The local RCMP held the dedication of the fourth Heart Garden at the Whitehorse detachment and Yukon RCMP headquarters on Aug. 8.

The 2022 Garden was dedicated by the RCMP to the citizens of Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN) and Ta'an Kwächän Council (TKC).

It signifies “the growing relationships that Whitehorse RCMP are grateful for and humbled by,” police said in a statement released last Friday.

The first Heart Garden in Whitehorse was planted in 2019, in honour of all residential school survivors and their families.

On June 3, representatives from the KDFN and TKC joined RCMP employees to plant the current garden, which had been collaborated and planned in early spring.

“The orange marigolds were chosen to represent the children who were sent to residential schools, as well as the individuals, families, and communities forever changed by these experiences,” police said.

The dedication ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Jessie Dawson of the KDFN and citizens; Chief Amanda Leas of TKC and citizens, including Coun. Diane Graham and Debbie Burns; Grand Chief Peter Johnston of the Council of Yukon First Nations; Highways and Public Works Minister Nils Clark and Mayor Laura Cabott.

Insp. Lindsay Ellis, the detachment commander, said the relationship between the RCMP and First Nations communities is based on action.

“We are committed to supporting self-determination, and supporting safe and healthy First Nations communities in Whitehorse and the Yukon,” said Ellis.

“With communities opening up again, there is lot of positive movement led by KDFN and TKC for safety for citizens and the community, and the RCMP are honoured to be included in many of these activities, allowing for new opportunities to learn and gain new perspective.”

Just like a garden, reconciliation requires attention, commitment, and dedication for relationships to continue to flourish, the police said.