Indigenous Education is ushering in the month of June with two garden events to help the College community connect with the land as well as sow seeds for their success: Waking up the Gardens and Plant Your Seeds.
Waking up the Gardens
June 2 (DJP Campus, NOTL) 1-4 p.m.
June 7 (Welland) 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join IE for an afternoon of drumming, making tobacco ties and more. The event will be held in the Indigenous Gardens at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake on June 2 and at the Welland Campus on June 7.
Indigenous student Success Leader Deane McGean said this is the first of its kind for IE. It aims to encourage students to learn basic gardening skills and set a goal for the growing season so that they are able to reflect on their goals and see how they have grown when they harvest.
“We are hoping to connect with students and provide space for learning how to work the land,” said McGean. “Attendees can look forward to a low-expectation event with a focus on connecting with Mother Earth and experiencing how rewarding working the land can be.”
While the event is aimed at Indigenous students, the entire NC community is welcome.
Drop-in anytime (registration not required) on June 2 at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus between 1 to 4 p.m., or on June 7 at the Welland Campus between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Those who are unfamiliar with the Indigenous Gardens may meet at the IE centre prior to the event for directions (N003 at the DJP Campus, or L201 in Welland).
The event will take place rain or shine (may move indoors in the event of inclement weather).
Plant Your Seeds
Indigenous Gardens, DJP Campus, (NOTL)
New Date: June 14, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Interested in learning about starting a garden? Setting new goals for success? You can do both at IE’s hands-on Plant Your Seeds event on June 14 at the DJP Campus Indigenous Gardens.
The event is being held to celebrate a new raised bed in the Indigenous Gardens, which will be used to grow medicines, plant seedlings such as three sisters, and provide teachings – about the importance of growing medicines, cultivating your own food, seed keeping, and more.
Participants will hear teachings about different plants and will be invited to plant seedlings while learning about the process. After a light lunch (provided), there will be a short goal-setting activity. Participants will also have a chance to plant their ‘seeds for success’ by choosing two goals -one academic and one personal – that they would like to ‘grow’ by the end of the season.
Everyone is welcome to attend on a drop-in basis (registration is not required).
No prior knowledge is necessary and all tools and items will be provided.
The event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. rain or shine (planting would remain outdoors but other portions of the event would move indoors in case of inclement weather).
