Kihciy Askiy (Sacred Earth)

Project Overview

Kihciy askiy (“Sacred Earth” in Cree) in Whitemud Park will provide a natural setting for Indigenous peoples and communities in the capital region to host spiritual ceremonies, sweat lodges, cultural camps and talking circles; grow medicinal herbs, and facilitate intergenerational learning in an appropriately designed outdoor learning space.

Phase 1 of kihciy askiy design is complete and awaiting funding approval to proceed to construction. The proposed kihciy askiy cultural site will feature:

• Four sweat lodges

• Space for tipis for ceremonies and small group workshops

• Large tent gathering area for ceremonial feasts and cultural teachings

• Change rooms/washrooms

• Indoor gathering room

• Storage space

• Fifty gravel parking stalls

• Two gravel bus parking stalls

• Six metre wide gravel road with turnaround for emergency response vehicles, a permanent ceremonial stone heating device with water source and regrading/seeding of the grassed ceremonial area.

Indigenous Consultation

On May 6 and 7, 2015, and again on October 28 and 29, 2018, Native Counselling Services of Alberta hosted Grand Council Gatherings for Indigenous Spiritual Leaders in the Capital Region at the Alfred H. Savage Centre.

Outcomes of the gatherings included:

• Review and approval of the kihciy askiy concept design

• An understanding of the protocols to be used for ceremony at kihciy askiy

• An understanding of the ceremonial and spiritual needs of the Indigenous community in the Capital Region 

Counsel of Elders

In 2016, Native Counselling Services of Alberta created the Counsel of Elders to work with the Project Team during the design and construction of kihciy askiy:

• Howard Mustus (Chair)

• Annabelle Kootenay

• Joe Ground

• Wilson Bearhead

• Doris Daychief

• Beatrice Morin

• Emil Desrochers

• Fred Campio

• Wil Campbell

• Ron Arcand