Our Story
For Indigenous Peoples.
By Indigenous Peoples.
Our story began with a long-held dream of creating a culturally safe gathering space for Indigenous Peoples in the traditional lands of the Treaty 7 Nations and historic Northwest Métis to share, connect, heal, renew, and celebrate in Calgary.
OUR VISION
A space where we share, connect, heal, renew and celebrate Indigenous cultures.
A place to protect Indigenous practices, languages and Elders’ wisdom, oral and written teachings among all nations and all our relations.
Our Guiding Principles
We are Inclusive →
We invite all peoples to find belonging in our circle, and join in the decades-long vision for a physical, urban Indigenous Gathering Place in Calgary.
We embrace Parallel Ways →
We are led by Indigenous wisdom and respect Western protocols as we build and operate the Indigenous Gathering Place.
We are Indigenous-led.
Our independent society respects diverse Indigenous voices at all levels of decision-making. We acknowledge and respect Treaties and principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Committee of Canada.
We are Community-led.
We stand with and for communities of Indigenous peoples who have long-hoped for an urban place of gathering, ceremony, learning, sharing, and celebration.
We seek Balance.
We will thoughtfully apply principles of Ethical Space as we seek to balance competing and complementary ways, needs and aspirations while also urgently pursuing our long-overdue vision for the Indigenous Gathering Place.
Our direction comes from the seven sacred teachings
Courage
Respect
Truth
Love
Honesty
Humility
Wisdom
Our Journey
The Indigenous Gathering Place Society of Calgary began in 2014 as a grassroots initiative driven by a group of passionate volunteers.
These individuals recognized the need for a dedicated space in Calgary where Indigenous and non-Indigenous people could come together to share, connect, heal, renew, and celebrate Indigenous culture.
Inspired by the rich traditions and teachings of Indigenous communities, this group envisioned a place that would honour Indigenous practices, languages, and Elders' wisdom while promoting cross-cultural understanding and reconciliation.
The group gained momentum through discussions, engagements, meetings, and workshops aimed at shaping the vision and objectives of the Indigenous Gathering Place. In 2017, the Indigenous Gathering Place Committee commissioned a consultant to prepare a business case in response to the City of Calgary’s White Goose Flying Report.
The business case outlined the need and laid the groundwork for future development. With the business case in hand, the dedicated volunteers took the next steps to formalize the organization and register as a non-profit society.
In October 2018, the Indigenous Gathering Place Society of Calgary was officially established as a registered non-profit society in Alberta. This milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter for the organization, setting the stage for its continued growth and development.
Words of Elder Doreen Healy
“Calgary has not one place where we can hold ceremonies, where we can educate people. Our youth is so lost. We need our culture to be revived again, but we need a place where we can gather.”
Why the Indigenous Gathering Place is needed
For Indigenous Peoples by Indigenous Peoples
The Indigenous Gathering Place Society of Calgary is an independent, Indigenous-led non-profit established in 2018 to realize the long-held dream of a culturally safe gathering space for urban Indigenous Peoples in Calgary.
1.
Calgary resides on the the traditional lands of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), the Tsuut'ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, and the Métis Nation Battle River Territory and is home to many who identify as having Indigenous ancestry from across Turtle Island.
Indigenous populations are among the fastest-growing urban populations in Canada. Yet, there is no space dedicated to Indigenous Peoples’ ceremonial practices in Calgary. The Indigenous Gathering Place will be a much-needed central space for Indigenous Peoples’ spiritual, emotional, cultural, and social well-being.
2.
Truth and Reconciliation
We exist in direct response to Indigenous Peoples’ diverse needs and the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action: to build and operate an Indigenous Gathering Place for all Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to share, connect, heal, renew and celebrate Indigenous cultures.
3.
Hear from the people of the
Indigenous Gathering Place Society of Calgary
The City of Calgary supports the IGP
On May 26, 2021, The Indigenous Gathering Place Society entered into a memorandum of understanding with the City of Calgary to establish The Indigenous Gathering Place. This agreement was validated through Pipe Ceremony, a significant parallel process aligning with Natural Laws, central to Indigenous Ways. In February 2022, City Council voted with unanimous support in response to a notice of motion to dedicate land in and around the confluence.
Since City Council's unanimous support, progress has been made towards establishing the IGP. This has included:
Identifying the lands at 9 Avenue and 6 Street S.E. as the preferred site for the Indigenous Gathering Place in recognition of Moh’kinsstis, a historical and significant meeting place for Indigenous people since time immemorial. The confluence has served as a crucial gathering spot for trade, negotiation, and gatherings for Indigenous people long before Calgary was a place.
Exploring the feasibility of building an on this historic site, including testing and borehole drilling in Fall 2023.
Advancing work on a long-term lease on city-owned land at this site.
Engaging with Elders, Treaty Nation Nations and Districts, and Indigenous organizations to build positive relationships and guide the planning,design and function of the building.
Hiring of Tawaw Architecture Collective to advance the design and planning of the building.
Community engagement, advocacy and fundraising to support the development and advancement of this important place.
Ready for the 2027
North American Indigenous Games
Our ambitious goal is to have the Indigenous Gathering Place in time for the North American Indigenous Games in Calgary in 2027, which coincides with the 150-year anniversary of the signing of Treaty 7.
Elders Guidance
Awakaaseena (Deer Chief),
Reg Crowshoe, Piikani Nation
Miiksikaʼam, Clarence (Agar) Wolfleg Sr, Siksika Nation
Virgle Stephens, Stoney Nakoda Nation
Ollie Benjamin, Stoney Nakoda Nation
Herman Many Guns, Piikani Nation
Dit’óní Didlishí Bruce Starlight, Tsuut’ina Nation
Diane Meguinis, Tsuut’ina Nation
Frances Littlelight, Tsuut’ina Nation
Rosemary (Rose) Crowshoe,
Piikani Nation
Brenda North Peigan Many Guns, Piikani Nation
Bryan Little Chief, Siksika Nation
Ruth Scalplock, Siksika Nation
John Chief Moon Jr., Kainai Nation
Monica Chief Moon, Kainai Nation
Saa’kokoto Randy Bottle, Kainai Nation
Art Cunningham, Métis Nation of Alberta
Cheryle Chagnon Greyeyes, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation
Doreen Healy, Elder & Board Advisor, Kainai Nation
Edmee Comstock, Métis Nation of Alberta
Anne Kokak, Inuit
Dakota Eagle Woman, Ojibwe
Linda Johnson, Cree
Vinnia Van Overdyk, Saulteaux/ Cree
Doreen Spence, Saddle Lake Cree Nation
Alvin Manitopyes, Muskowekwan First Nation
… and many more!
Our Guidance
The Indigenous Gathering Place Society of Calgary is guided by the wisdom of Elders, with the Board of Directors serving as a conduit for Elder guidance and direction.
Our approach reflects the principle of ethical space, meaning that we work in both Indigenous and Western ways, finding parallels in both systems to guide us. We work collaboratively with Elders, Indigenous-serving organizations, Indigenous-led entities, Indigenous Peoples of the traditional lands of the Treaty 7 Nations and historic Northwest Métis, and the City of Calgary.
Board of Directors
Shawna Morning Bull
Ikinnaisipistoohkomi, Piikani Nation
Co-Chair | Manager, Business Development, Community Futures Treaty 7
Member since 2023
-
As co-chair, I am committed to establishing clear roles and responsibilities, engaging actively with our community, and upholding strong governance. My goal is to ensure that every voice within our Nations is heard and respected, paving the way for effective communication and representation of Treaty 7.
-
Buddie Dixon
Stoney Nakoda, Kainai and Tsuu T’ina Nations
Co-Chair | Indigenous Engagement Liaison, ATCO Frontec
Member since 2020
-
Through my traditional teachings and Western education, I understand how to balance both worlds. I support the IGPSC because it represents an important place for our community to demonstrate the coming together of both worlds, and the importance of place in our journey of reconciliation.
John Fischer
Cowessess First Nation
Past-Chair | Interim Associate Vice President, Indigenization, Mount Royal University
Member since 2018 (volunteer since 2014)
-
We need a place to tell our stories, to tell our songs, and to be together. We need to have someplace where we can see ourselves in the urban landscape.
-
Emma MacIsaac
BBA, Mi’kmaq/ Scottish
Co-Vice Chair | Director Impact & Engagement, Inn from the Cold
Member since 2023
-
My commitment to the IGPSC stems from my own personal experiences, and my commitment towards fostering equity and inclusion within our society and taking meaningful action to foster reconciliation. My family has been disconnected from our Indigenous roots, and being involved in the IGPSC is part of my own journey toward cultural reconnection and understanding.
-
Clint Rivard
piitaa pottaa, A.sc.t, Cree
Co-Vice Chair | Managing Director, Projects, Gibbs Gage Architects
Member since 2022
-
My great-grandmother was a residential school survivor. She was adopted by a missionary family and she never freely spoke about her feelings or thoughts regarding her culture. She felt very ashamed that she did not know her own language or people. I feel privileged to work and collaborate with many respected and influential individuals by being a part of the Indigenous Gathering Place Society.
-
Alvin Manitopyes
Muskowekwan First Nation
Director | Earth Code Consulting
Member since 2020
Catherine Koch
CPA, Métis Nation of Alberta
Director | Consulting
Member since 2023
-
My deep and abiding interest in Indigenous reconciliation. All Canadians have a duty to ensure there is a place where Indigenous people can demonstrate pride in being Indigenous, in sharing our histories, for cultural exchanges and to help build healthy communities. I believe that the city of Calgary is finally ready to move forward and we need to help them do that, for the sake of Indigenous people and for the city itself.
-
Kris Fredrickson
otahkoik piksi, MBA, Métis Nation of Alberta
Director | Director, Sustainability, Keyera
Member since 2023
-
I am committed to social justice, equity & inclusion and I genuinely believe in the power of community-driven initiatives. I see the disparities and challenges faced by Indigenous peoples, and I am dedicated to creating a more equitable society. I have a strong background in sustainability and Indigenous engagement in my education and career, and have served on boards that contributed to our collective social strengths.
-
Martin O’Brien-Kelly
sipi oh maka, Settler
Secretary | Lead, Stakeholder Affairs at PetroChina
Member since 2022
-
That local leadership and community are focused on building positive relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Calgarians, acknowledging the past and valuing the contributions of Treaty 7 Nations and urban Indigenous people who call Calgary home.
-
Dan Doherty
ksissk takinaa, CPA, ICD.D, Settler
Treasurer | Chair, Curve Distribution
Member since 2023
-
My granddaughters drive my primary motivation behind my passion for the Indigenous Gathering Place. Our daughter-in-law is Dene, and her father is a residential school survivor. Our life alongside them has ignited a fire to provide an equitable and inclusive community where our granddaughters can learn about their culture and celebrate in a safe environment.
-
Anne Harding
kiipitaki kakatosii, Settler
Director | Owner, Forum Community Relations
Member since 2020 (volunteer since 2017)
-
Everyone deserves a place to belong, build community, experience intergenerational relationships, healing, and celebration. It's important to me that the city I live in has a prominent place of gathering for Indigenous peoples.
-
Alison Pidskalny
matsy(y)'sai'piyi, Settler
Director | Strategic Advisor
Member since 2022
-
It would provide a place where all Calgarians could go to rewire our understanding of the culture and traditions of our community, shared from the Indigenous perspective.
-
Ryan Hall
okoiska, MBA RPP MCIP,Settler
Director | Housing Manager, Siksika Nation
Member since 2021
-
It will hold profound benefits for everyone. For Indigenous communities, it would be a crucial space to preserve culture, foster healing, build strong networks, and empower youth. This dedicated space would offer a sanctuary where Indigenous traditions, languages, and knowledge could thrive, strengthening identities and building resilience in the face of historical and ongoing injustices.
-
Our Helpers
Sheryl Ann (SAS) Carscadden
waaksisto aakii, Cree/Métis Nation of Alberta
General Manager
-
I believe that to truly reconcile relations in Canada, we need to build bridges and find common ground in our collective understanding of the past and the present. It is through deep listening that mutual respect is demonstrated. Through this, we can create a healthy future to be enjoyed by the next 7 generations. I want to contribute, lead, and support these efforts by collaborating to move forward in a good way by honoring the past, contributing to the present, and planning for the future.
-
Jo Williams Goodon
Métis Nation of Alberta
Communications Consultant, Not Your Average Jo Communications
Our Supporters
