Royal Roads University has added an Indigenous Medicine Garden to the Farm at RRU. The garden—which was designed by Cowichan Elder and ethno-botanist Kenneth Elliott—is a place where people can see Indigenous plants, learn about their medicinal values and uses, and learn about related cultural practices. It also gives Indigenous students a place where they can access Indigenous plants and medicines. “Those teachings, those medicines, those things belong to them,” said Royal Roads Director of Indigenous Education Russell Johnston. “We’re providing a space for them to regain access to the teachings and everything those relationships can provide.” The Indigenous Medicine Garden will also serve as a living classroom for an under-development Indigenous Studies diploma program.
