City designates Indigenous cultural gathering space in Police Point Park

The City of Medicine Hat, in partnership with the Miywasin Friendship Centre, has designated an Indigenous cultural gathering space in Police Point Park, recognizing the deep and enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have with this land. The approximately 100 square-foot space sits beside the Nature Centre, located on the west side of the facility. A sign will be installed on-site indicating the location of the space.

The gathering space provides a safe and welcoming environment for Indigenous peoples to use for ceremony, teaching, reflection, and cultural connection. It primarily will be kept as an open space to gather. A sweat lodge structure may occasionally be constructed on site based on the needs of the Indigenous community gathering.

Police Point Park is a place of cultural and historical significance, connected to Indigenous histories, traditional uses, gathering, harvesting, and relationships with the South Saskatchewan River and surrounding landscape. The designation of this cultural gathering space honours Indigenous Peoples as the original stewards of this land, including Treaty 7 territory, Treaty 4 territory, and the homelands of the Métis Nation within District 2, Battle River Territory. 

The cultural gathering space will officially be designated upon receiving a ground blessing. The community is welcome to attend the ground blessing by Elder Warren One Gun, which will occur with the support of the Miywasin Friendship Centre on Friday, August 28 at 11 a.m.

Attendees are asked to bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Members of the public are asked to honour the purpose of the space and respect any cultural protocols, signage, or guidance provided. 

After the ground blessing, the space will be available to book for cultural purposes. Applications to utilize the space can be made through the Bookings & Rentals page within the Parks and Recreation section of the City’s website.
 

Quotes 

“Having a dedicated space within Police Point Park creates an opportunity for Indigenous people to see that our cultures, traditions, ceremonies, and ways of knowing have a meaningful place within the broader community. This space represents the Blackfoot teaching of Isspomaanitpiisinii, which means to help one another—to intentionally come together and work toward a common goal. The vision for this space could not have become a reality without the active collaboration between the Miywasin Friendship Centre, the City of Medicine Hat Parks and Recreation Department, and the City’s Indigenous Relations Office. We are grateful to see this shared vision come to fruition and look forward to this space serving the Indigenous community, fostering understanding and connection, and creating a place of belonging for generations to come.”

–  Mekethia Fairbanks, Cultural Connections Coordinator, Miywasin Friendship Centre 

"It has been a privilege for Parks and Recreation to work collaboratively with our City partners and the Miywasin Friendship Centre on this initiative. We are proud to support a project that honours culture, promotes understanding, and contributes to meaningful reconciliation efforts within our community. This collaborative work reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples. We’re grateful to the Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, and partners whose guidance continues to shape this initiative."

–  Orlando Whetter, Manager of Parks, City of Medicine Hat