In the heart of downtown Toronto, atop the building that houses Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, a connection back to nature thrives. Inspired by First Nations’ spiritual kinship with the land, we created an oasis where everyone from infants to elders can gather, relax and reflect. A circular fire pit surrounded by log seating is the striking centrepiece, along with an interpretation of a sweat lodge and a bubbling fountain.

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Among the rooftop plantings is a Medicine Garden of cedars, sage, sweet grass and tobacco, and a Three Sisters garden of corn, beans and squash. We also planted indigenous species like prairie wildflowers, grasses, sumac, cedar, serviceberry, colourful sedums and vines of bittersweet and wild grape. Storm water run-off is captured in both the planted areas and the continuous retention board covering the entire roof surface. The wild, organic elements provide a soothing respite from the very urban setting.