On June 5th 70 children, with the assistance of parents, community members, and staff, gathered to plant flowers and place hearts and painted rocks at the accessible Community Garden beside Kids’ Zone Lakeside.
This heart garden was planted as part of a national initiative called Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams which is a celebration to honour children lost to Residential Schools, survivors, and families and to renew our commitment to create a caring world together where every child matters.
Anishinabe Elder Cathy Lindsay, from Ochiichagwe'Babigo'Ining Ojibway Nation, came to talk to the children and those gathered, about creating a world together where we care for each child, for all creatures, and the land. As she stood before them she explained the feather she carried, the coloured ribbons attached and what they represents, the young children sat quietly and attentively as Ms. Lindsay spoke. Cathy then offered a blessing for the garden.
KACL is pleased to join in the Honouring Memories and Planting Dreams initiative for a happy and healthy childhood for all of Canada’s children.
This annual event was begun by the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada and was first held June 3, 2015 as part of the closing ceremonies of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee. In 2015 more than 5,000 hearts were planted in over 80 gardens across the country and this has continued in the years since.

KACL has a strong commitment to building inclusive and caring communities
and to walking the path of reconciliation. It is hoped that events
like this will encourage everyone to be reconciliation champions and to support First Nations children, and all children, to have the childhood they deserve.
Community is welcome to visit this heart garden on the corner of 3rd Ave
South and 6th Street South at the Lakeside Accessible Community Garden.
