A Reconciliation Garden has been approved by the County of Renfrew.
County council has directed staff to start the design process for the project which would be located on the grounds of the administration building (9 International Drive, Pembroke, Ontario).
In the report presented to council, it says the garden would grow over time and depict Truth and
Reconciliation’s teachings of truth, humility, honesty, wisdom, respect, courage and love.
The report goes on to say the Reconciliation Garden project on the grounds of the County of Renfrew administration building would honour and recognize the individual and collective rights and fundamental freedoms of all people to live in a state of dignity and respect which should be the foundation of our relationship with First Nations
Some of the ideas for the Reconciliation Garden included featuring a piece of Indigenous art, traditional plants, medicines and herbs, a storyboard, benches and could also be a place of healing where people could learn together, participate in traditional ceremonies and reflect.
Staff will look for federal and provincial funding for the initiative and also consult the 2022 Ontario Winter Games committee for possible funds through the legacy project.
Construction of the reconciliation garden is expected to begin in the Spring of 2022.
The County of Renfrew has been engaged with the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan through a Memorandum of Understanding since 2019.
Warden Debbie Robinson, who initiated this project, says the garden will not heal anything, but will make a public statement as the County of Renfrew continues to build their relationship and takes further steps towards Truth and Reconciliation with the Algonquin People.