Indigenous Guiding Circle

Indigenous Guiding Circle

Guided by the principles of Truth and Reconciliation, this initiative seeks to honour Indigenous knowledge, traditions and perspectives in the planning and delivery of Arts & Culture programs.

We’re creating an Indigenous Guiding Circle to help shape our Arts & Culture initiatives. This is an important step in our reconciliation journey and shows our commitment to working respectfully and meaningfully with Indigenous communities. 

The Circle will be a safe space for dialogue, collaboration, and shared visioning where Indigenous knowledge and perspectives guide our work.

What it's about

The Indigenous Guiding Circle is being created to:

  • Build stronger relationships with Indigenous communities.
  • Honour Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and perspectives in Arts & Culture.
  • Create a platform for respectful dialogue and collaboration.
  • Support programming and events that are culturally informed and relevant.
  • Uphold our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

Who we're inviting

We welcome interest from diverse Indigenous voices, including:

  • Elders and Knowledge Keepers
  • Artists and cultural practitioners (traditional and contemporary)
  • Youth and emerging leaders
  • Women and 2SLGBTQ+ voices
  • Urban Indigenous and Métis community members
  • People with lived and living experience.

Download a printable copy of the expression of interest guide.

To join, you must:

  • Self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.
  • Have a connection to Treaty 7, the urban Indigenous community, or citizens of the Métis Nation.
  • Be willing to share lived experience, cultural knowledge, or perspectives on arts, culture, heritage, or reconciliation.
  • Engage in respectful dialogue and collaborative work.

What members can expect

  • Respectful engagement: A culturally safe space grounded in reciprocity, humility, and shared learning.
  • Support & resources: Honoraria (CARFAC rates for consultation), onboarding, and accommodations for travel or accessibility needs.
  • Active participation: Attend quarterly gatherings in person, share your personal experience and perspectives and opportunities to participate in project-specific work.
  • Meaningful connections: Help shape Arts & Culture programs, strengthen relationships, and build inclusive experiences in Calgary.

Members will share from their own experiences and perspectives, not on behalf of entire Nations or communities. While not all recommendations may move forward due to broader City decision-making processes, contributions will influence Arts & Culture priorities and initiatives wherever possible.

How to express interest

We’re seeking expressions of interest from Indigenous community members in and around Calgary.

To apply, send an email or written submission to IndigenousRelations@urbansystems.ca with:

  • Who you are and your connection to your community and to Calgary.
  • Why you’d like to be part of The Circle.
  • Any knowledge, perspectives, or experience you’d like to bring.
  • Your hopes for what The Circle could mean to you and the community.

*If you need support or prefer to respond in a different format, please email us.

Deadline: Oct. 7, 2025, 5 p.m. MST

undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null