A newly planted Indigenous garden at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is growing into a place to honor Native presence, traditional ecological knowledge, and community gathering.
On Sept. 16, students from ethnic studies courses planted native species into dirt mounds within a circular bed northwest of Woods Hall, near the University Hall historical marker. The garden features a large sun circle that encompasses the planting area and a smaller outdoor classroom designed for both teaching and ceremony.
“This garden will allow us a space to teach, reflect and gather in ways that were not possible before,” said Angel Hinzo, assistant professor of ethnic studies and history and a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. “It’s a commitment to presence, learning and responsibility.”
Students plant Indigenous garden. Video by Curt Bright | University Communication and Marketing
The idea began as part of a broader visioning process within the Institute for Ethnic Studies. As the program marked its 50th anniversary in 2022, faculty reflected on the next 50 years and how to root that future physically on campus.
“This project came from a place of imagining what our future could look like,” said Laura Muñoz, associate professor of history and ethnic studies, who now leads the initiative. “We wanted something that embodies Indigenous studies and honors the lived experiences we center. This will help us realize that vision.”
The team broke ground this summer following extensive collaboration with university administration and operations; landscape services; Connor Griess, campus planner; and Eileen Bergt, landscape architect. More than $63,000 has been raised to complete the first phase, with a long-term goal of building a $50,000 endowment to support continued development and care.
“This is the first part of the campus grounds that has been truly shaped by Indigenous input,” said Gabriel Bruguier, assistant professor with University Libraries and faculty adviser for University of Nebraska Intertribal Exchange. “It’s a shared, living space — something we can all grow with.”
This garden will allow us a space to teach, reflect and gather in ways that were not possible before.
Assistant professor of ethnic studies and history; member of the Winnebago Tribe
The garden is expected to serve as a hub for coursework, student events, and cultural practice. That focus began with a smudging and tobacco offering ceremony held earlier this year to bless the ground. Now, with plants in the ground, students will help maintain the space through watering and weeding, as part of their learning and stewardship.
“There’s a stewardship component that students are embracing,” said Bruguier, who is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. “They’ll be learning not just how to care for the garden, but what that care means.”
The plantings include species native to Nebraska and the Great Plains — some with ceremonial significance, others that support pollinators or were traditionally used for food and medicine.
“I teach Native American history and studies, and now I can bring my classes here,” Hinzo said. “It gives us a hands-on opportunity to talk about pollinators, food plants, traditional uses and cultural knowledge, all without having to leave City Campus.”
Project leaders hope to expand the garden in future growing seasons. Plans include the addition of fruit-bearing plants, native trees and drought-tolerant species from across the region. The space is also expected to play a role in the Institute for Ethnic Studies’ annual spring celebrations.
“This garden is a start,” Muñoz said. “We want it to last, and we want it to grow—not just as a landscape, but as a way of being in relationship with this land, this university, and each other.”
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