Reconciliation Garden

The Eminidowang Kitigaan – Spirit Garden for Everyone is located on a 17-acre farm that was generously gifted to us, serving as the foundation for a range of impactful endeavors. Foremost, this expansive land is harnessed to cultivate not only nourishing food and traditional medicines, but also locally procured honey and maple syrup. Tucked within the confines of this farm property are 12 well-established beehives thoughtfully situated adjacent to the cultivated crops and the forested expanse which provides a cornucopia of hard to find traditional medicines. This initiative plays a significant role in enhancing local food security and environmental sustainability. The impact of our farm extends to assisting 450 Indigenous families through our spirit bundle program.

Beyond mere productivity, the farm serves as a communal crossroads, a junction where various agencies and organizations intersect, uniting Indigenous and non-Indigenous members alike. This collective endeavor operates under the overarching theme of reconciliation, cultivating connections that bridge divides and nurture shared understanding. Collaborative efforts involving these groups of volunteers enable us to collectively engage in activities like planting nurturing and harvesting much needed crops, while also nurturing interpersonal connections and relationships. The farm provides an easily accessible opportunity to participate in reconciliation both individually and organizationally.

This farm holds a dual role as a training ground, aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the retirement of farmers. Our endeavor is to inspire Indigenous individuals to venture into the agricultural sector and to uphold sustainable farming methodologies. This larger goal encompasses the revival of the farming industry and lending support to the local economy while simultaneously helping Indigenous people achieve landback by owning and operating farms. Furthermore, the farm’s potential extends to the realm of education, by becoming a training center to educate aspiring construction workers and those interested in the restaurant industry in the foreseeable future.

In essence, the Eminidowang Kitigaan – Spirit Garden for Everyone transcends the boundaries of a mere farm. It burgeons as a sanctuary of interconnectedness, where nature and humanity commune in harmony through the achievement of reconciliation. It is a sustainable model for reconciliation that can be replicated across the country. It not only cultivates sustenance from the land but also nourishes the human spirit, sowing the seeds of empowerment, understanding, and renewal for generations to come that ultimately leads to healing and prosperity.

If you are interested in joining our efforts, we warmly welcome volunteers and organizations who have the opportunity to learn about reconciliation and our farm provides an excellent opportunity to give back. Our farm is conveniently situated close to Woodland Christian High School at 1160 Spitzig Road, Woolwich, ON, N0B 1M0 at the north end of Kitchener just off Hwy 7. There’s parking available at the school, and volunteers are advised to bring along gardening necessities such as sunscreen, gardening gloves, water, snacks, comfortable attire, and sneakers.