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Advancing Reconciliation at Momentum

A mural depicting an Indigenous mother and small child, with teepees of each Treaty Nation in the background.
The Momentum logo, in white with transparent background, including feathers inside the three-branched symbol.

Our journey towards Reconciliation

At Momentum, we’ve committed to becoming a trusted partner in Truth & Reconciliation with Indigenous communities. We have a lot to learn, and we continue to build staff and Board participation in learning events, exploring how oral traditions can enhance the way we deliver programs, and connecting with Indigenous colleagues and communities across Treaty 7.

Advancing Reconciliation at Momentum - Our Story: First Steps

Iitsihtaana - Momentum's Indigenous Engagement Strategy

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.

We're committed to becoming a trusted partner in reconciliation with Indigenous communities. As we walk this journey, we engage through internal and external collaborations, exercises, and learnings, continually exploring how we must undo settler mindsets. Integrating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into our programming, messaging, and organizational culture is an ongoing committment.

Read Iitsihtaana - Momentum's Indigenous Engagement Strategy in full here.

Statements from Momentum's Board of Directors

"Engaging Indigenous communities in Calgary is integral to our ability to advance our goals of an inclusive local economy, shared prosperity, and poverty reduction."

"Partnering with Indigenous communities and embracing their traditions, values and culture, including through the incorporation of Indigenous approaches in our programming, can strengthen and add richness to our work."

"We all have a lot to learn about the history of our country - particularly regarding the lasting impacts of colonialism."

"Reconciliation - the journey of learning and healing we are all on together - goes beyond our work here at Momentum and touches all Canadians."

Indigenous engagement and learning

Momentum hosts and participates in events aimed at supporting staff, stakeholders, and rights holders in understanding the significance of our Reconciliation Journey.

Bundle including Momentum's Indigenous Engagement Strategy, wrapped in a Blackfoot blanket.
A group of people in the Digital Dreamers program participate in a traditional Indigenous dance.
A family gathers in a cozy living room, while a young child holding Duplo blocks plays and laughs with a parent.
A group of people chat at a grey picnic table while eating food and drinking coffee.
Indigenous drummers and singers, standing outside the Momentum building, performing in a circle.
An Indigenous dancer stands outdoors on green grass, while a singer drums and sings. A reflective office building wall is in the background showing an audience.

Funder Thanks

We thank the following partners for their generosity and commitment to supporting this important Truth and Reconciliation work.

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Nutrien logo in black and green on a transparent background