The Journey Begins: Community Launch for Proposed Indigenous Culture and Wellness Centre

The first step in creating an Indigenous Culture and Wellness Centre (ICWC) as described in Action #1 of the EndPoverty Edmonton Road Map will be taken in early April. The Community Launch will start a series of Community Conversations to offer community members and agencies the opportunity to share their vision for the ICWC.

The ICWC Steering Committee, EndPoverty Edmonton, and the City of Edmonton invite all interested individuals and organizations to attend this launch ceremony on:

Thursday, April 12, 2018

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Canadian Native Friendship Centre, 11728 – 95 Street

A light meal will be served

Program activities will begin at 5:15pm.

All media are welcome to attend.

The Five-Year EndPoverty Edmonton Road Map (2017-2021) contained 35 starting point actions. Action #1 “to design and plan an Indigenous Culture and Wellness Centre”, initiates the work that will contribute to the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The Road Map was approved by City Council in May 2016.

As the convening lead on this keystone action, the City of Edmonton brought together a dynamic committee to guide the initial strategic planning phase of this significant project in the fall of 2017. The ICWC Steering Committee is composed of Indigenous representatives from the EndPoverty Edmonton and Indigenous Circle and key City staff members.

The environmental scan and engagement will inform the strategic goals and direction of the proposed Centre, including early input around both indoor and outdoor spaces. Community engagement sessions for the environmental scan will begin soon, in June of this year.

The ICWC Steering Committee invites you to learn more about the engagement process, on April 12, and to share your voice on how we move forward with the Centre’s development.