“Gitigaan Mashkiki” roughly translates to “Medicine Garden” in Anishinaabemowin.
Launching in celebration of National Indigenous History Month this June 2025, Miskwaadesi Studio, in partnership with the City of Richmond Hill, will plant four Indigenous medicine gardens across the city. This year, we are focusing on the growth of Prairie Sage (Artemisia ludoviciana), known in Anishinaabemowin as Mashkodewashk, and Sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata), known in Anishinaabemowin as Wiingashk.
These gardens will serve as living classrooms and cultural gathering spaces. They are also vibrant pollinator habitats, supporting bees, butterflies, and other essential species that sustain healthy ecosystems, while promoting sustainable Indigenous medicine practices rooted in respect for the land.
The harvest from these gardens will be respectfully gathered and shared with the community, helping to make Indigenous medicine more accessible locally.
Where Are the Gardens?
Central Library, Richmond Hill Public Library
1 Atkinson St, Richmond Hill, ON
Canoe garden, planted on the greenspace at the east side of the library
The Richmond Green Children’s Garden, Richmond Green Park
1300 Elgin Mills Rd E, Richmond Hill, ON
Planted in the Children’s garden
Oak Ridges Community Centre
12895 Bayview Ave, Richmond Hill, ON
Canoe garden, Planted on the west side of the building
The Robert Holland Interpretive Centre, Phyllis Rawlinson Park
11715 Leslie St, Richmond Hill, ON
Volunteer Opportunities
We’re looking for helpers to join us in documenting the growth and observations of Richmond Hill’s Indigenous medicine gardens. Participation is simple and no registration is required.
Here’s how you can help:
- Visit one of the garden locations – Explore and observe the plants, wildlife, and natural surroundings.
- Document your observations – Note the growth progress of medicine plants.
- Share your thoughts – If inspiration strikes, share a poem, reflection, or insight while you’re at the garden. Find prompts for reflection and journaling here.
- Capture the moment – If you have a camera or smartphone, take some pictures to help us track the garden’s progress.
- Respect the space – Please do not pick any of the plants or step on any areas of the garden.
- Share your findings – Share your photos and reflections with us at info@miskwaadesi.com. We’ll post them in our community gallery online, where everyone can see and connect through what’s been shared.
Looking for more info?
Contact us at info@miskwaadesi.com or browse our FAQ page for helpful information.
We are proud to partner with The City of Richmond Hill
