A STEPS PROJECT
From Weeds We Grow: Restoration of Relationship
From Weeds We Grow: Restoration of Relationship is a project a part of the From Weeds We Grow 2021 program, that features a Water Teaching by Kanate’hson, Elder Renee Thomas-Hill and an in-person beading circle on the banks of the Humber River led by Lindsey Lickers, Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe (Medicine Water Woman).
PROJECT AT A GLANCE
Location: Rowntree Mills Park, Humber Summit, Toronto
Artists/Facilitators: Lindsey Lickers, Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe
Year: 2021
Services: Artist Capacity Building, Creative Placemaking
A STEPS PROJECT
From Weeds We Grow: Restoration of Relationship
From Weeds We Grow: Restoration of Relationship is a project a part of the From Weeds We Grow 2021 program, that features a Water Teaching by Kanate’hson, Elder Renee Thomas-Hill and an in-person beading circle on the banks of the Humber River led by Lindsey Lickers, Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe (Medicine Water Woman).
PROJECT AT A GLANCE
Location: Rowntree Mills Park, Humber Summit, Toronto
Artists/Facilitators: Lindsey Lickers, Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe
Year: 2021
Services: Artist Capacity Building, Creative Placemaking
19
workshop participants
10
one-of-a-kind handcrafted beadworks
1
collective community tapestry
1
water teachings session
PROJECT DETAILS
Beginning in 2020, From Weeds We Grow is an interdisciplinary public art project that explores the Rexdale community’s relationship to the environment through virtual walking tours, workshops, storytelling and performances rooted in Rowntree Mills Park. This year, lead artist Lindsey Lickers, Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe continues the exploration of nature and our connections to water through four project components: A Water Teaching Session led by Kanate’hson, Elder Renee Thomas-Hill, a participatory beading circle led by Lindsey Lickers, and two exhibits to showcase the resulting beadwork by workshop participants: a virtual gallery on the STEPS website, and an in-person exhibit of the collective community tapestry at Albion Public Library. In collaboration with Ontario Culture Days, this project was part of this year’s Ontario Culture Days Festival.
Rooted in an expanded understanding of the importance of water in cleansing, creating clear intentions and commitments to the land, Contributing to the Bundle – Restoration of Relationship explores Indigenous teachings and craft as a means to deepen our connections with our waterways.
WATER teachings
Community members came together in a virtual space for an evening of teachings about the significance of water, led by artist Lindsey Lickers, Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe and Kanate’hson, Elder Renee Thomas-Hill. Participants were immersed in teachings on how to care for water to help shape our connections and commitments to the land.
“The water is that sacred gift, it is your birthplace, it is home. It is the birthing of all and so, when I take this water or when I travel I always speak to the water first… I say hello. I always speak to my river when I go by and I let the river know that I admire that journey that it’s taking. And so I know the water thanks me, because I get a lot of good blessings – I get a nice fragrance of the rain, of the flower, of the earth – it’s like gratitude.”
– Kanate’hson, Elder Renee Thomas-Hill
Restoration of Relationship - Water Teachings Recording
Beading Workshop with Lindsey Lickers
In October of 2021, community members gathered with artist Lindsey Lickers, Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe for a beading workshop that took place along the Humber River in Rowntree Mills Park. Together, they reflected on their individual relationships with the environment and explored the importance of our local waterways. These reflections, combined with the Water Teachings shared by elder Renee Thomas-Hill, inspired the creation of personalized beaded artworks.
Photo Credit: Samantha Beltran
Along with the material kits provided to each participant, Lindsey prepared a beading demo to share the basics of beading.
“Beading is so much more than a decorative craft. For many Indigenous nations, beadwork has acted as an extension of language, helping us to interpret our surroundings, visually encapsulating treaties, continually guiding us to remember our original instructions. It is a grounding medicine that encourages presence, reflection and connection. It asks us to be mindful of our relationships. To others, to the land and maybe most importantly, to ourselves. For without balance within, we cannot create – restore – renew relationship(s) around us.”
– Lindsey Lickers, Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe, Artist Facilitator
Explore the virtual exhibit below by hovering over the gallery images and clicking the arrows to view each participant’s work!
“It felt like magic was in the air, and if not that, then the good spirits were amongst us… Lindsay’s instruction was informative and her presence wise. I really appreciated the ceremonial aspect and I think this allowed for all of us (a very unique and diverse group of individuals) to gather harmoniously for an exquisite craft activity.”
– Workshop Participant
Albion Exhibit
Following the beading circle, workshop participants submitted their completed beaded artworks for inclusion in an in-person exhibit at Albion Library. The pieces were stitched together and displayed as a collective community tapestry, reflecting the shared teachings and commitment to deepening relationships with the environment and local waterways.


ABOUT Kanate’hson, Elder Renee Thomas-Hill

Kanate’hson, Elder Renee Thomas-Hill was born into the Haudenosaunee Confederacy of the Grand River Territory. She honours her lineage, Mother – Cayuga Bear and that of her Father – Mohawk Turtle. As a Haudenosaunee woman, her role in life is a Carrier of our Heritage.
ABOUT Lindsey Lickers, Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe


Lindsey Lickers, Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe (Medicine Water Woman) is Turtle Clan originally from Six Nations of the Grand River, with matriarchal ties to the Mississauga’s of Credit First Nation. She has been a practicing artist specializing in painting, beading and community arts facilitation going on seventeen years. In 2019, Lindsey received an International Women’s Day Award (City of Toronto) recognizing her unique synthesis of public art, Indigenous women’s issues and governance.
Learn More About From Weeds We Grow
Acknowledgements and Project Partners
From Weeds We Grow is part of the Arts in the Parks program. It has been made possible through generous support from Arts in the Parks, Toronto Arts Foundation, Toronto Arts Council funded by the City of Toronto, Canada Council for the Arts, and funding provided by the Ontario Government.

We extend our thanks to Ontario Culture Days for their partnership as part of their 2021 programming.
