Indigenous Healing Garden

The Indigenous Healing Garden at the Misericordia Community Hospital is a dedicated space for health and healing that is open to anyone at the hospital who wants to connect with the land. It is also a space for families to gather and hold Ceremony when at the hospital. The garden’s design was guided by many Indigenous partners. Their wisdom and leadership were essential to creating a space that honours Indigenous traditions and the healing power of the land. The design is based on the Medicine Wheel as well as the four directions and natural elements: earth, air, fire and water. The plants, shrubs and trees were chosen for their healing properties, as recognized by the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit who harvest and use them.

White spruce

Sihta or minahik
Locations: #1, #11

Peoples such as the Algonquin, Cree and Koyukon have used the white spruce for medicine, tools and ceremonies. Its resin and bark helped treat sickness, and its roots served as thread for making snowshoes, baskets and canoes. In many traditions, the tree symbolizes strength, healing and safety.

Trembling aspen

Mîtohs
Locations: #2, #9

Trembling aspen, also called quaking aspen or white poplar, is used in sacred ceremonies like the Sundance and stands for strength, healing and renewal. Its bark and roots can help with fevers, skin problems and bleeding. For generations, it has been a symbol of care and connection to nature.

Saskatoon berry

Misâskwatômin
Location: #3

The Saskatoon berry has been a key food for many Indigenous communities across the Prairies and beyond. For groups like the Blackfoot, Papaschase Cree and Métis, it is also a symbol of connection to the land. Some call it a “habitat guide” because it helps people understand their role in caring for the land.

Chippewa blueberry

Nikikomin
Location: #3

The Chippewa blueberry is seen as a sacred gift from the land and is used in ceremonies and feasts and as offerings to the Creator and Ancestors. It represents renewal, abundance and thankfulness. It also appears in stories and seasonal traditions that help connect people to the land and each other.

Sweetgrass

Wîhkwaskwa or wîhkaskwa
Location: #4

Sweetgrass is a sacred medicine in many Indigenous cultures. It is often braided and burned in ceremonies to bring good energy and cleanse people and places. It is also used for healing, keeping away mosquitoes and making crafts like baskets.

Pasqueflower

Mostos otisiy
Location: #4

The pasqueflower, also known as the prairie crocus or “Buffalo’s Belly Button,” is a symbol of new life and hope in Indigenous cultures. In Cree teachings, it grows where a baby buffalo is born. This shows the strong bond between the buffalo, the land and the people.

Paper birch

Waskway 
Location: #5

The paper birch is a vital resource and has been used for many daily essentials. The wood has been used to make baskets, canoes, cradles and medicines for colds. The leaves have been used to make shampoo and soap. The bark itself also has many antimicrobial properties.

Red river raspberry

Ayôskanak
Location: #6

The Red River raspberry is part of a long tradition of picking wild berries, which is important to Indigenous communities across Canada. Wild berries stand for new beginnings, abundance and thankfulness. People use them in ceremonies and stories and as gifts to the land, spirits or Ancestors. This helps them keep connected with nature and the changing seasons.

Red osier dogwood

Mihkwâpêmakwâhtik or mihkwâpêmakwa
Location: #6

Red osier dogwood, also called red willow, is a sacred plant for many Indigenous Peoples. Its inner bark was used in Pipe Ceremonies and to treat colds, fevers, sore throats and skin problems. The plant was also used to make tonics and laxatives. Spiritually, red willow stands for strength, protection and renewal.

Kinnikinnick

Acikâsimin
Location: #6

Kinnikinnick, also called bearberry, was often used in sacred Pipe Ceremonies to help with healing, purification and connection to the spirit world. The plant also has medicinal uses.

Fireweed

Ihkapaskwa
Location: #6

Fireweed grows in places that have been burned or damaged, showing that life can come back after hard times. Because of this property, it stands for hope, healing and new beginnings. Some Indigenous communities use fireweed in ceremonies to help people heal after loss or trauma.

Buffalo sage

Mostoso-wîhkaskwa or paskwâwîhkwaskwa
Location: #6

Buffalo sage is one of four sacred medicines used by many Indigenous peoples in Canada, along with sweetgrass, cedar and tobacco. It is often burned in smudging ceremonies to cleanse negative energy and help people get ready for special events or ceremonies.

Wild rose

Location: #6

The wild rose holds a special place in Indigenous teachings and traditional medicine. It symbolizes love, beauty and harmony with the land and nature. The plant is used to treat eye problems and colds and to support digestion. It is also used in skin care to reduce swelling and heal wounds.

Strawberry

Otêhimin or mitêhimin
Location: #6

Strawberries are a sacred fruit in some Indigenous traditions. The Ojibwe call the strawberry ode’min, which means “heart berry” because of its shape and connection to emotions. Wild strawberries are used for food and medicine and in ceremonies.

Goldenrod

Location: #7

Goldenrod has been used by Indigenous peoples to help with health problems such as sore throats, swelling and digestion. It can also help the body get rid of extra water. Goldenrod is linked with hope, strength and good luck. Some people use it in ceremonies to bring positive energy and healing.

Yarrow

Wâpanêwask or wâpanêwaskos
Location: #7

Yarrow is an important plant that has been used in both healing and spiritual practices. People drank yarrow tea to help with sleep, stomach aches and fevers. The leaves were used to stop bleeding inside the body. Some Indigenous groups also used yarrow in cleansing rituals, recognizing its ability to protect and heal both the body and spirit.

Juniper

Kâhkâkîwâhtik
Location: #8

Juniper holds a sacred place in many Indigenous cultures. The smoke from burning juniper branches is used in smudging. This helps to cleanse people and objects of negative energy before important events or ceremonies.

Skybound pyramidal cedar

Location: #10

Cedar is one of the four sacred medicines in many Indigenous cultures. Along with sweetgrass, sage and tobacco, it is burned in ceremonies to purify spaces, ward off negative energy and send prayers to the Creator. Cedar branches are also used in Sweat Lodges and cleansing baths.

Pincherry

Location: #12

The pincherry is important to many Indigenous communities for its healing properties and practical uses. It was used to make teas to help with colds, coughs and stomach problems. The berries were also eaten and used in foods like pemmican.