Reconciliation
Walking together
We work closely with Indigenous communities, continuously learning from them about Indigenous ways of knowing and supporting solutions that honour cultural approaches to healing and home.
Land acknowledgement
In continued giving and in the spirit of reciprocity and recognition of truth telling and reconciliation, we acknowledge Moh-kins-tsis, this sacred gathering place where the Bow and Elbow rivers become one. We honour the traditional Treaty 7 territory and the oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy made up of Siksika, Piikani, Amskaapipiikani and Kainai First Nations; the Îethka Nakoda Wîcastabi First Nations, comprised of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations; and the Tsuut’ina First Nation. These lands are also home to the historic Northwest Metis and to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, Métis Nation Battle River Territory, Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Elbow Métis District 6. We acknowledge all those, Indigenous and non, who honour the land with their giving and whose service protects both the land and all those who walk upon it.
Our ongoing journey
We are deeply committed to our Indigenous partners and to the reconciliation necessary to break down barriers. We approach this work by giving, receiving, listening, and reaching out authentically—and in love. We continue to support the implementation of an Indigenous-centric homeless-serving system of care, per our Strategic Plan.
Reconciliation in action
We invest in relationships and participate in ceremony and cultural practices as we continue to explore more effective and authentic ways of working with our Indigenous partners. We are grateful to everyone in the Indigenous community who has graciously supported our growth by sitting with us through our learning and unlearning.
Investing in indigenous-led solutions
We maintain funding partnerships with the AFCC and Miskanawah, supporting an Indigenous-led response to people experiencing homelessness. At Miskanawah, this includes embedding cultural connection and healing practices within their supportive housing programming for youth. The AFCC is a key partner in our Extreme Weather Response (EWR), ensuring not only a culturally-centred warming space, but also offering valuable insights that strengthen the EWR response as a whole. We are also proud to support the AFCC’s Elder’s Lodge, a supportive housing program for seniors.
Participating in Indigenous rituals and events
We participate in sweat lodges and round dances hosted by Miskanawah, and sponsor events that promote reconciliation including the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC) Red Dress Powwow, Miskanawah’s 4 days of sacred teaching, Closer to Home Powwow, and other community events. We’ve also embraced and learned from the wisdom of Elders and engaged in oral truthing ceremonies as an evaluation approach.
Supporting Indigenous solutions to homelessness
We invest in innovative projects like the Siksika Outreach “Walking the Wolf Trail” program. Siksika Family Service Community developed a cultural reconnection outreach unit that helps Siksika people experiencing homelessness navigate both on and off-reserve services while staying connected to their cultural identity.
Learning from Indigenous ways of knowing
Collectively, these activities reflect our belief that reconciliation requires a consistent presence and genuine participation. We approach our work with Indigenous partners with humility, understanding that reconciliation is an ongoing journey without a finish line. We’ve learned to operate relationally rather than transactionally, and we continue growing in our understanding of how to be authentic allies and partners.
Ongoing activities
Building relationships through ceremony
We regularly participate in sweat lodges, round dances, and other traditional ceremonies, understanding that authentic relationships require consistent presence and genuine participation in Indigenous cultural practices.
Supporting cultural reconnection
Through programs like the AFCC’s Astoo-ma-top initiative, Indigenous residents “start to embody” Indigenous approaches to health and wellness, reconnecting with cultural identity and community.
Sponsoring community celebrations
We proudly sponsor events like the AFCC Red Dress Powwow, supporting gatherings that strengthen Indigenous identity, honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and build community connections.
Embracing Indigenous evaluation methods
We engage in oral truthing ceremonies as an evaluation approach, learning from Indigenous ways of knowing and incorporating these teachings into our understanding of effective programs.
Learning from Elders
We regularly build relationships with and learn from the wisdom of Elders, understanding that their guidance is essential for creating culturally appropriate and effective responses to Indigenous homelessness.
Supporting agencies on the front lines
Frontline agencies are essential to Calgary’s homelessness response. We work closely with them—including Indigenous organizations whose cultural knowledge and approaches strengthen our entire system.
