The second workshop of Women in Urbanism Canada’s ‘Creating Gender Inclusive Public Parks’ three-part series is focused on ‘Gender-Based Inclusion at St. John’s Park’.
This workshop is moderated by Women in Urbanism Canada’s Co-Founder and Vice-Chair, Sharee Hochman, and features a presentation and Q&A with expert Winnipeg-based speaker:
Desiree Theriault (she/her), BED, MLA - Partner & Senior Landscape Designer at Narratives Inc.
Desiree Theriault is an award-winning Red River Métis designer and planner from Treaty #1 Territory. She has a background in landscape architecture and memorialization where she found her passion in uncovering the stories of the land and the power of landscape to amplify under-represented voices.
Desiree's dedication to reconciliation through the landscape is exemplified by her thesis work, which involved collaborating with families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2S folk (MMIWG2S) to develop a memorial park at the Alexander Docks alongside the Red River. The goal of the project was to raise awareness and provide dignity to MMIWG2S by creating a space for remembrance, reflection, and community. Desiree's commitment to this project continues, as she works to bring it into reality. She recognizes the importance of spatial justice for MMIWG2S and believes that memorialization and representation is a crucial step in honouring and remembering the lives of those who have been lost.
Desiree's vision is to inspire the next generation of Indigenous youth and designers to find their voice and uncover the stories of the land to bring representation and inclusion to the places we live in. Her hope is to create a better world for future generations by embracing inclusive, restorative, and regenerative spaces. Through her work, Desiree seeks to honour the land, its people, and its stories, and to create meaningful and enduring connections between them.
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The session focuses on St. John’s Park, a 6.8 hectare park that straddles the borders of North Point Douglas and Winnipeg’s North End, with views of both the Red River and Main Street. It includes a play structure, bowling greens, floral gardens, picnic tables, picnic shelter, a wading pool, space for bouncy toys or tents, and seasonal washroom facilities.
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