Growing Community with the Whitefish River First Nation Library

At Tree Canada, we are dedicated to supporting communities across the country in their efforts to create greener, healthier environments. One of many impactful projects this year is the community healing garden at the Whitefish River First Nation Public Library in Birch Island, Ontario. This initiative, supported by our Community Tree Grants, marks a significant milestone as the library celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.

On June 10th, we witnessed the first phase of this project come to life. Community members gathered to plant a variety of trees and edible plants, including the installation of a 20-foot arbour, which will serve as the gateway to this vibrant green space.

Community Involvement and Educational Opportunities

The Whitefish River First Nation Public Library’s vision is to create a space where youth and elders can come together, share experiences, and learn from one another.

“When the project began, it was a bit of a smaller thing at first. Now, as it takes shape, it’s becoming something much bigger that people are starting to get excited about,” says Lindsay Auge, librarian at the Whitefish River First Nation Public Library.

This edible garden is designed to be more than just a beautiful place; it is an outdoor classroom where community members can engage in hands-on learning. “It will be wonderful to have this outdoor space and to invite elders for storytelling and for knowledge sharing,” says Auge. “It’s much more than sitting in a little room. You can try to bring as much life into that room as you want, but it’s never the same experience as being outdoors and witnessing all the pollinators and intricacies of nature.”

The diverse selection of fruit and nut trees, traditional perennials, and berry bushes will offer rich educational opportunities. Signage and QR codes throughout the garden will provide additional information about the plants to help foster a deeper understanding of the natural world.

“Plants in the garden will be identified in Anishinaabemowin, which will be great for us [to provide] as an educational space; a way for someone to familiarize themselves with the plants in that way,” says Auge, who holds a degree in Anthropology and English from Laurentian University, with a focus in Ethnobotany, and has a certification as an Organic Master Gardener. “It’s one of the ways in which the library looks to support the revitalization of the Anishinaabe language.”

When scanning the QR codes, community members will also be able to learn about additional stories related to the plants, information about harvesting, and other important details.

Phase Two and Future Vision

Phase two of the project, taking place this Fall, will include the creation of an eastern white pine tree guild, a permaculture planting technique where a central tree is surrounded by complementary plants, allowing berries to grow and thrive. Building accessible pathways and adding hardscaping will ensure that the garden is welcoming to all. The installation of a garden tool shed, planting station, and compost bin will equip the community with the resources needed for ongoing maintenance and care.

The library has a few partnerships in the making to help maintain the garden for years to come. One of these partnerships is with high school students. Students in Birch Island have to travel to other communities to attend high school, and this opportunity will allow them to do something tangible where they live. A senior’s residence has also signed up to help water the garden.

We are incredibly proud to support the Whitefish River First Nation Public Library in this endeavor. The dedication and hard work of the volunteers and community members have been inspiring, and we are excited to see the garden flourish. Stay tuned for updates on the fall planting event!