Collaboration and Engagement

Some Indigenous people across North America refer to the continent as “Turtle Island”. Turtles are significant to these Indigenous communities because a turtle gave humankind life by providing its shell to live on. There are more than 70 Indigenous nations that speak more than 70 different languages across Canada. Throughout IGC 2028, we will showcase and promote Indigenous science, culture, business, and tourism.

Indigenous elders will be invited to provide a blessing during the opening ceremonies, and other daily ceremonies and blessings in the Indigenous meeting place. There will be cultural events occurring throughout the day such as dancing, demonstrations, elder story-telling. Delegates will be able to sample Indigenous foods such as bannock, pemmican and smoked fish or bison. We will promote educational day trips to locations of significance to local Indigenous peoples such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, Writing on Stone Provincial Park, and the cultural centre at Blackfoot Crossing. For interested delegates and their families and guests, we will provide suggestions for short and extended trips departing from Calgary.

An Indigenous Advisory Board (IAB) is in the process of being set-up. This Board will ensure that Indigenous aspects are being appropriately and authentically represented at IGC 2028.