The first harvest has been completed at the LPS Blackfoot Medicine Garden. (Photo: LPS)

By David Opinko

First harvest from LPS’ Blackfoot Medicine Garden

Oct 7, 2025 | 8:53 AM

The Lethbridge Police is celebrating a new first.

It has taken part in the inaugural harvest from its Blackfoot Medicine Garden, which provides sustainably-grown medicines for smudge kits and use in cultural ceremonies.

The initiative was created by Constable Les Vonkeman, and has been advanced by Trissly Blackwater in the Community Engagement Unit, as well as Catherine Pooley, manager of the Victim/Witness Services Unit.

LPS installed a series of rooftop garden boxes earlier this spring, crafted by local artisan Glen Elgersma, containing sweetgrass, wint, sage and tobacco took root.

Each of the boxes is inscribed with one of LPS’ Blackfoot values:

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• Kimmapiiyipitssini (kindness to others): caring for the garden so that the medicines can, in turn, care for people.
• Mokakssini (wisdom): learning from Elders about the cultural significance of the medicines, and when and how to plant and harvest them in a good way.
• Niitsitapiiyssini (to be Blackfoot): honouring cultural identity through ceremony.
• Aahsapsinni (generosity): sharing the medicines with those who need them.

“We made a commitment to walk the path of learning and understanding before sharing this initiative with the community,” said Catherine Pooley. “True reconciliation begins with action—by doing the work, not just planning it. Through our hands in the soil and our hearts in the learning, we’re working to build trust that is grounded in respect, reciprocity and a commitment to reconciliation.”

The harvested medicines will be dried and stored in the LPS Multi-Faith Room until they are needed.

New seeds will be planted in the spring.