'We are still people of the land': Oneida unveils Indigenous gardens for Earth Week
It was a special day at the Oneida Nation of the Thames.
On Tuesday, Chief Todd Cornelius was joined by council and volunteers to officially unveil the new Indigenous Community Gardens. The event was the highlight of a series of activities in the community to mark Earth Week.
“Earth Week is important because it reminds us to take care of our environment. We want to pass on a healthy planet to our children and our grandchildren,” said Cornelius to the group assembled at Turtle Garden, one of the three new Indigenous gardens.
In addition to the turtle, a garden in the shape of a bear claw and a garden resembling a wolf’s eyes were unveiled.
They represent the Bear, Wolf and Turtle clans, which are part of the community’s culture, according to Cornelius.
“We’re standing on Turtle Garden, which was newly built for our people, in regards to we are still Haudenosaunee. We are still people of the land, we’re still connected to the land,” he said.
Earth Week activities included more than 100 volunteers who spread throughout the community working on cleanup and beautification projects.
The bear claw, the turtle and wolf’s eyes Indigenous gardens are seen at Oneida Nation of the Thames on April 24, 2024. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
“We have been going to community members’ homes to help with their cleanup,” said Jenelle Cornelius, environmental consultation coordinator. “Eighty per cent of the list were the elders in our community and we just wanted to help them out.”
Also taking part in the community stewardship initiative were local school children, along with children from the London District Catholic School Board.
Imagine Build, a fundraising organization that builds homes for families, was also involved, while TLC Landscaping helped design the gardens.
Brett Phillips, a client care manager with TLC, said he felt “immense gratitude” to be able to take part.
“It’s great as a landscape designer in seeing a plan and project come to fruition, and then hopefully being able to see it in the years to come as it matures, and seeing everyone in the community come together,” said Phillips.
The bear claw, the turtle and wolf’s eyes Indigenous gardens are seen at Oneida Nation of the Thames on April 24, 2024. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6971795.1721511907!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
'Coffee badging' is the latest office habit drawing attention of major employers
The term 'coffee badging' has gained some new significance this week with multiple outlets reporting Amazon is allegedly taking measures to counter the workplace trend it refers to.
A 12-year-old girl is accused of smothering her younger cousin over an iPhone
A 12-year-old girl in Tennessee has been charged with murder, accused of smothering her eight-year-old cousin as the younger girl slept. A relative said they had been arguing over an iPhone.
investigation Prominent Vancouver lawyer accused of moving criminal cash dies before hearing
Vancouver lawyer Michael Bolton likely defended thousands of people over 50 years of practice. But in the end, he would not get a chance to defend himself.
Here are the signs you're ready to downsize your home
Amid the cost-of-living crisis, many Canadians are looking to find ways to save money, such as downsizing their home. But one Ottawa broker says there are several signs to consider before making the big decision.
Quebec woman's death warns of dangers of cosmetic surgery abroad
Brian McConnell's daughter, Florence McConnell, died after a liposuction surgery complication in Morocco. Now, he warns others against undergoing cosmetic surgeries abroad.
Israeli military says it has struck several Houthi targets in Yemen in response to attacks
The Israeli army said Saturday it has struck several Houthi targets in western Yemen following a fatal drone attack by the rebel group in Tel Aviv the previous day.
Democratic consensus solidifies around Harris, should Biden step aside
No one quite knows what the process of picking a new nominee would be if Joe Biden did step aside – but many Democrats say that any process is likelier than ever to quickly end with Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee.
LCBO confirms strike over, stores to reopen Tuesday
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and the union representing 10,000 of its workers reached a tentative agreement Saturday, clearing the way for stores to open Tuesday.
Polar bear 'Baffin' dies at Calgary Zoo after not resurfacing from pool
A polar bear died in its enclosure at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo on Friday.