In support of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, The City, the Indigenous Gathering Place Society (IGPS) and The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland have confirmed that the future Indigenous Gathering Place will have a permanent home at Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet.
Under the new arrangement, local officials will carve out a dedicated parcel from the municipal lands currently leased to the historical park. Representatives from all three groups will soon determine the exact location and size of the land.
“This is a significant milestone in a journey that has been guided by the Elders and Indigenous community for many years,” says Buddie Dixon, co-chair, Indigenous Gathering Place Society. “Moh’kinsstis has been a place of gathering since time immemorial. Knowing the Indigenous Gathering Place will have a visible and permanent home here brings us one step closer to creating a place where Indigenous Peoples can gather, practice culture, share knowledge and strengthen community for generations to come.”
Grassroots advocates, cultural keepers, and area Elders spent years advocating for a dedicated cultural sanctuary. The riverside territory carries thousands of years of sacred history, stretching far beyond the founding of Fort Calgary in 1875.
Park operators have managed the surrounding 42-acre site since 1985. In recent years, the civic partner has evolved to centre the land’s Indigenous significance through programming, exhibits and committed land stewardship.
“Our team spent nearly four years strengthening local relationships with Indigenous neighbors,” explained Jennifer Thompson, president of The Confluence. “Establishing a dedicated neighbor site builds directly on our shared efforts.”
Municipal leaders framed the land transfer as a concrete action toward long-term healing and civic partnership.
“Establishing a permanent home at Moh’kinsstis marks a meaningful advance in our local commitment to reconciliation,” remarked Mayor Jeromy Farkas. “Elders and community visionaries carried this dream forward for decades.”
Leaders shared the historic decision during public commemorations for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Joint committees will now revise land agreements to launch initial architectural planning.
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