On June 12, members of the Fauteux community came together to restore the Sprit Garden for another season of growth. When we gather in this way the intention is to create teachable moments in nature where we can connect and learn about the traditions of our Indigenous communities. Tasha Simon, Indigenous Programs Specialist, shared her desire for this event “to be seen as an opportunity to decolonize the space and create an atmosphere that is both inviting and educational for all.” By setting this tone, she paved the way for this event to capture exactly that.
Anticipating the deep inhale of fresh air, we filled Fauteux’s third-floor terrace, eager to connect with the earth. Our hands deep in the soil, we learned from generations of traditions before us, how these valuable Indigenous teachings can be carried on today.
What brings you to the Spirit Garden may not be what you leave with
Much like the harvest itself, the Spirit Garden is meant to create a place to show respect for these sacred herbs and intended for the visitor to only take away what they require. You may come searching for a moment of peaceful reflection and instead find a safe space to ask questions. Your intention may stem from an opportunity to pay homage to Indigenous traditions and result in your own understanding of what these medicinal herbs can bring to your life.
In The Spirit Garden you will find the sacred medicines tobacco, sage, sweetgrass and cedar. Tobacco is known as the first herb given to indigenous people by the Creator. “Always through tobacco,” as the saying goes. It is used as an offering in every way and in every ceremony. Sage, known for releasing what’s troubling the mind and removing negative energy, is also used often in ceremonies. Sweetgrass is used for smudging and purification to bring a calming effect to the healing circle. Along with its purification qualities, cedar also has many restorative uses. A cedar bath can be used for healing, or it can be used for protection.
Following this event, we leave behind what is intended to be a safe space to indulge your curiosity and show respect for the Indigenous traditions that come before us. These four sacred medicines are only a small portion of the many that exist. Their teachings can vary from community to community and even from one geographic region to another. We encourage each member of our community to dig a little deeper and learn more about these sacred medicines.
The Spirit Garden is a communal space where all are welcome. For more information, we encourage you to consult the posters outside the terrace, or to visit the office of Tasha Simon in FTX 116.