At Momentum we’ve committed to becoming a trusted partner in Truth & Reconciliation with Indigenous communities. In June 2017, Blackfoot Elder Clarence Wolfleg, along with Roy Bear Chief, performed a blessing ceremony in the presence of Momentum staff to recognize and legitimize Momentum's Indigenous Engagement Strategy in a way consistent with Indigenous traditions. During the ceremony, the written strategy was placed inside of a bundle and given the name Iitsihtaana (ee-tseeh-taa-nii), which means “will, state of mind and thoughts”. The bundle and associated blessing ceremony serve as an Indigenous parallel to creating a written strategy.

Since the onset of this journey, we have been gifted with new ways of understanding our role within Truth and Reconciliation, specifically through the lens of economic reconciliation. Since 2023, led by our Indigenous Engagement Coordinator Natalie Wynn-Dempsey, we have worked towards a refresh of our Indigenous Engagement Strategy that reflects how our journey has evolved, identifying opportunities for further learning, collaboration, and action. We are eager to share our refreshed strategy in 2025.

This year, to honour September 30th’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation we are shining a light on and participating in Indigenous-led activities in the community, and leading up to these events we have engaged staff via educational courses and resources focused on Indigenous awareness. Some of this learning has been integrated into our mandatory training modules, to ensure all staff have a baseline understanding of the significance of Truth and Reconciliation. From there, staff are continuously invited to engage with our Indigenous Engagement Working Group to further advance our partnerships, commitments, learning and growth.

We will continue working to build relationships with Indigenous communities, and this work will remain centered on listening and honest reflection. As an organization focused on economic inclusivity, our approach orbits around the role we can play in building or amplifying economic opportunity for Indigenous communities on Treaty 7 territory, including the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Iyarhe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations, as well as the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6. We thank all members of these nations for their grace and strength as Momentum and organizations like ours continue down our respective paths of Truth and Reconciliation.

Learn more about our journey here.

Find events honoring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

Miskanawah

Heritage Park

Family Fun Canada

Alberta Chambers of Commerce

Arts Commons

Calgary Public Library