Natives share their visions of nature
The First Nations Garden opened in August 2001, presents the close bonds First Nations and the Inuit have always had with the plant world. It is designed to evoke a natural environment, and is the first infrastructure of its size anywhere in Montréal dedicated to the First Nations and the Inuit of Québec. The 2.5 hectare garden is the culmination of three years' work and the realization of one of Brother Marie-Victorin's dreams.
The First Nations Garden location already included a very diverse wooded area named the Ecological Group, an attempt to rebuild five Québec forest ecosystems. Currently, the First Nations Garden has more than 300 different plant species that have required the planting of hundreds of trees and thousands of shrubs, perennials and grasses.
The Garden is located in the heart of the Jardin botanique, south of the Arboretum, west of the Japanese Garden, north of the Chinese Garden and east of the Flowery Brook and the Alpine Garden.
Discovering the cultures of Indigenous Peoples of North America
The First Nations Garden serves as a crossroads of cultures, a place for sharing knowledge, allowing to learn about the culture of the first inhabitants of North America.
At the time of its foundation, the Jardin botanique and a committee of First Nations representatives specially formed for this project. They have worked closely to come up with a set of guidelines and criteria to be integrated into the project concept and design.
Showcase the knowledge and know-how of Indigenous Peoples
The First Nations Garden is a contemporary garden, one inspired by First Nations and Inuit cultures. It highlights not only Native knowledge of plants, but also First Nations activities relating to the plant world:
- Gathering plants;
- Making objects;
- Construction of dwellings;
- Growing plants, mainly corn, squash and beans.
We would like to thank Rio Tinto for its generous contribution.