Indigenous Gathering Place gets permanent home at The Confluence in Calgary

The city, the Indigenous Gathering Place Society, and The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland announced Tuesday that the future Indigenous Gathering Place will have a permanent home at Moh'kinsstis—the site where the Bow and Elbow rivers converge.

The announcement came during Calgary's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation commemoration at The Confluence. A portion of city-owned lands currently leased to The Confluence will be reallocated to the Indigenous Gathering Place Society. The exact location and size of the parcel will be determined in the next phase of work between the three parties.

Moh'kinsstis has been a gathering place for Indigenous peoples since time immemorial, organizers said. Fort Calgary was established at the site in 1875. The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland Society took over operations of the 42-acre site in 1985 and has spent close to four years building relationships with Indigenous community members, developing programs like the Confluence Reciprocity Program and the Holy Gathering Place to support Indigenous-led initiatives.

"This is a significant milestone in a journey that has been guided by Elders and Indigenous community for many years," said Buddie Dixon, co-chair of the Indigenous Gathering Place Society. "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."

Mayor Jeromy Farkas said confirming the location represents an important step in the city's commitment to reconciliation. "This is a vision that Elders and Indigenous community have carried forward for many years," Farkas said. Jennifer Thompson, president of The Confluence, said a neighbouring Indigenous Gathering Place will complement the site's existing work with Indigenous communities.