created a Healing Forest, but have expressed a real intention to do so, inspire us as well. The Healing Forest has shown that there are incredible people and institutions in Canada who want to make their communities more inclusive and healthy.
Stephen Augustine, a Mi'Kmaw Hereditary Chief and Associate Vice President at Cape Breton University states that: "The is reconciliation in action". You are very much the reason for this statement.
We thank you so much for all that you have done and hope to do. Being on this journey with you has been transformational in so many ways. Good things are happening and we are excited about what direction and progress the Healing Forest will go in the years ahead. Thank you so much Jode of the David Suzuki Foundation and Charlene of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society for such meaningful support and partnership over the years.
In gratitude to all,
Mīkwēc
Thank you.
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