Establishing Mînî hrpa

  • Indigenous Knowledge Circle

    In 2023, we established a grassroots, community-led Indigenous knowledge circle to guide local organizations in making decisions rooted in Indigenous cultural knowledge and leadership.

  • Cultural Pop Ups

    We host numerous events across the Bow Valley where Indigenous art, craft, and culture are shared with visitors and the wider community.

  • Permanent Gathering Place:

    We are working towards a dedicated space in Banff for ceremony, teaching, creating and coming together.

A few years ago, we came together in a small circle through the Moving Mountains initiative — a space to speak truth, listen deeply, and imagine a better way forward. Over time, with trust and shared stories, that circle grew. We became something more: the Mînî hrpa Indigenous Knowledge Circle — a group of over 20 grassroots Indigenous artists, Elders, and community leaders working together to carry culture, connection and action forward. Together, we carry the strength of our ancestors, the support of new allies, and the vision of future generations.

Through our conversations and shared histories, we named what our people need — not just to be heard, but to thrive in right relationship with the land and all who live here. Together, we identified three guiding needs for sustaining and deepening Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships in the Bow Valley:

  • A community-led Indigenous advisory circle to speak for and with our people

  • Spaces for Indigenous art and craft, where our hands and hearts can share culture

  • A permanent cultural gathering place, rooted in ceremony, story, and presence

We come from this land — Mînî hrpa — the place of the waterfalls, known today as the Banff, situated within the Bow Valley. As Stoney Nakoda people, our connection to this land is deep and lasting. We have always been here, caring for it, living with it, and sharing its stories. As Elder Terry Rider says, “We are here, have always been here, and will always be here.”

Long before new systems arrived, we welcomed others to this place. That spirit of welcome continues to guide us as we seek to walk together in a better way.

This work is rooted in who we are and where we come from. We’re building something lasting — for our people today, and the generations still to come. And we invite you to walk with us.

Establishing a Community-Led Indigenous Advisory Circle

What began as a small Learn and Try group within the Moving Mountains Initiative has grown into a larger circle of over 20 grassroots Indigenous artists and community leaders. This group is now known as the Mînî hrpa Indigenous Knowledge Circle.

Developing Spaces for Indigenous Art and Craft:

For decades, there has been a longing for an Indigenous Gathering Place in Banff and Canmore. Driven by grassroots efforts from passionate individuals, this vision finally reached a crucial milestone: finding a home base. In 2022, the Banff Canmore Community Foundation offered its building at 214 Banff Avenue to the Indigenous Knowlege Circle, providing a space to gather, share, and learn. For at least the two years, this will be Mînî hrpa’s home base until a permanent location is secured.

Creating a Permanent Cultural Gathering Place – “Mînî hrpa”

In 2022, under the guidance of Indigenous Circle members Cory Beaver and Travis Rider, our work took a significant step forward with the naming of Mînî hrpa, a Stoney Nakoda term reflecting its purpose. Mînî hrpa emphasizes Indigenous voice and leadership, essential for advancing Truth and Reconciliation.

By summer 2023, an agreement between Banff and Lake Louise Tourism, the Banff Canmore Foundation, and the Indigenous Knowledge Circle was established to support Mînî hrpa's growth. This partnership has been crucial for the cultural center’s development. Mînî hrpa is also seeking further support from Bow Valley organizations, funders, and municipal entities. The BCF’s Truth and Reconciliation Fund is vital to this effort. For more information or to contribute, visit BCF's Truth and Reconciliation Fund.

Today, the Indigenous Knowledge Circle, made up of over 20 grassroots Indigenous artists and leaders, is central to Mînî hrpa. They guide and share their deep-rooted knowledge with communities throughout the Bow Valley. Our journey towards a permanent home in Banff is filled with hope and determination. We are excited about forming the Mînî hrpa Collective and securing a lasting space. 

As we grow, we are grateful for the opportunity to continue offering Indigenous-designed and led cultural pop-up events, celebrating and connecting our communities with each step forward.