From Weeds We Grow: Restoration of Relationship Online Session

Led by Artist Lindsey Lickers, Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe (Medicine Water Woman) and Elder, Renee Thomas-Hill, this online session offers teachings and discussion for participants to dive deeper into their current relationship with the environment and the importance of our local waterways.

Rooted in an expanded understanding of the importance of water in cleansing, creating clear intentions and commitments to the land, this virtual gathering supports From Weeds We Grow programming, an interdisciplinary public art project rooted in Rowntree Mills Park along the Humber River. Since 2019, this program explores artistic, Indigenous, multicultural, environmental and community-based approaches to public space; connecting community members to the arts, each other, and to the park. This workshop is hosted by STEPS Public Art and Ontario Culture Days.

About the Presenters

Lindsey Lickers, Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe (Medicine Water Woman) is Turtle Clan originally from Six Nations of the Grand River, with matriarchal ties to the Mississauga’s of Credit First Nation. She has been a practicing artist specializing in painting, beading and community arts facilitation going on seventeen years. In 2019, Lindsey received an International Women’s Day Award (City of Toronto) recognizing her unique synthesis of public art, Indigenous women’s issues and governance.

Kanate’hson/ Elder Renee Thomas-Hill/ Grandmother Renee was born into the Haudenosaunee Confederacy of the Grand River Territory. She honours her lineage, Mother - Cayuga Bear and that of her Father - Mohawk Turtle. As a Haudenosaunee woman, her role in life is a Carrier of our Heritage

• Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Auntie to many
• Educator, Historian, Lecturer/Teacher, Wisdom Keeper
• Cultural Consultant
• Elder at:
• McMaster University – Indigenous Student Program – ISP, Indigenous Students Health Science ISHS
• Six Nations Polytech/Brantford Campus
• IDHC- Indigenous Diabetes Healing Circle
• De dwa da dehs nye s – Aboriginal Health Centre of Brantford & Hamilton
• Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres-OFIFC
• Dodem Kanonhsa- Toronto Indigenous Cultural Facility
• Traditional Wellness Councillor (Addictions)
• Story Teller
• Artisan

“Our people were instructed in the “Great Law” from which gave us “Peace Power & Righteousness, (the sacredness of being and Original Being.” This is our original instructions to the pathway of “Skennen-Peace.”

Accessibility Notice:

The From Weeds We Grow project team is committed to the community's full participation for this project. Please contact Ima at ima@stepspublicart.org if you have any questions or requests and we will do our best to accommodate.

From Weeds We Grow is part of the Arts in the Parks program. It has been made possible through generous support from:

We extend our thanks to Ontario Culture Days for their partnership as part of their 2021 programming.