ALL MY RELATIONS

Inspired by the Mi’gmaq philosophy of msit no’kmaq—meaning “all my relations”—this garden design embraces the interconnectedness of all living things, challenging rigid concepts of borders. Central to the garden is the weaving of two native plant species, intricately interlaced in patterns. This seamless intertwining symbolizes the fluidity between different states of being, illustrating how natural elements coexist without fixed boundaries.

Framing the plantings are red screens inspired by the Lord’s Prayer translated into the Mi’gmaq hieroglyphic language by a Franciscan missionary, Chretien Le Clercq, in the 1600s. These screens serve as both physical and symbolic borders, integrating historical and cultural narratives into the garden. The use of Mi’gmaq hieroglyphics pays homage to the resilience of the Mi’gmaq people and their enduring connection to the land.

By incorporating these elements, the design amplifies the competition’s theme of rethinking borders in a post-colonial context. The red screens and woven plantings challenge traditional notions of separation, transforming borders into porous, interactive spaces. This blurring of lines between human-made and natural elements responds to the brief’s call to merge garden and landscape, creating an environment where visitors can engage in meaningful dialogue with their surroundings.

In moving beyond the physical, this values-driven narrative transforms the garden into a living embodiment of msit no’kmaq, demonstrating how borders can become spaces of unity rather than division. It aligns with the competition’s intent to renegotiate preconceived ideas about the garden and landscape, offering a post-colonial reflection on borders that is both thought-provoking and visually compelling.