Connect. Heal. Renew. Celebrate.
-The Elders Knowledge Circle, Treaty 7 Territory
“An Indigenous Gathering Place will be a space of healing. Those who have been disconnected from our culture and teachings will have a chance to find their way home through Ceremony.”
Elder-guided, community-driven
The Indigenous Gathering Place is founded on the deep wisdom of our Elders and shaped by the vibrant voices of our community.
We ensure that every initiative truly reflects our communal needs and aspirations in line with our core tenet of For Indigenous, By Indigenous. Since 2017, we have hosted over 100 gatherings and meetings with Elders, Indigenous Organizations, the City of Calgary, and community members to shape the vision of The Indigenous Gathering Place.
The wisdom of Elders and community are at the heart of everything we do.
Words of Elder Reg Crowshoe
“The Indigenous Gathering Place is an essential place needed for non-native people to have a safe place to meet with the Indigenous community. This ethical space is needed to find parallels within the written and oral systems, so we can find solutions.”
Choosing a culturally & historically important site
Site criteria were reviewed with Elders and the project team, and it was determined that the site must:
Be historically and culturally significant – this is critical to the Elders and the IGPSC
Be alongside a river as a medicine
Be close to the confluence of the Bow and Elbow
Have ample space for large outdoor gathering and ceremony
Accessible with close access to transit
The Site: Moh’kinsstis, Confluence of the Bow & Elbow Rivers
The preferred site for the Indigenous Gathering Place is at the corner of 9th Avenue SE and 6th Street SE. This site is historically and culturally significant as a traditional gathering place of many Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial. In fact, it is the only site that meets our crtieria that is historically or culturally significant.
The site is open, central to downtown and the Indigenous populations, is large enough to accommodate a 70,000 square foot facility, has ample space for large outdoor gathering and ceremony, and has good access to parking and transit. The site has also been assessed for contamination and remediation is manageable. The geotechnical study has indicated the soils can work with some consideration given to the structural systems for the building.
A significant milestone for the IGP was entering into a memorandum of understanding with The City of Calgary, marked by a pipe ceremony, and the Notice of Motion to dedicate land for the construction of the Indigenous Gathering Place near the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers.
A site with important historical significance for Indigenous Nations: the confluence of the Elbow and Bow Rivers
Ceremonial blessing for borehole drilling
The area where the Bow and Elbow Rivers meet represents the earliest settlements within what became the City of Calgary and occurred at what was an important stopping place for early First Nations people during the pre-contact period.
This site at the confluence has been a traditional gathering place of many Indigenous Peoples for time immemorial. In fact, it is the only site that is historically or culturally significant.
The IGPSC after the ceremonial blessing for borehole drilling at future IGP site
The confluence of the Elbow and Bow Rivers, Moh’kinsstis, has been a traditional meeting and gathering place for many First Nations and Métis for time immemorial.
Our vision of the Indigenous Gathering Place here at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, is an important one.
The story of Indigenous Peoples in this region is significant and meaningful. It has become a place where our people find direction, advice, and knowledge, a place where all nations feel as if they are home.
The building: our vision for the future
There are over 500 places in Calgary devoted to culture and spirituality but not one is specifically dedicated to Indigenous Peoples’ ceremonial practices. It is our vision that the IGP changes this and becomes a place where:
Indigenous traditions are commemorated and enjoyed
Elders pass on their knowledge to Indigenous youth and others, and where language is protected and maintained as a key component of our culture
Ceremonies, commemorations, cultural teachings, healing, and education take place in a safe and representative space both indoors and outdoors
Indigenous ways shape our collective culture
Indoor and outdoor spaces reflect our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and harmony with all relations
Designated spaces, such as an Elders’ room, are included
Flexible spaces to accommodate small groups for learning and sharing, and large groups for ceremonies and other events are available
Programs and services will be offered in partnership with Indigenous-serving organizations
Language classes for learners and teachers
Dancing, drumming and singing classes and practice space
Opportunities for teaching and learning about traditional food, practices, medicines
Venue rental space for ceremony, events and programs
Design work with Indigenous architect has begun
In fall 2023, the Indigenous Gathering Place Society of Calgary began working with Tawaw Architecture Collective to create a conceptual design based on the input and guidance we have received from Elders and the community. This will help inform our planning and we hope to have images of the conceptual design to share with our community in 2024.
Interested in learning more?
Download our Case for Support here →
FAQs
-
Indigenous Peoples have historically used gathering spaces to learn, share, practice their traditions, and heal. Despite Calgary having over 500 cultural and spiritual venues, none are dedicated solely to Indigenous ceremonial practices. The Indigenous Gathering Place will fill this crucial gap by providing a sacred space specifically designed for these purposes. It plays a vital role in the city's commitment to reconciliation, allowing for the preservation and continuation of Indigenous cultures. Importantly, it offers a place where Elders can pass down their teachings, ensuring that vital knowledge and traditions are maintained and respected across generations. This space will not only support the healing and learning of Indigenous communities but also foster a deeper understanding and respect among all nations.
-
One of the most significant milestones for the IGP was entering into a memorandum of understanding with The City of Calgary, marked by a pipe ceremony. In 2022, City Council vote unanimously to dedicate land dedicated for the construction of the IGP near the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. This accomplishment brings the organization closer to realizing its goal of providing a dedicated cultural space for Indigenous communities.
Since then the IGPSC, has been working to advance the realization of our vision.
The hiring of Tawaw Architecture Collective to initiate planning and building design signifies tangible progress toward the realization of the project.
-
The Society has received funding from a variety of sources to advance its mission of creating a culturally safe gathering space for Indigenous Peoples in Calgary.
Key funders to date have included:
• Calgary Foundation
• Suncor
• Calgary Homeless Foundation
• Cenovus
• Southwest Community Resources
• Private donors
Our funding reflects a broad community commitment to supporting the collective effort to create positive change within the Indigenous community and beyond.
-
The Society is guided by the wisdom of Elders to ensure that their wisdom, cultural knowledge, and perspectives are respected, valued, and incorporated into the organization's activities and decision-making processes. The IGPSC is actively committed to working with Treaty 7 Nations to build relationships and explore opportunities for collaboration. The IGPSC recognizes the importance of Elders as custodians of Indigenous traditions and teachings, seeking their guidance and input on matters related to programming, cultural practices, and community engagement.
By working with Indigenous communities and Nations, the Society aims to build trust, mutual respect, and reciprocity, ultimately working towards the shared goal of advancing Indigenous rights, cultural revitalization, and healing within the urban context of Calgary.
-
The Board of Directors is composed of individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and expertise, contributing to the organization's vision and objectives. With 13 members, the board is Indigenous-led, reflecting a commitment to Indigenous leadership and representation. These dedicated individuals bring knowledge and experience from various fields including education, finance, architecture, project management, fundraising, communications, and community engagement.
Operating within Ethical Space, the board strives to balance Indigenous Ways with Western Governance, respecting and integrating Indigenous perspectives and protocols. Guided by a Circle of Elders, composed of respected Elders from Treaty 7 and the Urban Indigenous population, the board receives invaluable Indigenous wisdom, cultural guidance, and spiritual insights, informing its decision-making processes and ensuring alignment with Indigenous values and traditions.
-
Unlike many similar gathering places across Canada, which are often initiated by governments or non-Indigenous institutions, our Indigenous Gathering Place is distinctly Indigenous-led. This approach not only reflects a commitment to self-determination but also ensures that the project is developed with a deep respect for Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and priorities, thus differentiating it from other projects that may not be directly led by Indigenous communities.
-
Individuals can support us by subscribing to the newsletter, donating to support our cause and volunteering for community events. Sharing information on social media and encouraging people to express support through letters is also very helpful to spreading the word about this important project.
-
The creation of the Indigenous Gathering Place is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Specifically, Call to action #21, and it addresses the call for establishing dedicated spaces that facilitate reconciliation and enhance Indigenous cultural visibility and community development.
-
The White Goose Flying Report, which aligns with the local context of the Calls to Action, recommends specific actions to improve the lives of Indigenous Peoples in Calgary including cultural spaces and places to gather. The Indigenous Gathering Place exemplifies the implementation of these recommendations, emphasizing local engagement and reconciliation efforts.
-
Many personal accounts, historical data and credited reports have shown that a central gathering place for ceremony, healing and connection in an urban centre fosters healthy communities and cultural exchanges. In fact, Calgary is known for some of its central gathering places for citizens to meet. Examples of these include community centres, plazas, churches, mosques, and temples.
There is currently no central gathering place that serves Calgary’s Indigenous populations within the city, although Calgary resides on traditional territory and is home to many who identify as having Indigenous ancestry. Indigenous populations are one of the fastest growing populations in Canada.
There is a need to provide a central gathering place for Indigenous Peoples’ current spiritual, emotional, and cultural well-being, as well as those who support and want to learn about such narratives and experiences. Calgary must have an inclusive approach and recognize the unique traditions, practices, and ceremonial and cultural needs of Indigenous Peoples residing within the Treaty 7 region.
-
The Indigenous Gathering Place Society of Calgary is an independent non-profit society that does not act as a representative of any Nation. We recognize that we are situated in Treaty 7 and on traditional lands of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), the Tsuut'ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, and the Métis Nation Battle River Territory The Indigenous Gathering Place will honour Treaty 7 and be a place inclusive and welcoming to all Indigenous people who call Calgary home.
-
City Council unanimously approved an Indigenous Gathering Place Notice of Motion on February 15, 2022 and assigned a Project Manager and additional staff to help advance the work in late 2022.
Since then we have been working with The City to advance our planning to build the Indigenous Gathering Place at the our preferred site at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers.
Site studies began in the fall of 2023, and work has begun to create a conceptual design and submit an application to the Province for the Historical Resource Inventory Assessment before Summer 2024. We have an ambitious goal to be ready for the North American Indigenous Games in 2027.
-
The Indigenous Gathering Place Society of Calgary envisions our future home in the heart of Calgary where the Bow and Elbow Rivers meet - right at the home of our ancestors, the confluence, recognizing the rivers as medicine and the land as a gathering point for centuries. Centrally located, The Indigenous Gathering Place at the confluence will be accessible to all, embodying our commitment to inclusivity and connection. This is where we have been advancing planning and site analysis with The City of Calgary.
-
In 2024, the Indigenous Gathering Place Society of Calgary began working with renowned Indigenous architecture firm, Tawaw Architecture Collective to create a conceptual design based on the input and guidance we have received from Elders and the community. We hope to have images of the initial conceptual design to share with our community by summer 2024.