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Doreen Healy, Shauna Morning Bull, Buddy Dixon, Calgary Herald
Published May 9, 2024 • Last updated 1 hour ago • Reading time 3 minutes
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Fort Calgary will be rebranded as Confluence Historic Site and Park.Photo by Gavin Young/Postmedia Network
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As Indigenous peoples, our journey towards truth and reconciliation in Canada is a testament to our resilience and commitment to affirming our rights and leadership.
Initiatives such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada have played an important role in confronting the oppressive legacies of colonization and boarding schools. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that true reconciliation requires prioritizing self-determination and Indigenous leadership to prevent the return of colonial power relations in community projects.
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Since 2014, the Calgary Indigenous Meetinghouse Association, a grassroots movement led by Indigenous voices, has remained steadfast in its commitment to establishing the city's first Indigenous meetinghouse. This effort goes far beyond just construction. It represents the creation of sacred spaces specifically tailored to our rituals and rituals, spaces where Indigenous peoples can share, connect, celebrate, heal, and repair the wounds caused by past harms. .
Central to our efforts is the wisdom of more than 60 Elders from Treaty 7 Territories, the Métis Nation of Alberta, and urban First Nations communities. We held more than 100 community meetings with him to ensure Indigenous voices are central to our vision. In 2021, our commitment was solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Calgary, a pipe ceremony, and a motion to dedicate land to the Bow and Elbow Rivers.
The confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers is of great significance. Known as Mawkinstis, this site is deeply rooted in ancestral connections as a communal hub and spiritually important site for Indigenous people. By establishing a meetinghouse in Moh'kinsstis, we are not just building a facility. We are reclaiming a sacred space that has served as a gathering place for our ancestors for generations, long before Calgary was a city.
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Recent progress is commendable, including Fort Calgary's recent announcement that it would embark on a similar initiative aimed at indigenizing the organization. However, it confirms the continued need for culturally safe spaces for Indigenous peoples within Calgary. While progress has been made, significant gaps remain for truly Indigenous-led dedicated spaces. These spaces must recognize historical injustices and allow Indigenous communities to lead and design projects in accordance with their traditions and cultural protocols. This distinction emphasizes the importance of truly “by us, for us” efforts and adhering to the principle of “nothing about us without us.”
The history of colonization has not only displaced our people, it has forced us into spaces that systematically erased our cultural identity and dignity. These colonial structures have caused lasting damage, both physical and social, and have hindered our right to self-determination. The continued practice of forcing our traditions into spaces not designed for us or by us perpetuates the legacy of colonialism. It's time for fundamental change.
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Moh'kinstis represents more than just physical space. It embodies a purpose-built gathering place designed, guided and governed by Indigenous peoples. It signifies the need for sacred spaces that truly reflect and honor our cultural practices and serve our rituals and rituals. We need spaces where communities feel safe, supported, and empowered—spaces that foster healing and restoration of our autonomy, culture, and identity that have been suppressed for far too long. That's what I mean.
As we advance our vision, our communities must understand the importance of creating spaces that are truly led by and for Indigenous peoples. We envision a future where Indigenous gathering places and similar initiatives can coexist and collaborate, each uniquely contributing to a richer and more inclusive understanding of our shared history.
This is a call to all supporters, allies, and the public to join us in this important effort. Your support will help correct the power imbalances that have long plagued our community.
Support us, stand with us, join us and lead the way.
Elder Doreen Healy, Kainai Nation, Senior Advisor to the Indian Assembly Board; Shona Mourning Bull, Piekani Nation, Co-Chair of the Indigenous Assembly. Buddy Dixon, Stoney Nakoda, Tsuutina, Kainai Nations, Indigenous Assembly Co-Chair and Indigenous Engagement Facilitator for Vibrant Communities Calgary.
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