Last year, the Alberta Children’s Hospital officially opened the Indigenous Healing Garden, a living symbol of hope and healing, as well as a gathering space for Indigenous ceremony, education and traditional healing practices.

Funded by donors, the Indigenous Healing Garden was created with guidance from Indigenous Elders and knowledge-keepers and designed to carry the teachings of the medicine wheel – each direction holds knowledge of seasons and Indigenous teachings, and aligns with the sacred medicines (sage, mint, sweet grass and juniper).

Outdoor spaces like this play an important role in healing – evidence shows these spaces reduce patient anxiety and stress, accelerate recovery and promote a sense of well-being.

Used by patients and their families daily, the Indigenous Healing Garden has become a gathering place for ceremonies and celebrations. It has been so popular that Alberta Health Services sites across the Calgary Zone have visited to explore the creation of similar spaces.

“ To have a dedicated space to honour and carry out traditional healing practices means everything. It has welcomed our culture and practices into the hospital environment – not just as an afterthought but as an important part of the healing journey.”
— Indigenous family on inpatient unit