IN THE NEWS

The Indigenous Gathering Place Society of Calgary (IGPSC) is excited to see the steps being taken by the City of Calgary toward the transfer of land to the IGPSC. This is a step forward toward the design and construction of an independent Indigenous Gathering Place at or near the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. This step draws us closer to the decades-long vision to build a space designed by and built for all Nations, where ceremonies, commemorations, cultural teachings and education can take place, indoors and on the land.    

In response to the City of Calgary’s Land Transfer Notice of Motion on Jan. 20, 2022, the IGPSC  Board unanimously passed its own motion to support the intention of independent land ownership stating:

The Indigenous Gathering Place Society of Calgary affirms and endorses the Notice of Motion to be put before the Executive Committee of Calgary’s City Council regarding the transfer of land to the IGPSC.    

While we know there are many more steps to be taken, we commend the Mayor’s Office, the city’s Indigenous Relations Office, Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee; and sponsoring Councillors Spencer and Wong for taking these bold steps toward a new future for all Calgarians. We believe that a transfer of land is both a signal of authentic reconciliation, and an extension of their commitment made through a Pipe Ceremony and MOU earlier this year.

As we await a decision from Calgary City Council in the coming weeks, the IGPSC will continue to listen and learn from community members, citizens, youth and Elders in continued commitment to open and inclusive engagement within Treaty 7 and the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.