The Allen Sapp Gallery is hosting three free public events to begin the construction of a Healing Garden.
Wednesday, the gallery held an "Understanding Protocols Workshop" with Wes Fine Day and Daphie Pooyak, an introduction for the public to the First Nation worldview and the traditions observed when participating in a feast. The event was in preparation for a feast taking place at 7 p.m. Friday. The feast Friday night, which is being held at the Allen Sapp Gallery, will be a sacred ceremony to acknowledge the Creator and pay respect to the land. Because it is a sacred ceremony, it is strongly recommended that participants interested in the feast and blessing take part in the Understanding Protocols Workshop.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, the Sapp Gallery is holding a permaculture and sustainable gardening workshop. Vegetarian soup, prepared by students from Sakewew High School, will be provided as lunch for all participants. The morning will be devoted to lessons on permaculture and participants will help to build the soil and lay future plant beds in the afternoon.
Because of the importance of the garden for the community, Kjelti Anderson, project co-ordinator for the Healing Garden project, has been trying to involve the public with the process as much possible. The three programs taking place this week are each intended to bring the public into the process of creating the garden. Since the Healing Garden project was finalized Sept. 19, the Sapp Gallery has also held a variety of school projects for students from grades 5 to 9, on First Nations relationships to plants and permaculture.
Over the winter, the gallery will host a variety of other programs for the public and local students. When spring arrives, planting will begin in the garden. In the first year between 30 and 50 different species of local plants, chosen for their ceremonial, medicinal, and practical applications, will be planted. Expect a wide variety of programs for the public around planting season.
Participants are welcome to bring gardening equipment and compostable material for the garden to any of the workshops. For more information about the Healing Garden project, contact Kjelti Anderson at kjeltianderson@gmail.com or call the Allen Sapp Gallery at 445-1760
