Ward 4 community garden revived with help from students, volunteers

The plants were supplied by Sherry McLellan, regional director for Western Region 2 with the Métis Nation. Seeds were started at her home before being transplanted into the garden by students.

The garden had fallen into disuse after becoming overgrown with weeds. McLellan said restoring it aligned with the Métis Nation’s efforts to promote food sovereignty and reconnect people with the land, while also teaching children where their food comes from.

“We got a grant for food sovereignty, so we wanted to get the kids involved,” she said. “They can learn how to maintain a garden, how to plant one and why it’s important. We also talked about food costs going up and families struggling to provide nutritious food.”

The area planted Tuesday was a newly tilled section of the garden. The remainder still requires cleanup before it can be opened for public planting.

Laewetz said some of the overgrowth had been left in place to protect young trees already established in the area.

“They are big enough now that we can start re-maintaining this area,” he said. “Throughout the year it will all be cleaned up and maintained, and eventually it will be a whole section of garden.”

Space in the newly restored plot is limited, although residents are welcome to add plants where room is available.

Laewetz said the project demonstrates what can be accomplished when community groups work together.

“I wanted to highlight how we can use community partnerships,” he said. “Sherry was happy to be involved months in advance, the school helped bring the kids out, and the City’s parks division supported the project. It’s a great example of how community partners can come together with very little cost and create something that benefits the community.”

Before planting began, Elder Liz Settee blessed the garden with tobacco and a prayer.

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nick.nielsen@pattisonmedia.com

by Nick Nielsen

Ward 4 community garden revived with help from students, volunteers

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