1) Why was this site chosen and what is the significance of this location?
The kihciy askiy site, located at 14141 Fox Drive NW, is historically and culturally significant and has served as a ceremonial site in the past. Long before becoming farmland, the kihciy askiy site was used for many centuries by the Indigenous people foraging for medicines for healing purposes. Ochre, a rare mineral, is also found close to the site and was used in spiritual and traditional ceremonies. Due to this significance, the Fox Farms site was chosen for the kihciy askiy project.
2) What is the opening date?
The projected date of opening is Q1-Q2 2023.
3) What are the hours of operation for this site?
The site will be open daily from 9am to 4:30pm.
4) Who will own the title to the land?
The City of Edmonton will remain the title owner to the land.
5) Will the land title be transferred to IKWC at some point as part of reconciliation?
The land was gifted by the Fox family to the City in 1968 for the purpose of public recreation and enjoyment. The establishment of kihciy askiy is aligned with this intention. IKWC will operate the site under a license agreement with the City. This arrangement enables IKWC to focus on programming the site, while the City services the site and buildings. At this time there are no plans to transfer the land title to IKWC.
6) What types of programming will take place at this site? Will it be noisy?
The kihciy askiy site will provide a natural setting for hosting ceremonies, practicing traditional arts and sciences and facilitation of intergenerational and land-base teachings. The types of ceremonies and programming that will take place at kihciy askiy includes Sweat Lodges, Pipe Ceremonies, Traditional Teachings, and an outdoor Tipi and Educational space.
kihciy askiy is intended to be a solemn site for Indigenous ceremonial gathering. Events such as pow-wows will not be held here, and the partner groups will make efforts to reach out to engage the neighbourhood and surrounding communities. This facility will also adhere to the City of Edmonton Noise Bylaw 14600. There will be a limit of 100 people on site at one time.
7) Will there be a beautification aspect to the park? Will there be a garden similar to the Indigenous Garden at the Botanical gardens?
A healing garden, presenting traditional herbs and plants in the form of a medicine wheel, will provide education about Indigenous culture in the currently unfunded Phase 2 portion of the project. Indigenous artwork could be incorporated into the healing garden.
8) Did the project consider the use of natural gas for space heating and fire pits?
We will not use natural gas. We will use wood, such as white poplar trees.
9) Some utilities need to be relocated, such as power or gas. Who is responsible for the cost for these moves?
The City of Edmonton is responsible. This is part of the project budget.
10) What is the history of public and Indigenous engagement and City Council decision-making?
The City conducted the following public engagement and Indigenous consultation:
1968 - The City acquired the former Fox Farm site.
2003 - The Whitemud Integrated Area Concept Plan was developed and approved by City Council.
2006 - The City receives a proposal from the Indigenous Elders Cultural Resource Society to create a permanent site for Indigenous cultural events and learning experiences for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
2009 - The Whitemud Integrated Area Concept Plan is amended to include the development of the cultural site called kihciy askiy. A public open house was held in 2009.
2011 - City Council approves funding in the 2015-2018 kihciy askiy phase.
2014 - Public engagement in Design. When the design of the project formally began in 2014, it was exempted from the public engagement policy/process due to the nature of the ceremony and programs that will take place. The engagement took place with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Native Counselling Services of Alberta, and now the IKWC.
2015-2017 - Indigenous consultation, design and environmental review.
2018 - Council approved the Environment Impact Assessment and Site Location Study.
2019 - With direction from Council, the Indigenous Relations Office worked with Indigenous community partners to identify potential partners that could finalize and implement a governance and operations model.
2020 - The City began working with the IKWC. City Council approved the release of capital funding required for construction.
2021 - The City re-engaged the design consultant to update the drawings to current code and COE standards.
Under the leadership and direction from the kihciy askiy Counsel of Elders, the previous operating partner, Native Counselling Services of Alberta, engaged Indigenous spiritual leaders living in the capital region through two Grand Council Gatherings of Elders in 2015 and 2018.