Key Partners
In Summer 2023, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, Banff Canmore Foundation and the Indigenous Knowledge Circle entered into an agreement to support the continued incubation of Mînî hrpa. This partnership reflects a commitment to fostering Indigenous culture and community collaboration in the Bow Valley.
The incubation of the Indigenous Cultural Center is jointly supported and funded by Banff & Lake Louise Tourism and Banff Canmore Foundation, with the goal of creating a lasting, vibrant cultural space for the community.
Mînî hrpa is actively seeking additional partnerships from Bow Valley organizations, industry leaders, funders, and municipal entities to further this important work.
In addition, Banff Canmore Foundation’s Truth and Reconciliation Fund is providing essential financial support to help drive the work of Mînî hrpa.
To learn more about this fund and how you can contribute, visit the Banff Canmore Foundation Truth and Reconciliation Fund.
2020
The Moving Mountains Initiative is born after the Banff Canmore Community Foundation, Town of Banff, and Town of Canmore receive an Alberta Civil Society Grant.
Key Dates
2021
In Fall 2021, the initiative adopts a Co-Leadership model with Daryl Kootenay and Jeanie Macpherson stepping in as Co-Leads, driving forward the vision of community-led action and reconciliation.
2022
The Indigenous Knowledge Circle evolves from the initiative’s civil society consultations, becoming central to Indigenous knowledge exchange and advisory work.
2023
Mînî hrpa is named to reflect Indigenous identity and connection to the land. It is guided by the Indigenous Knowledge Circle as its governing body. In March 2023, Mînî hrpa launches with the first Indigenous-led Cultural Pop-Up in Banff National Park, engaging the community in Indigenous culture, art, and traditions.
2024 -present
Mînî hrpa continues to host cultural pop-ups and events throughout the Bow Valley, sharing Indigenous art, craft, and culture with visitors and the wider community. We are also working toward establishing a dedicated space in Banff for ceremony, teaching, creating, and coming together.