Milton Public Library's Beaty branch (2021)
The Milton Public Library (MPL) has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Government of Canada.
The money was made available through the federal government’s Healthy Communities Initiative. Partnering with local Indigenous organisation, Grandmother’s Voice, MPL plans to bring new life to Beaty Branch and inspire a more inclusive, inviting, and vibrant community space, both indoors and out that will include an Indigenous garden, supportive programs, and enhanced collections.
“I am thrilled the Milton Public Library is a recipient of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative to create a vibrant community garden,” says Milton MP Adam van Koeverden. “This garden will not only encourage our sense of belonging by transforming a public space for us to gather, but it will advance individuals’ cross-culture learning through Indigenous-centered programming. The implementation of this initiative will aid in revitalizing Milton to be a healthier, more resilient community and increase social connection to contribute to our overall mental and physical well-being.”
Implemented by Community Foundations of Canada, the Healthy Communities Initiative is a $31 million investment from the Government of Canada to transform public spaces to create safe ways for communities to access services, enjoy the outdoors and adapt to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
An Indigenous garden will be planted in spring 2022 at Beaty Branch, with a view to centre Indigenous ways of knowing about the land, plants, and medicines. These teachings will be supported by a year of Indigenous-centered programming, featuring voices of Indigenous authors, artists, Elders, and residential school survivors, presented through consultation with Grandmother’s Voice and leaders from the Indigenous community in and around Halton.
To follow along with what the MPL is doing, check out there website.
