Indigenous healing garden takes root at Salmon Arm hospital – Vernon Morning Star
October 17, 2025
A space for traditional Secwépemc knowledge and healing, culture and practices has taken root at the hospital in Salmon Arm.
A new Indigenous garden was recently unveiled at Shuswap Lake General Hospital (SLGH). On the building’s south side, facing McGuire Lake, the garden is home to a variety of native plants used for healing by Secwépemc people for generations. Interpetive signs can be found throughout the garden identifying each plant, providing its Secwépemc name and describing how it has been used in traditional healing.
“Arnica, kwelkwelqíqen in Secwepemctsín, is one plant being grown in the garden,” reads an Interior Health media release. “It has been used to treat bruises, sprains, muscle aches and inflammation and has the potential to boost the immune system.
