By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
On the sunny afternoon of Saturday, April 11, the Art Gallery of Burlington welcomed the community to the opening of its Community Medicine Garden, a space rooted in culture, education, and environmental stewardship.
Sponsored by TD Friends of the Environment and developed in partnership with BurlingtonGreen, Grow Native Halton, and Community Knowledge Keeper Michele Dent, the garden is designed as a community-driven initiative that increases biodiversity along Burlington’s waterfront. Additional in-kind support was provided by OSC Seeds/Ontario Seed Co. Limited and Backed By Bees.
Located at the Lakeshore Road entrance, the garden transforms the AGB’s outdoor grounds into a living classroom where art, ecology, and community intersect. Visitors at the opening participated in guided, hands-on activities that encouraged them to connect more deeply with the land and with each other.
A highlight of the afternoon was the sharing of seed songs by Kaniehtenhawi Deer, who grounded the planting process in intention and ancestral knowledge. Deer explained that seed singing is traditionally led by women and takes place at three key moments: when seeds are gathered, before they are planted, and again after planting and at harvest. Singing to the seeds, she shared, is a way to honour generations before her and maintain a connection to her ancestors. Through her work, Deer continues to teach and carry forward this practice within her community.
Albany Sutherland, who led the project, reflected on its evolution. “So the garden…has been happening since COVID,” she said, noting that the space has grown organically through contributions from artists and volunteers over time. “It’s been about six years in the making. We’ve had different artists coming in to plant things, different volunteers. This year, we had a specific funding opportunity that is making these programs accessible and free, and we can pay the people that we’re working with.”
Sutherland also emphasized that the garden will remain a priority as the gallery looks ahead to future development. “Within those building plans, we really prioritize green spaces,” she explained. “There will be designated garden space and accessibility for public programming.”
For Dent, the garden represents an opportunity to reconnect people not only with the land, but with one another. “It’s important to bring the community together to learn, touch, feel, and see the steps of seeding, growing, and learning from each other,” she said. “You may know something that I don’t know, and that’s what this is all about.”
Dent also shared teachings about the use of sacred tobacco, explaining that it is not meant for smoking but for gratitude. “It’s for thank you,” she said. “You say ‘Thank you, Creator, for giving me the experiences that I’m going to experience today.’” She described how a pinch of tobacco can be offered in appreciation for growth in the garden, reinforcing a reciprocal relationship with the earth.
Her own journey with growing tobacco began years ago through the De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre, where she first received seeds. Since then, she has continued to cultivate the plant, deepening her connection to the land. “When you put your hands in the dirt, you’re supposed to close your eyes and just feel Mother Earth.”
Dent added that this tactile connection leaves a lasting impact. “After everybody leaves here today, they’re all going to be smiling and having a great night.”
The opening also reflects Dent’s broader creative journey. She shared that learning to make sweetgrass earrings over 20 years ago sparked her path into artistry, one that continues to be rooted in culture, teaching, and community engagement.
With more workshops and programming planned, the Community Medicine Garden is set to become an ongoing hub for learning and connection in Burlington. Residents are encouraged to visit the AGB’s website for updates on upcoming events and opportunities to get involved.
