Calls for increased investment for homeless Indigenous people

LONDON– Following a fire at the Indigenous Medicine and Teaching Garden (Mushkeeki Gitigan) in east London’s South Branch park on April 29, 2021, Atlohsa Family Healing Services is calling for an immediate investment into Indigenous-led spaces for people experiencing homelessness. The Indigenous Medicine and Teaching Garden was an Indigenous-led initiative first opened in 2018 where traditional medicines were grown. A homeless encampment that was established in the garden was also burned in the blaze that took place.

Mushkeeki Gitigan is one of the few Indigenous-led spaces in London. In alignment with the Giwetashkad Indigenous Homelessness Strategic Plan (2020), Atlohsa has been continuously advocating for increased spaces for Indigenous people experiencing homelessness, as Indigenous people make up at least 29% of people experiencing homelessness in London. Atlohsa Family Healing Services currently operates nine extended stay beds for Indigenous people experiencing homelessness, but this response is not enough.

“People made the medicine garden their home because they felt this was a safe and sacred place. There are not enough spaces for Indigenous people experiencing homelessness, so people flock to Indigenous spaces that do exist. This is an indication of the need for Indigenous-led spaces and services,” said Raymond Deleary, Executive Director of Atlohsa Family Healing Services. “The garden being burned raises the question of anti-Indigenous racism. Why was London’s only Indigenous garden targeted? Ultimately, the loss of this space is an opportunity to refocus our attention to immediate investments by the City of London into Indigenous spaces for people experiencing homelessness.” 

Atlohsa Family Healing Services is a non-profit, charitable organization, dedicated to strengthening community through Indigenous-led programs and services that offer holistic healing and wellness. Atlohsa has been serving individuals and families across Southwestern Ontario since 1986, providing low-barrier wraparound services to community members with complex needs, including mental wellness, substance use, homelessness, domestic violence, and trauma. We specialize in providing strengths-based healing and wellness supports, utilizing trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches. For more information or to donate, visit: www.Atlohsa.com

Contact: 

Alana Lees, Director of Development
Atlohsa Family Healing Services
E-mail: alees@atlohsa.com
Phone: 519-430-7582