Indigenous Relations
The Calgary TELUS Convention Centre (CTCC) is located in Calgary’s downtown core on Treaty 7 lands, inhabited by the Blackfoot people since time immemorial and other Indigenous nations such as the Stoney Nakoda Nation, the Tsuut’ina, and the Métis people of Alberta Region 3. As such and in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, our organization has begun the journey of the true history of the lands in which we work and live through meaningful dialogue with elders, knowledge keepers, and Indigenous and Métis peoples in the area.
Guiding the future with the past
I was honoured in September of 2024 to be gifted a Blackfoot name by an Elder who has shared a lot of knowledge and truths about where I reside, work and call home. This being Mohkinstis, the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers or what most know it as, Calgary.
The name Blue Heron is by no coincidence. Along my journey of both higher education and of truth and reconciliation, the blue heron has had significant meaning. It has shown up at times of difficulty, times of reflection and times when I needed to be reminded of the lands we are on. Along the shores of the BC coast during my Royal Roads Masters program, when hearing about the Elder’s choice for my name or walking in nature, the heron was there.
I share this with you because as I learned more about Indigenous ways and teachings, I have reflected on how we are all part of something larger and we must respect and cherish the lands we live on.
As the CEO of the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre (the CTCC), I take the responsibility for leading the organization’s journey to the truths of our past and how the CTCC can have meaningful action to reconciliation. For the CTCC this started by reflecting on our land acknowledgement and learning the why and history of all of us as newcomers to acknowledge the lands we are on.
For me, this was the beginning of a long-lasting and meaningful relationship with Elder Sheldon First Rider (the Elder who provided myself and my colleague with our Blackfoot names).
I will never forget when asking Elder Sheldon about Elder’s providing a land acknowledgement and the chuckle that came from Elder Sheldon with the following statement: “Oh Kurby, I know where I am.” You see it is not those who have been living since time immemorial on these lands that provides a land acknowledgment. It is upon us as newcomers to learn about the history of the lands; to protect and cherish it.
We are all on our own journey and it is one that will continue for both the organization and myself. For those visiting, I challenge you to acknowledge these lands, work with our team on how you can add an Indigenous component to your event and encourage your guests to learn one or two truths about the history of Mohkinstis.
– Kurby Court, President and CEO, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre
Land Acknowledgement
The Calgary TELUS Convention Centre hosts live events facilitating connections; promoting the convergence of ideas that may have never existed, – taking inspiration from “Wicispa (Win-Cheese-Pah), Guts’ists’I (Goo-tist-see) and Mohkinstsis (Moh-gihn-s-tis),” the confluence of the Bow and the Elbow Rivers.
Today we gather on Blackfoot Territory. These ancestral Treaty Seven lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy consist of the Siksika (Six-ih-gah) Nation, Piikani (Bee-gun-nee) Nation, and the Kainai (Gaa-nah) Nation; we also acknowledge the connection of the Iethka (ee-iith-kah) Stoney Nakoda Nation, consisting of the Chiniki (Chin-ih-key), Bearspaw (Bears-paw), and Good Stoney Bands, the people of the Tsuut’ina (Sue-tin-ah), and Metis government of the Metis Nation within Alberta District 6. These lands and connections make up an entire ecosystem, which they share with all of us as newcomers.
As we commence our journey here today, we do so by acknowledging these lands are more than just spaces; they are gathering places, deeply interwoven in the traditional Indigenous stories, songs, languages, ceremonies, and lifeways that must be honoured and protected.
By respecting these cherished lands where we work and live, we continue to encourage meaningful relationships – like those that have been unfolding here for thousands of years. It is our responsibility to be present, aware, and reflect every day, as we continue our journey towards truth and reconciliation – All our relations
Indigenous Client Program – A Legacy for Mohkinstsis
As part of our organization’s journey toward truth and reconciliation, we are proud to promote Indigenous programming for your event, creating lasting legacy for those who have been protecting the lands, waters, and ecosystem of Mohkinstsis. If you are looking to enhance your delegate experience, create a lasting moment, or have your guests go home with local authentic Indigenous art, talk to your Sales or Event Manager and inquire about one of the many options, including those through our partners below.
- Authentically Indigenous Inc., a local Indigenous founded organization aims to amplify local Indigenous culture. Event options can include an Elder blessing to kick off your event, Indigenous drummers and dancers, an authentic Indigenous art market, or cultural knowledge sessions.
- In partnership between Zuc’min Guiding and Warrior Women, delegates can learn about Indigenous history, Indigenous creativity, and reconciliation through a transformative Indigenous art walk experience. They will learn about this place and how Indigenous public art tells the stories of moving forward together through meaningful relationships.
- Looking for speaker or delegate gifts? Explore the many local Indigenous offerings by Moonstone Creation.
Elder Sheldon First Rider
Blackfoot Elder Sheldon First Rider has been a beacon of wisdom and truth on our path toward reconciliation. As a residential school survivor from the Blood Nation in southern Alberta, Elder Sheldon has dedicated himself to educating businesses, organizations, and schools about the truths of this land – Mokhnistis.
His latest endeavor includes a series of videos where he shares history and truths from knowledge keepers and elders about Indigenous lifeways. The first video focuses on the Prairie Crocus, or kippiaapi in the Blackfoot language.
Elder Sheldon’s work continues to illuminate the cultural significance and resilience of Indigenous traditions.