Leslieville, Alberta Established in 2022 The iyinimin sīpīsis Healing Forest was established in 2022 on four hectares of meadow and forest, next to an environmental reserve along the Blueberry Creek. Situated in rural central Alberta, the site is located on private land. With wildlife paths, informal walking trails and a labyrinth, it provides natural space for meditation, prayer, reflection, teachings, and ceremony. The mixed-wood valley also supports a wildlife corridor, migratory bird flight path, pollinator conservation area. Its forests and wetlands yield many medicinal plants under a sky resplendent with stars in this Dark Sky area. Partners: Treaty 6 Plains Cree Elder – Ekti Margaret Cardinal; Hamingja-Heritage Farm & Nature Preserve; Medicine River Wildlife Centre; Taimi Soil Projects; Rancho Relaxo Resort & Permaculture Farm

Calgary, AB Established in 2022 The grounds of Woodcliff United Church in Calgary were designated as one of the National Healing Forests in 2022. We were granted the logo because of the work done since 2019 towards Truth and Reconciliation. Relationships have been established with several Indigenous people who have supported us in our journey of learning about our true history. We have learned about the impacts of residential schools leading to the recognition of Orange Shirt Days, Red Dress Days and National Indigenous Peoples Days. Our learning has been through films, concerts, Indigenous peoples and Elders who have spoken, drummed, sang and danced. One weekend a workshop was held on Truth and Reconili-Action facilitated by a Knowledge Keeper. With the help of a Knowledge Keeper we created an Indigenous Medicine Wheel Garden, a native plant garden and a labyrinth. These are incorporated into a beautiful grove of trees that were established in the 1960’s behind the church. The National Healing Forest logo now located at the entrance to the pathway invites people to walk, meditate and feel a connection with Mother Earth. A Video about Woodcliff United Church’s National Healing Forest is accessible through these links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1117269623786471 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeLwc0C3sxw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMVb0hMsUey Website homepage: https://woodcliffunited.com

Sturgeon County, AB Established in 2023 A 20-acre boreal forest parkland in Alberta features outdoor spaces for ceremonies, reflection, meditation, and prayer. Serene walking trails, designed like the Big Dipper, weave through an inland forest on farmland. Totem poles, crafted by Respected Elder Bill Bertschy (Nephew of Chieftain George) convey the Seven Grandfather teachings in this Healing Forest. Property owner and farmer, Tam Andersen and Bertschy will be the champions of this Healing Forest.

Edmonton, AB Proposed in 2017 In 2017, volunteers with Reconciliation in Solidarity Edmonton (RISE) proposed establishing a Healing Forest in Edmonton’s River Valley. Hundreds of volunteers hung over 1,000 paper hearts from trees throughout the city’s largest urban park. Each heart was marked with a message of reconciliation and provided a rich insight into Indigenous Peoples' history and the legacy of the residential school system. The City of Edmonton subsequently committed to a public consultation and funds to establish a Healing Forest.