The Town of Bonnyville, Lakeland Society for Truth and Reconciliation, and numerous community Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies will have a new community healing garden set to open by September 2028.
The Lakeland Society for Truth and Reconciliation is a nonprofit society in Alberta. An Indigenous-led society that was founded by Indigenous members.
There will be a special ceremony hosted on June 1, 2026 from 11am to 2pm for the blessing of the grounds on 49 Avenue and 54-55 Street in Bonnyville free for everyone to attend.
The garden is a place to grow culture, connection, and community through Truth and Reconciliation.
The garden will include:
Indigenous Medicines – Culturally significant plants that are native to our area and considered to be of healing value
Traditionally Harvested Edibles – Edible landscaping trees and plants, including an easy care vegetable garden
Central Gathering Space – Structural designs incorporating symbolic teachings, such as the Medicine Wheel, Turtle Island, the Creation Story, 7 Grandfather Teachings, Tipi Teachings
Ceremonial Areas – Spaces dedicated to raise tipis and hold sacred fires
Educational Elements – Signs and programming that promote Indigenous history, language, culture, and tradition
Underground irrigation system
Concrete/paved circular area with a medicine wheel and turtle painted in the centre
Walkway around the centre with paths to access the plants
Pergola with benches for seating
Sculpture
Healing hands
Display boards/plaques
Segment with Gordan Poirier, Director of Lakeland Society for Truth and Reconciliation:
https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/3142/files/2026/05/turtle-island-community-healing-garden-web.mp3
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