Ben Carriere’s father visited MD on Wednesday April 29 to share his indigenous wisdom, his memories and to present a gift to the school.  The oak tree planted in Ben’s memory will become a sacred space, where anyone can go and slow down, reflect, connect with nature and de-stress.

Several offerings, including sweet grass, were passed, experienced and shared before going in the freshly dug hole, where they will become part of the tree.

Participants were smudged (cleansed by smoke) if they wished, before approaching the tree to pay their respects.

Several of Ben’s friends dug the hole in which the tree was planted.

The tree was secured into its resting spot, a place that is now a ‘sacred space’.

Mr. Caughlin provided the tree with its first water…

… while Mr. Pearce recited this poem as an offering and for reflection.