Izhi-Minoging Mashkikiwan // Place Where Medicines Grow Well

Abstract

Izhi-Minoging Mashkikiwan, translated in English to “Place Where Medicines Grow Well”, is a landscape design proposal for 3062 Indian Road, the headquarters of the Cheboiganing Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. This healing garden tells the story of traditional Anishinaabeg principles and teachings encoded in the Medicine Wheel and symbolized through plant choices and placement. This lush garden features 40 different species of perennials native to the Great Lakes. Thoughtful design ensures low maintenance, four-season interest, and creates a space to support physical, mental, and cultural healing. In the center of this circular space are four benches which look towards a fire pit. Izhi-Minoging Mashkikiwan is a gathering place for the community, a space for learning, a place to host traditional ceremonies, collectively remember experiences -- all encircled by a protective and vibrant family of plants which recognize this place as home. The greater site design addresses additional needs of the Burt Lake Band - a place for short term and overnight parking to accommodate monthly Tribal Council meetings. A smaller welcoming garden, Anamikaag Gitigaaning, welcomes visitors by establishing a strong sense of place with a peaceful plant palette. Enji-Baashkaabigwaniing, the flowering meadow, features a more playful and wild planting experience to walk through, inviting visitors to step in and look closer. Wiingashkojiimaanan is an experiment in creating micro-habitat for Wiingashk, a sacred plant known in English as Sweetgrass. Canoes sunk into the ground retain moisture in otherwise dry soil, allowing Wiingashk to thrive. This landscape design is a practice is both translation and decolonization. Ecological characteristics of plants are visualized through relationship webs - infusing animacy and an Anishinaabe way of knowing into this design. Anishinaabemowin, the language the Three Fires Confederacy, is frequently turned to as a teacher to better understand how plants, people, and culture relate to this landscape. Through a close examination of Cheboiganing Burt Lake Band history, their Elders, culture, language, and desires for their headquarters, a landscape design which supports healing - in all capacities - results.