Oak Tree Planting & High Park Celebration with Grandmother Donna

Join Taiaiako’n Historical Preservation Society, Indigenous Land Stewardship Circle, High Park Nature Centre, and forest ecologist Eric Davies to commemorate the preservation of the Land now known as High Park: a nature space in the heart of the settler city. In 1873, settler property owner, developer, and architect John Howard and his wife, Jemima, bequeathed the Lands now known in the English tradition as High Park to the City of Toronto. High Park opened to the public 150 years ago. Since then, the public has become more aware of the significance of High Park to Indigenous peoples on whose Lands the park sits. High Park’s Oak Savannah is a remaining fragment that represents a traditional Indigenous stewardship practice created through controlled burns. The work of THPS and the ILSC is to re-indigenize High Park, restoring the deeper Indigenous history of the Land through stewardship and teachings. Gather around a Sacred Fire with Grandmother Donna Powless, Eric Davies, and others for song, ceremony, a potluck feast, and Oak Savannah teachings. Together, we will plant four 2-year-old Black Oak saplings grown from acorns gathered from the High Park Savannah. For those who are inspired and have space, there will be an Oak Tree giveaway (donations accepted to support the work of the Indigenous Land Stewardship Circle). Tree pick-up will be at a later date. More details will be available at the event. Planting tools will be provided by the High Park Nature Centre. Event Details Event: Oak Tree Planting & High Park Celebration with Grandmother Donna Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026 Time: 1PM - 4PM Meeting Point: High Park Forest School, 375 Colborne Lodge Drive Audience: Family-friendly Price: FREE What to Bring • Please dress for the weather and for working in the outdoors • (Optional) You are welcome to bring your own gardening gloves • Refillable water bottle • Peanut- and nut-free snack