New Indigenous Healing Garden Grows at Victoria University

^{Photos by Neil Gaikwad.}

By Samantha Chater  

Construction fencing came down at Victoria University’s Indigenous Healing Garden this week, and it quickly became one of the most significant gathering places on campus. 

Students immediately settled into the space, studying on benches and enjoying the late spring sunshine, surrounded by plants. Staff paused to admire the transformed space. Graduates returning for Emmanuel College Alumni/ae Day were among the first to tour the garden and snapped photos of its quiet beauty.  

“The Indigenous Healing Garden is the perfect place for deep reflection and learning,” said Emmanuel College Principal HyeRan Kim-Cragg. Creating the garden was one of her first priorities when she became principal in 2022 and is part of Victoria University’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation process.  

The garden is close to completion. Only finishing touches remain such as lighting and an automatic door opener at Emmanuel College’s east entrance. Even so, Victoria University President Dr. Rhonda McEwen, called it “one of the most meaningful spaces on our campus.” 

The garden is fully accessible and was created in consultation with Indigenous advisers. It features seating,  and gently sloped concrete pathways designed to welcome all. Indigenous sacred medicinal plants, as well as vegetables and wildflowers, have been planted where water-dependent grass once covered the ground. 

The garden sits outside of Emmanuel College. Its prominent location highlights the presence and importance of Indigenous culture and community not just at Vic U, but within the University of Toronto and the city itself. Emmanuel hopes to integrate the garden into its academic life, with outdoor classes and curriculum incorporating Indigenous cultures and relationships with the land. “It’s the perfect place for teaching and preaching,” said Kim-Cragg. 

A formal opening ceremony for the garden will be held in May 2026.