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 vision for an Indigenous Gathering Place in Calgary has existed for decades.
Since the 1970s, Indigenous leaders, Elders, and community members have advocated for a permanent space in the heart of the city where Indigenous Peoples could gather, share culture, strengthen community, and reconnect with ceremony and traditions. While earlier efforts faced systemic barriers and limited political support, the vision continued to be carried forward by community.
Following the 2014 Truth and Reconciliation Commission community gatherings, renewed conversations with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Indigenous organizations, and community members reinforced the need for a visible, Indigenous-led Gathering Place in Calgary. These discussions reflected a growing recognition that reconciliation requires more than policy commitments — it also requires permanent spaces grounded in Indigenous culture, teachings, and ways of being.
The Indigenous Gathering Place Society of Calgary began in 2014 as a grassroots initiative driven by a group of passionate volunteers committed to advancing this vision.
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, learn, and celebrate Indigenous culture.
Inspired by the rich traditions and teachings of Indigenous communities, the group envisioned a place that would honour Indigenous practices, languages, ceremony, and Elders’ wisdom while promoting cross-cultural understanding and reconciliation.
Momentum continued to build through discussions, engagement sessions, meetings, and workshops focused on shaping the vision and future purpose of the Indigenous Gathering Place. This community advocacy and engagement also contributed to the Indigenous Gathering Place being identified as an action within The City of Calgary’s White Goose Flying Report.
In 2017, the Indigenous Gathering Place Committee retained a consultant to prepare a business case in response to the White Goose Flying Report. Nearly 100 community conversations and engagement sessions were held with Indigenous community members, Elders, organizations, and stakeholders to help further define the vision, demonstrate the need, and explore the feasibility of an Indigenous Gathering Place in Calgary.
The resulting business case laid the groundwork for future development and ultimately led to the formal establishment of the Indigenous Gathering Place Society as a registered non-profit society in Alberta in October 2018.
This milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter for the organization and the continued advancement of a permanent Indigenous-led Gathering Place in Moh’kinsstis.
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 unanimously in response to a notice of motion to dedicate land in and around the confluence for the Indigenous Gathering Place, recognizing Moh’kinsstis as a place of profound historical and cultural significance. The confluence has served as a gathering place for Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial, long before Calgary existed as a city.
Following City Council’s support, significant work was undertaken to advance the Indigenous Gathering Place, including:
Identifying lands near 9 Avenue and 6 Street S.E. as the preferred site, recognizing Moh’kinsstis as a historic place of gathering, trade, ceremony, and negotiation
Undertaking environmental testing, borehole drilling, and early site feasibility work in Fall 2023
Holding a Pipe Ceremony at the future site to bless the land and affirm the cultural and spiritual significance of the location
Engaging Elders, Treaty Nations and Districts, Indigenous organizations, and community members to help guide the vision, purpose, and future function of the Gathering Place
Retaining Tawaw Architecture Collective to support early design and planning work, including informing the City’s Historic Resource Impact Assessment (HRIA) process
Completing an updated business plan and additional planning materials requested by the City to support project advancement
As the project progressed, additional projects and planning processes emerged in the same area, increasing complexity and uncertainty about the future site of the Indigenous Gathering Place.
In response, the Indigenous Gathering Place Society undertook an intentional pause in late 2024 to focus on strengthening and resetting its relationship with the City of Calgary. This work centred on building greater alignment, clarity, and mutual understanding to support a stronger long-term partnership grounded in Indigenous ways of relationship-building, accountability, and respect.
In July 2025, this work resulted in the signing of an updated partnership agreement between the Indigenous Gathering Place Society and the City of Calgary, reflecting a renewed shared commitment to advancing the vision together.
In Fall 2025, the City identified an additional parcel of land near the confluence for consideration. Following further review, the site was determined to be too narrow to support meaningful development. Since that time, additional sites have also been presented for consideration in other parts of the city; however, Moh’kinsstis remains the preferred location identified through years of community engagement, Elder guidance, and ceremony.
Today, the Indigenous Gathering Place Society continues to work collaboratively with the Mayor, City Council, City Administration, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Indigenous Nations, and community partners to advance a permanent Indigenous Gathering Place at Moh’kinsstis.
While the journey has been complex, the vision remains clear: to create a permanent, visible Indigenous-led place for ceremony, culture, learning, healing, and community connection for future generations.
Moving Forward with
Purpose & Urgency
We are working with focus and urgency to ensure the Indigenous Gathering Place becomes a reality soon, recognizing that this project has already been too long in coming.
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
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
The Late 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
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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.
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Buddie Dixon
Stoney Nakoda, Kainai and Tsuu T’ina Nations
Co-Chair | Indigenous Engagement Liaison, ATCO Frontec
Member since 2020
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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.
Jeremiah Stump
Sstamiksisakomapi, Piikani Nation
Director | Constable, Calgary Police Service
Member since 2025
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By joining the Indigenous Gathering Place Society of Calgary, Jeremiah hopes to contribute to the development of a permanent, inclusive space for ceremony, culture, and community connection. His lived experience, humility, and unwavering commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices make him a powerful ally in advancing the Society’s mission and vision.
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Clint Rivard
piitaa pottaa, A.sc.t, Cree
Vice Chair | Managing Director, Projects, Gibbs Gage Architects
Member since 2022
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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.
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Theodora Warrior Healy
Aa So‘Woo Taa Naa Ki, Piikani Nation
Director | Chieftess, Warrior Moccasins
Member since 2024
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I am involved in the IGPSC because I would like to see us having a place to call home in our homeland. As a future Blackfoot elder I want to actively play a part in creating this space for current and future generations. To rebuild a community grounded in traditional Niitsiitapi (Blackfoot) values of kindness and balance.
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Nathan Crow
Ponokohkyiaao, Blood Tribe (Kainai Nation)
Director | Senior Consultant KPMG Indigenous Advisory Services
Member since 2025
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I am involved because I am passionate about providing an Indigenous community within the city for Indigenous Peoples to connect and feel at "home". Calgary is home to a lot of Indigenous Peoples with different backgrounds, which is why it's important to provide spaces for those who are reconnecting or who may not have any local connections. Although it's important that we honor and respect the local First Nations who have lived in this territory since time immemorial. We must honor the protocols of the Blackfoot Confederacy, along with Tsuu'tina and Stoney Nakoda Nations.
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Catherine Koch
CPA, Métis Nation of Alberta
Director | Consulting
Member since 2023
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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.
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Daisy Giroux
Driftpile Cree Nation
Director | Consultant, Clover Spiri Consultant
Member since 2025
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Indigenous Elders are the ‘books’ in the library, and the Indigenous Gathering Place is the ‘library’ that will hold those books for our community. I became involved with the Indigenous Gathering Place Society because the Elders carried this vision for many years, and I am honoured to help support and advance that vision for future generations.
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Martin O’Brien-Kelly
sipi oh maka, Settler
Secretary | Lead, Stakeholder Affairs at PetroChina
Member since 2022
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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.
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Darren Rea
Wâh-wâsaskotêpayiw Maskwa, Lac St. Anne Metis
Director | Consultant
Member since 2025
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It would mean having an open and accessible place for indigenous people to gather, have ceremony, share the culture, and be celebrated. It would be a living testament of the city's commitment to reconciling the past and helping build a better future.
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Dan Doherty
ksissk takinaa, CPA, ICD.D, Settler
Treasurer | Chair, Curve Distribution
Member since 2023
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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.
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Levi Kiriachuk
Blood Tribe (Kainai Nation)
Director (Youth Representative) | Business Client Support, ATB Financial
Member since 2025
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The opportunity to contribute my professional skills and personal passion to the Indigenous Gathering Place Society would be a great honour. I am eager to help build a lasting space where all nations and relations can gather for generations to come. As the Co-chair of ATB's Indigenous Team Member Network, I have dedicated myself to championing Truth & Reconciliation and fostering supportive, inclusive spaces for Indigenous colleagues. Your vision to create a central gathering place for the spiritual, emotional, and cultural well-being of Indigenous Peoples in Calgary is a mission I am deeply passionate about and uniquely equipped to support.
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Our Supporters
