It was a special day at the Oneida Nation of the Thames.
On Tuesday, Chief Todd Cornelius was joined by council and volunteers to officially unveil the new Indigenous Community Gardens. The event was the highlight of a series of activities in the community to mark Earth Week.
“Earth Week is important because it reminds us to take care of our environment. We want to pass on a healthy planet to our children and our grandchildren,” said Cornelius to the group assembled at Turtle Garden, one of the three new Indigenous gardens.
In addition to the turtle, a garden in the shape of a bear claw and a garden resembling a wolf’s eyes were unveiled.
They represent the Bear, Wolf and Turtle clans, which are part of the community’s culture, according to Cornelius.
“We’re standing on Turtle Garden, which was newly built for our people, in regards to we are …