The Moving Mountains Initiative: Establishing Mînî hrpa

The work between Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies was initiated through the the Moving Mountains initiative.  A two-year community led initiative funded by Alberta’s Civil Society Fund and stewarded by Banff Canmore Foundation, Town of Banff and Town of Canmore, Moving Mountains aimed to strengthen collaboration across Bow Valley’s civil society sector. The initiative looked to explore what communities could do more powerfully together in face of complex problems such as Truth and Reconciliation, Environment, Affordability and Economy. The initiative established a Learn and Try group in Truth and Reconciliation - an Indigenous led group who focused to identify and address specific issues Indigenous peoples are facing in the Bow Valley. 

The Stoney Nakoda connection to this land is deep and enduring. As stewards of the Bow Valley and the larger Stoney territory for generations, Stoney Nakoda people affirm, “We are here, have always been here, and will always be here,” highlighting their long-standing presence and stewardship of these lands. Stoney Nakoda elders and community leaders in the emerging Learn and Try group, shared that their people were among the first Indigenous groups to welcome settlers to this land, which they call Mînî hrpa, referring to the Banff area and the waterfall off Cascade Mountain.

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, now known as the Mînî hrpa Indigenous Knowledge Circle. Through the collaboration with the Moving Mountains initiative, and the sharing of knowledge and oral histories, the Indigenous Knowledge Circle identified three core needs to sustain and grow Indigenous and non indigenous relations in the Bow Valley:

  1. Establish a community-led Indigenous advisory or council in the Bow Valley

  2. Develop spaces for Indigenous art and craft

  3. Create a permanent cultural gathering place

  • Establishing a Community-Led Indigenous Advisory or Council in the Bow Valley:

    Creating a dedicated group to provide guidance and support from within the Indigenous community.

  • Developing Spaces for Indigenous Art and Craft:

    Providing locations in Banff and the Bow Valley where Indigenous art and crafts can be created, displayed, and celebrated.

  • Creating a Permanent Cultural Gathering Place:

    Establishing a building or storefront in Banff, where the community can come together to practice, share, and sustain their cultural traditions.

Establishing a Community-Led Indigenous Advisory or Council

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.