CALGARY,
AB, May 2, 2024 /CNW/ - Fort Calgary
announced today its new name and brand identity: The Confluence:
Historic Site & Parkland (The Confluence). Located
where the Bow and Elbow rivers converge, The Confluence has been a
place of Indigenous gathering for time immemorial and continues to
hold great significance to Indigenous peoples. With its name
change, The Confluence will broaden its narrative to represent many
histories, including those of Indigenous peoples, settlers, the
North-West Mounted Police, newcomers, and the land
itself.
"The Confluence is about the coming together of separate
entities, identities and histories," says Jennifer Thompson, President of The Confluence.
"The stories of this land are complex. That's why we engaged
Indigenous Peoples, Calgarians, partners, the RCMP, and other key
audiences to gather knowledge and perspective. We heard that
telling a broader cross-section of history about The Confluence and
advancing Truth and Reconciliation was important. Today we are
officially launching a new name, and taking an important step
towards telling the many stories of this land that we call
Calgary today."
The Confluence is a community gathering space that offers a wide
variety of experiences, including exhibits, talks, tours,
workshops, youth education programs, summer camps, movies, art
shows, concerts, and festivals. As Calgary renews its arts and entertainment
district with new development, The Confluence will activate its
position as the gateway to Calgary's new culture and entertainment
district as well as the Music Mile.
"The Confluence is a place of deep historical and spiritual
significance which invites us to connect to land and stories across
generations and cultures," says Calgary Mayor Jyoti
Gondek. "It is where our two rivers meet, the convergence of
our past, present, and future, and a vibrant point of connection –
for Calgarians and visitors – between downtown, the East Village
and the new Culture + Entertainment District."
"This site has been a traditional location of gathering for
Indigenous Peoples for generations and is woven in the deep culture
that runs through this province," says Minister Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations.
"I am glad to see this site being honoured in the spirit of
reconciliation. This is a great step towards honouring the First
Peoples of this land, making meaningful change, and acknowledging
the traditional lands we live upon today."
In addition to sharing a new name and identity, The Confluence
also announced that Blackfoot Elder Leonard Bastien Weasel
Traveller transferred the name I'táámito'táaattsiiyio'pi
(Eeh-daah-mee-doh-daat-tsee-yoop) to the
organization in a ceremony held earlier today.
I'táámito'táaattsiiyio'pi, meaning 'harmonious meeting
place', recognizes that the land of The Confluence has a sacred
and deep meaning to many and is a place for all to gather, learn
and recognize the deep and rich history of the land.
"The Confluence speaks of two rivers coming together," says
Blackfoot Elder Leonard Bastien Weasel Traveller. "It represents a
new way of engaging to move forward in ways that are mutually
beneficial to the community of Calgary and the Indigenous
community."
After careful and extensive consideration and engagement, The
Confluence is pleased to make several additional announcements
including an Indigenous ceremonial and programming space,
Blackfoot exhibit and an RFP for a
long-term development plan. Taken together, these announcements
represent a major step forward in The Confluence's vision to share
the complex stories of this land and its histories.
The Confluence strives to connect a long and significant past to
today. A destination for tourists and locals alike, The Confluence
will continue to be a significant gathering place for all. Members
of the community are invited to attend an Open House that will show
attendees how The Confluence and its new identity connects to the
community through a variety of activities for all ages. The Open
House will take place on Sunday, May
26 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m.
Learn more: www.theconfluence.com
SOURCE Fort Calgary