Canada's first urban Indigenous ceremonial grounds

Summary

Edmonton is set to open the first urban Indigenous ceremonial ground in Canada, providing a vital space for spiritual ceremonies that have been absent in cities for over a century. The facility will include a sweat lodge, fire pit, and amphitheater on traditionally significant land. This initiative, expected to support 60 local Indigenous organizations and draw 65,000 visitors, symbolizes a significant step in reconciliation. It aims to provide access to cultural practices for urban Indigenous populations, while being a solemn, private space rather than a tourist attraction. The facility’s completion in spring will inspire similar efforts across Canada.

Takeaways

• 😀 The creation of Kichiski, Canada's first urban Indigenous ceremonial ground, marks a significant act of reconciliation in Edmonton's history.
• 😀 The site will provide space for Indigenous spiritual ceremonies, filling a gap where such ceremonies have not been possible in urban centers for over a century.
• 😀 The Kichiski project will be located in White Mud Park and is expected to support around 65,000 people, with facilities such as sweat lodges, a feast fire pit, and an amphitheater.
• 😀 For over 100 years, Indigenous people living in Canadian cities had to travel up to 100 kilometers for spiritual ceremonies. This new facility will change that by providing accessible space in the city.
• 😀 Approximately 60 local Indigenous organizations will utilize the new ceremonial space.
• 😀 The project is located on land that holds significant cultural value and is rooted in traditional Indigenous heritage.
• 😀 The facility aims to support spiritual healing and community building, as well as the broader reconciliation process with the city of Edmonton.
• 😀 While the space will be open to all, it will not be a tourist attraction or a place for social media attention, emphasizing the solemnity and sacredness of the ceremonies held there.
• 😀 A formal agreement between the community and the city regarding the facility's management is expected to be reached later this fall.
• 😀 The Kichiski project has already inspired similar initiatives in other Canadian cities, including Toronto, Calgary, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg, highlighting its broader impact on urban Indigenous culture and reconciliation.

Q & A

What historical event is being referenced in the transcript regarding the Sundance in Edmonton?

The transcript refers to the last Sundance ceremony held in Edmonton in 1882 on the south side, hosted by Papa's Chases People. The last one in the river valley took place in 1880 and was hosted by Chief Urban Skin.

What significance does the Kichiski ceremonial ground hold?

Kichiski, meaning 'sacred land' in Cree, will become the first urban Indigenous ceremonial ground in Canada, a space dedicated to Indigenous spiritual ceremonies within an urban center.

Why has finding a space for Indigenous spiritual ceremonies been challenging in Canadian cities?

Finding space for Indigenous spiritual ceremonies has been a daunting challenge in Canadian cities because Indigenous peoples have had to travel up to 100 kilometers away to perform their ceremonies, due to the lack of available urban spaces.

What are some features of the new ceremonial facility in White Mud Park?

The new facility will include eight sweat lodges, a feast fire pit, an amphitheater, and other ceremonial spaces. It is expected to serve around 65,000 people and be located on traditionally significant land.

How many Indigenous organizations are expected to use the new ceremonial space?

Around 60 local Indigenous organizations are expected to utilize the new facility once it opens.

What is the intended purpose of the Kichiski ceremonial ground, according to the elders?

According to the elders, the Kichiski ceremonial ground is not intended to be a tourist attraction or for social media attention. It is meant to be a solemn space for seeking solace, connecting with the land, and engaging in spiritual practices.

How will the new facility contribute to the reconciliation process in Edmonton?

The new facility will aid in the development and healing of Indigenous communities and foster reconciliation between these communities and the city of Edmonton by providing access to cultural practices and ceremonies.

What are the plans for managing the facility in the future?

The community is hoping to reach a formal agreement with the city regarding the management of the facility later in the fall.

How does the facility's development inspire other cities in Canada?

The development of the Kichiski ceremonial ground has inspired other cities in Canada, such as Toronto, Calgary, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg, to consider similar projects to support Indigenous communities in urban areas.

What role does urban Indigenous populations play in the creation of this ceremonial space?

The creation of this ceremonial space is largely driven by the fact that most Indigenous people now live in urban centers, and they need access to cultural spaces within these cities to practice their traditions and ceremonies.