Indigenous influences
Come in, there is room
The home of Scotia Place is on land that is ancestral and historical of the Indigenous Peoples. It is a culturally significant location that embodies our shared purpose – to gather.
It acknowledges and celebrates the Treaty 7 Nations, Metis Nation, and the Urban Indigenous Community. It’s a design that gives an opportunity to showcase Indigenous culture and history, through art and education.
The Scotia Place design is inspired by Indigenous perspectives and voices. The gathering spaces reflect and respect Indigenous cultural worldviews and unique lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples, in a contemporary context. These cultural perspectives, rooted in relationships to place and land, are fundamental to the design.
Based on The City of Calgary’s Indigenous Policy Framework, an Indigenous Advisory Committee met over four day-long sessions in spring 2024. Representatives from all the Nations of Treaty Seven, the Métis Nation of Alberta, and the Urban Indigenous community of Calgary discussed opportunities for Indigenous cultural representation in the design.
The conversations and insights that were shared resulted in seven primary themes, which are woven through the venue’s design.
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Fire, water, land, and air
The four sacred elements of natureThese elements are deeply symbolic in Indigenous cultures, representing the interconnectedness of all life and the profound relationship Indigenous people have with the land, water, environment, and spiritual realms. Fire symbolizes life, warmth, and renewal; water represents purity, life-giving sustenance, and the flow of knowledge; land stands for stability, grounding, and the connection to ancestral lands; and air signifies breath, spirit, and the unseen forces that guide and connect all beings.
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The home fire
Connecting communityThe home fire symbolizes family, community, and the warmth of gathering. It represents remembering ancestors, healing, togetherness, connection, and strength.
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Come in, there is room
A space for everyoneIndigenous languages are integral to expressing cultural identity, values, and worldviews. By incorporating these languages throughout the design, it allows visitors to hear, see, and interact with the rich linguistic diversity of Indigenous cultures. Regardless of background, there is room for you here.
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Rooted in the land
An ancestral placeThe design respects traditional territories and sacred sites. It reflects the historical and cultural significance of the land, acknowledging its importance to Indigenous Nations and the deep-rooted connection Indigenous people have with the land. Incorporating the tipi and the Metis cabin, the project honours this profound relationship of home, family, and the circular nature of life.
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A Gathering Place
The confluence of two RiversThe confluence of the Elbow and Bow Rivers recognizes this place as historically significant as a traditional gathering place. It is ancestral land that has been a centre of connecting and collaborating among Indigenous Nations and people throughout history.
Blackfoot Confederacy
- Kainai Nation
- Piikani Nation
- Siksika Nation
Stoney Nakoda
- Bearspaw First Nation
- Chiniki First Nation
- Goodstoney First Nation
Tsuut’ina Nation
Métis Nation of Alberta
- Calgary Nose Hill Metis District
- Calgary Elbow Metis District
Calgary Urban Indigenous community
Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary
1. Foster Meaningful Engagement
Have meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, leadership, Elders, and knowledge keepers to gain a deep understanding of the transformational knowledge inherent within Indigenous cultures.
2. Commit to Reconciliation
Adhere to the guidance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, demonstrating a commitment to reconciliation for Canada and its people.
3. Build Inclusive Knowledge
Promote the collaborative sharing of knowledge between the Project Team and Indigenous Nations and communities, to support the creation of spaces that inspire, invite, and welcome individuals from all cultural backgrounds.
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