Walking Tour: Intersection of Art and Nature
Sun Aug 17 2025
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Free Admission
Allan Garden’s Conservatory’s Palm Greenhouse entrance. Image courtesy the City of Toronto.
Join us for an enriching walking tour presented in partnership with Heritage Toronto. This tour will take you on a journey where artistic expression meets the beauty and inspiration found in the natural world. As we embark on this adventure, be prepared to marvel at stunning works of art produced by Indigenous artists and explore Indigenous gardens tucked away in the heart of Cabbagetown. We will venture through Allen Gardens and experience the fusion of art, nature, and language. This is merely a glimpse into the vast realm where art and nature meet.
- Start Point: Indigenous Garden and Mural (169 Gerrard Street East)
- End Point: Allan Gardens (160 Gerrard Street East)
- Note: This interactive tour includes spiritual ceremonies and traditions and features hands-on activities. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and consider bringing sunscreen and water to make your tour as enjoyable as possible.
Born in Burlington and based in Toronto for over a decade, Mike Buckland is of Mi’kmaq, English, and Irish heritage and remains deeply connected to the Membertou First Nation in Unama’ki (Cape Breton). With more than 15 years of experience as an educator, Mike is dedicated to making history engaging and accessible, sharing stories that bring the past to life.
Currently an Instructor at the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, Mike previously supported highly barriered Indigenous community members in accessing employment, education, and training at Miziwe Biik. Before that, Mike worked as a Historical Blacksmith and Leatherworker at The Village at Black Creek and has since continued developing their leatherworking practice by creating medicine pouches, rattles, and drums.
An avid outdoorsperson, Mike draws inspiration from hunting, fishing, canoeing, and camping, activities that deepen their connection to nature and cultural tradition. Whether exploring the wilderness or leading a game of Dungeons & Dragons, Mike believes in the power of storytelling to educate, inspire, and bring people together.