On September 30th, Canada observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We're a three generation family run nursery and garden centre, and that means something simple but important to us... we know this land because we work with it together, every single day. It's not an abstract backdrop to our business, it's the soil under our fingernails and a place we've grown to love deeply.
What This Land Has Taught Us
Our nursery & garden centre sits on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, who have lived with, cared for, and cultivated this land long before we ever broke ground here. We say that with immense gratitude.
Working closely with plants humbles you. The more time we spend with native species, the more we're reminded how much there still is to learn and how much of that knowledge already belonged to this land long before we arrived. Plants like camas, salal, and Nootka rose weren't simply growing wild and untouched. The camas meadows for example were carefully tended by Coast Salish peoples through controlled burning and thoughtful, selective harvesting. A deep and intentional relationship with the land built over countless generations. When we talk proudly about "native gardening" what we really mean is that we're trying in our own small way to honor and learn from knowledge that was here long before us. The more we come to understand these plants and their history the more we believe that growing them well isn't just good horticultural practice, it's a quiet & ongoing way of showing respect for this land and for the Snuneymuxw people who have always been its caretakers.
How We're Marking the Day
As a family business this isn't a day we treat like business as usual. On September 30th, we're taking time to slow down, reflect, and keep learning. We'd love for our customers and neighbours to join us, in that:
- Wear orange in recognition of the day
- Learn more at 'orangeshirtday.org'
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's '94 Calls to Action'
- Support a local Indigenous-owned business, artist, or organization in our community
This isn't a sale or a promotion. It's simply our family taking a moment to say thank you to this land and to the Snuneymuxw people who have cared for it far longer than we have.
Our nursery and garden centre will be closed on September 30th so our team can take part in this day of reflection. We'll be back soon after to talk plants again, with even more gratitude for the ground beneath them.
