Payhonin National Healing Forest Grand Opening

Rising Thunder and Prairie Gardens are collaborating to open the "Payhonin" National Healing Forest, supported by the David Suzuki Foundation. This Healing Forest, located on Prairie Gardens' farmland in Treaty Six lands, features peaceful trails through a natural boreal forest, honoring victims and survivors of residential schools. Elder Bill Bertschy and Farmer Tam Andersen champion this project, offering land-based learning and cultural insights. The forest promotes reconciliation, education, and conservation, with outdoor gathering areas, wildlife habitats, and spaces for traditional ceremonies. The community hopes to inspire similar initiatives to foster unity, sustainability, and regional food security.