The RHS would like to introduce the 2024 recipient of the GRIN grant.

Indigenous Christian Fellowship Centre Ceremonial Garden

The Ceremonial Garden is located at 3119 Dewdney Avenue. Formerly, it was the
vacant lot between the ministry’s main building at 3131 Dewdney Avenue and Lee
Funeral Home at 3101 Dewdney Avenue.

The Ceremonial Garden is envisioned to deliver a number of goals:
Space will be provided in the garden for gardening, ceremonial activities, community
activities, and individual reflection.

Engagement with elders / knowledge keepers will be continued to share knowledge,
cultivation, and use of Indigenous plants.
Cultivation of fruit bearing and vegetable plants to help meet local food needs.
Preference will be given to Indigenous plants and cold hardy perennials.

To teach gardening skills to community members; preferably on a family (multi-
generational) focused basis.

The garden will also be used for seasonal celebrations such as National Indigenous
People’s Day (June 21st), Canada Day (July 1st), and National Day for Truth and
Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day – September 30th).

Ongoing participants will include community Elders, volunteers, ICF staff, and
Home Fires Family Youth group. These participants will include all generations.
It is hoped that participation will increase gardening skills, knowledge and
benefits while concurrently improving family relationships.
School groups for education purposes and members of grieving families, accessing the fire pit for sacred fires to accompany wakes and funerals are welcome.