Red Deer Indigenous Culture Centre
A VISION shaped by COMMUNITY
The journey toward an Indigenous Cultural Centre in Red Deer did not begin today. For decades, Indigenous community members, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, youth, families and local organizations have shared a vision for a place of belonginga place where Indigenous people can gather, practice culture, hold Ceremony, share teachings and strengthen relationships across generations.
As early as 1999, the Red Deer Aboriginal Community Assessment identified the need for a safe and welcoming gathering place where Indigenous people could connect with one another, feel less isolated and participate in ceremony, cultural activities and intergenerational learning.
That vision continued to be heard through community gatherings, consultations and planning initiatives. The 2006 Charting Our Path conference again identified the need for an Indigenous cultural centre. Beginning in 2008, the Red Deer Native Friendship Society, Heritage Family Services and The City of Red Deer worked with community members and design professionals to explore a cultural centre and housing development. Although that work eventually resulted in the opening of Asooahum Crossing in 2017, the cultural centre itself was not realized.
The vision, however, was never forgotten.
Mâmawatoskêwak began evaluating potential locations using the priorities identified by community. Site visits, environmental considerations and technical information helped narrow the possibilities and better understand the opportunities and challenges connected to each location. Community members were invited to receive updates, ask questions and provide further guidance. Through this process, the Michener North lands near the Michael O’Brien Wetland emerged as the preferred location. In May 2026, the community-informed site recommendation was presented to Red Deer City Council.
OUR JOURNEY
In 2023
Red Deer City Council committed funding toward community consultation and early concept development for an Indigenous Cultural Centre.
In 2024
Renewed conversations with the Indigenous community began in 2024, creating the foundation for a more coordinated and community-led process.
In 2025
In April 2025, Indigenous community members and partners gathered to identify what the future Centre and its land would need. Community members emphasized that the Centre must be more than a building. It must be a living cultural place rooted in the land, guided by Indigenous values and accountable to the community it is intended to serve.
In September 2025, the Working Collaborative Circle was formed, and in August 2025, the Mâmawatoskêwak Advisory Circle was formed to help carry the work forward.
Early 2026
By mid-2026, Mâmawatoskêwak had completed its mandate to guide the site-review process and bring forward a community-informed recommendation. With this important phase complete, community members provided further direction for how the project should move forward. A Governance Circle was formed to provide leadership, accountability and oversight through the Centre’s next stages of development. The project continues to be guided by the Working Collaborative Group, ensuring that community voices remain connected to the work. The Working Collaborative Group is also beginning to lead its own initiatives and help turn the community’s shared vision into action.
Late 2026
A PLACE FOR HEALING AND TRANSFORMATION
The Michener North lands offer an opportunity to create a place grounded in healing, dignity, culture and belonging. Surrounded by natural areas and connected to the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary, the land holds possibilities for ceremony, cultural learning, land stewardship and gathering across generations.
The Cultural Centre will be more than a building. It will be a living cultural place where First Nations, Metis, and Inuit (Indigenous Peoples) can strengthen their connections to culture, land and one another, while carrying stories, teachings and ways of knowing forward.
As the vision continues to take shape, the next steps will require thoughtful planning, strong relationships and continued accountability to community. Decisions about the land, design, governance, funding, ownership and long-term operation of the Centre will be approached with care.
Moving forward in a good way means listening to different perspectives and ensuring that Elders, Knowledge Keepers, youth, families and community members can meaningfully shape the Centre’s future. Guided by Indigenous ways of knowing and being and Natural Law we will continue walking this path together.
Important updates
Cultural Roadmap
Explore the long-term vision and strategic planning for the Cultural Centre's heritage programs.
Heritage Archives
Access our digital collections of historical records, maps, and archival photographs.
Stay Connected
Connect with us for updates, announcements.