"Everything has a purpose, everything has a place," she said. "Just as we all do."

Niagara College president Dan Patterson said the garden is a continuation of the college’s efforts to provide a welcoming and nurturing environment for its First Nations students. He said they were presented with a Two Row Wampum belt in the ‘90s, a symbol of friendship that also recognized the important role the college played in shaping the lives of young Indigenous students. The gift of the belt also carried an obligation that the college strive to understand Indigenous culture, he said.

“It’s been a very important process for us,” he said, explaining the garden is meant to help their students maintain a connection to their culture.

“It will give our students — our Indigenous students — an opportunity to see their roots, to see their land, at this very special location,” he said.

The ceremony opened with songs and a recognition of the four directions led by Elaine Berwald, an elder and knowledge keeper; Nicole Joy-Fraser, an oshkebewais (helper of elders); and Celeste Smith, a part-time teacher at the college of Indigenous studies and other subjects.

Smith explained the significance of some the selected plants, which were grown by Indigenous students from seeds from a traditional Mohawk seed keeper. The corn, she explained, provides a structure for the beans to climb, while the beans provide nitrogen for the soil. And the squash, with its large leaves, helps shade out weeds and keep the soil cool so it can better retain moisture.

“The three of them, they provide a perfect balance,” she said.

Lillian Montour, who is chair of the Indigenous Education Management Circle, said the garden, which offers a quiet place to reflect, reinforces the college’s support for its native students.

“That’s very important to us as native people, to have green space and a quiet place,” she said.