Let us unite to create a space for connection, learning and healing

Imagine it is June 21, 2027. We’re celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day, and Calgary is abuzz with excitement and anticipation.

The city is preparing to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games and mark the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 7. Amid these important events, we proudly welcome Indigenous Peoples from across Turtle Island to Calgary’s first Indigenous Gathering Place. This momentous occasion, a culmination of our commitment to truth and reconciliation, is a celebration of our vibrant Indigenous cultures and a significant step in preserving our shared history.

Picture a serene and sacred space nestled at Moh’kinsstis, the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. This place marks our return to our rightful gathering place, a site that has been significant to our people since time immemorial. It welcomes all Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples to learn, connect, heal, and forge new futures for the next seven generations.

As you approach, you hear traditional songs, the rhythm of drums, and the laughter of children learning their ancestral languages. Imagine walking through a beautiful landscape that harmonizes with nature, connecting to the river as our medicine, with structures inspired by traditional Indigenous architecture. You step inside, and the smells of sweetgrass and sage fill the air, inviting a sense of peace and reverence. You witness the smoke of the smudge, carrying our hopes and prayers to Creator, creating an environment where traditions are honoured and respected.

In 2027, The Indigenous Gathering Place stands as a living, breathing embodiment of our cultures. It is where we share our stories, heal from past traumas, renew our spirits, and celebrate our identities. It is a place where Elders’ wisdom is cherished and safeguarded, where oral teachings are passed down through generations, ensuring that our heritage thrives, filling us with a deep sense of pride and appreciation.

This gathering place is purpose-built for ceremony, ensuring a culturally safe space for all who enter. A grand hall hosts powwows, cultural gatherings, and storytelling sessions. Neighbours join hands together at the Round Dance. Friends break bread in the restaurant, which showcases traditional Indigenous foods. Indigenous Peoples are reconnected to their culture, finally feeling a sense of belonging as they learn their traditional crafts, languages, and practices. A healing room offers a sanctuary for those seeking solace and renewal, guided by our Elders and knowledge keepers.

This can be our future.

But to bring this vision to life, the Indigenous Gathering Place Society needs the entire community's support today. This requires breaking down barriers, correcting power imbalances within colonial institutions and prioritizing truly Indigenous-led initiatives with a genuine commitment to action.

This National Indigenous Peoples Day, we call on all levels of government, businesses, and individuals to join us in making this dream a reality. We ask you to lend your voice, write letters of support, and donate your time, talents or money to help build this incredible—and essential—space.

There are over 500 places dedicated to culture and religion in Calgary. But not one single place is dedicated to Indigenous ceremonies. It’s time for change. 

The Indigenous Gathering Place is more than just a physical space—it is a tangible response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action. We cannot let colonial systems get in the way of restoring past harm.

As we look forward to 2027, let us unite to create a city that honours its commitment to truth and reconciliACTION. Let us build a future where the Indigenous Gathering Place is a testament to our collective dedication to a just and inclusive society.

Join us, stand with us and let us lead the way.

Elder Doreen Healy, Kainai Nation
Elder Miisika’am Clarence Wolfleg, Siksika Nation
Elder Herman Many Guns, Piikani Nation
Buddie Dixon, Stoney Nakoda, Tssuut’ina and Kainai Nations, co-chair, Indigenous Gathering Place
Shawna Morning Bull, Piikani Nation co-chair, Indigenous Gathering Place