What did you do?
We were pleased to construct the picnic table near the end of June and had a few volunteers prime and paint the table in July. We had some artistic members that started painting the floral scene and there were often people from the congregation or in the neighbourhood who stopped by to talk, help out with artwork, or make suggestions. The artists worked on several different days over the month to complete the project. We are planning to have a community potluck barbeque at the end of summer and hope that neighbours will see our sign that reads, “For everyone born there is a place at our table. Join us!” and accept the invitation.
Why did you do it?
Harrow United Church in Winnipeg has been very involved in Indigenous Reconciliation projects including painting a mural on an exterior wall of the church, planting a healing garden, and planning a self-guided walking tour of Rooster Town, a past Métis community. Our picnic table is in the front yard near a central walkway and overlooking part of the healing garden. We chose the four colours in the Medicine Wheel (black, white, red, and yellow) for the background colours of our table. On the top of the table we decided to have a variety of plants and flowers extending out to the garden, symbolizing growth and beauty.
