National Healing Forests

September 30 is a National Statutory Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day.) June 21 is National Aboriginal Day, now National Indigenous Peoples Day, and we are reflecting also on activities for Truth and Reconciliation day.

There are many activities which you can do for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, and all year round.

Check out these Can Geo Education’s Indigenous Resources which includes curricular activities for National Healing Forests.

Reach out to the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas at friendsafforestation@gmail.com to partner and collaborate on the following types of ideas.

1. Cultural Workshops: Indigenous-led workshops that celebrate and share traditional practices, such as drumming, storytelling, or art with local Indigenous artists to lead hands-on activities, fostering cultural understanding.
2. Nature Walks and Guided Tours: Participate in guided nature walks created by Indigenous storytellers. Share knowledge about traditional uses of plants, trees, and the land. Emphasize the interconnectedness between nature and Indigenous cultures.
3. Medicinal Plant Identification: Attend a workshop focused on identifying medicinal plants in the afforestation areas. Highlight the importance of these plants in Indigenous healing practices and wellness.
4. Interactive Story Circles: Within the designated spaces for story circles, participants can share and listen to stories related to Indigenous experiences, resilience, and the significance of the land.
5. Tree Protection Ceremony: Come out to a tree protection ceremony as a symbolic act of growth, renewal, and reconciliation. Invite community members to participate and share reflections on the importance of nurturing and preserving the land.
6. Art Installations: An invitation to local Indigenous artists to create temporary art installations in the afforestation areas. These installations can reflect themes of reconciliation, unity, and the enduring spirit of Indigenous cultures.
7. Traditional Food Tasting: An area designated where participants can sample traditional Indigenous foods. This activity not only promotes cultural appreciation but also creates a space for sharing stories and knowledge around food.
8. Educational Workshops: Experience educational workshops on Indigenous history, with a focus on the impact of residential schools. Provide resources and facilitate open discussions to promote understanding and empathy.
9. Healing Circles: Participate in healing circles or meditation sessions within the afforestation areas. Invitation extended to Indigenous Elders or knowledge keepers to guide participants in moments of reflection, healing, and connection with the land.
10. Community Art Mural: Collaborate on the creation of a community art mural that represents unity, healing, and reconciliation. Encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to contribute, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the afforestation areas.

Orange Shirt Day

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

For more information:

Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits

NEW P4G District Official Community Plan

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′

Addresses:

Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A

Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A

S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A

NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063

Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot

Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West OLRA

Reddit: FriendsAfforestation

Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas

Mix: friendsareas

YouTube

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )

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United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

• Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity 
• Make it your own
• Spread the word about the UN Decade 
• Let’s Bring Back Forests
• Let’s Green Our Cities

““Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”

Richard St. Barbe Baker