New signs tell the story of the Indigenous Medicine Garden at RRU

Have you seen the new signs in the Indigenous Garden at the Farm?

If you've taken a walk through the Indigenous Medicine Garden at the Farm recently, you might have seen ten new signs, including a site map, a gratitude sign, and stories of the plants growing in this space. The signs tell an expansive story of the plants, sharing their roles in supporting pollinators, ecosystems, and people. 

The signage project in the Indigenous Garden was led by Songhees members, Indigenous Land Steward Loreisa Lepine and artist Jessica Joseph with generous support from Mosaic Forest Management. 

The purpose of the signage is to encourage connection to the space, which can look different from non-native ornamental gardens and even other areas of the Farm. All the plants cultivated here have important roles and relationships, whether as food, medicine, materials for tools and making, or by supporting the larger ecosystem. The plants growing here can be found on other parts of campus, the lagoon and within the Songhees, Esquimalt, Saanich (W̱SÁNEĆ), Cowichan, T'sou-ke, Pacheedaht, and Snaw-Naw-As Nations lands.

Since planting began in 2024, the garden has transformed into a thriving habitat, with a noticeable increase in biodiversity. Native pollinators, snakes, newts, birds, and other wildlife are finding their way into this space, reminding us that gardens can support many forms of life when we create the conditions for them to thrive. There is also an increase in student and community connection in this garden, with tours and learning opportunities being offered in this space.

Heartfelt gratitude to the original stewards of this land and their important and far-reaching teachings of caring for place and living in reciprocity with the natural world, who continue to guide this garden into being. Thank you TD Bank Group (TD) for the generous financial support for the installation of the Indigenous Garden and for their ongoing support in the growth of the Farm at RRU through their TD Ready Commitment program.

Interested in getting involved? Volunteers are welcome to help care for the Indigenous Garden and other spaces at the Farm. Join us to learn, connect with the land, and support this growing community space. Email the Farm for more information and to sign up.