Indigenous Healing Garden

A place to gather, reflect and learn

By Samantha Chater

It didn’t take long for the Indigenous Healing Garden at Victoria University to become one of the most important places on campus.

Since the main construction finished in May, the garden on the east side of Emmanuel College has drawn a steady flow of students, staff, faculty, alumni and visitors. Students sit on the benches to read or recharge between classes. Staff pause to take in the garden’s quiet beauty. Alumni visiting for Emmanuel College Alumni Day were quick to notice the change, many stopping to explore the pathways and snap photos.

Finishing touches such as lighting and an automatic door opener for Emmanuel College are still to come. But the garden is already making a strong impression on the community as a space for reflection, learning and connection—a visible expression of Victoria University’s commitment to truth and reconciliation.

“The Indigenous Healing Garden is the perfect place for deep reflection and learning,” said Emmanuel College Principal HyeRan Kim-Cragg. The garden was one of her first priorities after becoming principal in 2022. Created in consultation with Indigenous advisers, the project was designed to honour Indigenous relationships with the land.

The garden replaces a grass lawn with a fully accessible space designed for sustainability and inclusion. Gently sloped concrete pathways lead through plantings of sacred Indigenous medicinal plants, native wildflowers and vegetables. Benches throughout the garden invite visitors to linger, rest or gather.

Victoria University President Dr. Rhonda McEwen called it “one of the most meaningful spaces on our campus.”

Speaking at the Emmanuel College Alumni Day, Dr. McEwen reflected on the garden’s deeper significance.

“As we prepare the land for planting, we do so not only in hope of vibrant life taking root, but with the understanding that true healing is both spiritual and communal,” she said. “What truly nourishes this space isn’t just soil or sun, but the stories, prayers, traditions and relationships we bring to it.”

Its prominent location at the heart of campus highlights the presence and importance of Indigenous culture at Victoria University, the University of Toronto and across the city. At the same time, the garden is part of everyday campus life—embraced by students, staff, faculty and visitors alike.

More than a quiet place to reflect, the garden is a space for teaching and collective learning. Emmanuel College plans to integrate it into academic life through outdoor classes and curriculum that engage with Indigenous histories, values and stewardship practices.

“It’s the perfect place for teaching and preaching,” said Kim-Cragg.