kihcihkaw askî (Sacred Land)

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kihcihkaw askî provides a natural setting for Indigenous peoples, groups, and communities to host ceremonies, sweat lodges and facilitate intergenerational learning.

Project Update - February 2023

Construction on the project has finished and final landscaping updates will be completed in the spring as weather allows. The City has partnered with the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre (IKWC) to operate kihcihkaw askî. A grand opening is being planned in summer 2023.

Until late 2022, the name kihciy askiy (Sacred Land) had been used for the site. IKWC worked with the kihciy askiy Elders Counsel and University of Alberta linguists to ensure the correct roman orthography spelling and Cree syllabics were being used for the name. This led to a comprehensive discussion around the usage of kihciy askiy and the consensus was that kihcihkaw askî (Sacred Land) was the most appropriate terminology for kihciy askiy.

For information on programming and operations of kihcihkaw askî, please contact the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre.

Project Overview

kihcihkaw askî (“Sacred Land” in Cree) in Whitemud Park at 14141 Fox Drive NW provides a natural setting for Indigenous peoples, groups and communities in the capital region to host spiritual ceremonies, sweat lodges, cultural camps and talking circles, grow medicinal herbs and facilitate intergenerational learning in an appropriately designed outdoor learning space.

Following a ground blessing, construction started in 2021 and was completed in 2023.

The kihcihkaw askî cultural site features:

Two circular areas for sweat lodges, each with a permanent ceremonial stone heating device with a water source
Circular area for tipis with permanent feast fire pit for ceremonies and small group workshops
Pavilion with washrooms, locker rooms, gathering room and storage for ceremonial items
Gravel parking stalls
Gravel bus parking stalls
Gravel road with turnaround for emergency response vehicles
Storage building with a built-in amphitheatre
Landscaping and walking paths

Frequently Asked Questions

Site and Project Information

1) Why was this site chosen and what is the significance of this location?

The kihcihkaw askî 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 kihcihkaw askî 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 kihcihkaw askî project. Learn more about the history and importance of this project in the City of Edmonton information session recording.

2) What is the opening date?

The Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre (IKWC) began operating the site in early 2023. A grand opening is being planned for summer 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 kihcihkaw askî 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 kihcihkaw askî site provides a natural setting for hosting ceremonies, practicing traditional arts and sciences and facilitation of intergenerational and land-based teachings. The types of ceremonies and programming that take place at kihcihkaw askî will include Sweat Lodges, Pipe Ceremonies, Traditional Teachings and an outdoor Tipi and Educational space.

kihcihkaw askî is 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 is a limit of 100 people on site at one time.

Learn more about the operations of this site in the public information session presentation.

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?

Natural gas will not be used for the space heating or the fire pits.

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 (now kihcihkaw askî). A public open house was held in 2009.

2014 - City Council approves funding in the 2015-2018 budget for kihcihkaw askî Phase 1.

2015 - 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 - Demolition of old Fox Farm buildings.

2015-2017 - Indigenous consultation, design and environmental review.

2018 - Council approves the Environment Impact Assessment and Site Location Study. Edmonton Design Committee approves the design and a Development Permit is issued.

2019 - With direction from Council, the Indigenous Relations Office works with Indigenous community partners to identify potential partners that could finalize and implement a governance and operations model.

2020 - The City begins 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 (now kihcihkaw askî) 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.

Fire Safety and Security

1) I am concerned about fire at this site. How has the ravine been protected in the design?

In 2015 the City of Edmonton’s Design Consultant met with the City’s Fire Rescue Services to ensure that all fire requirements were being met. Edmonton Fire requested that the access road be upgraded to a 6m-wide access road to provide access for a fire truck and to accommodate a turnaround, and this has been accounted for in the design. Fire Rescue Services’ main concern was the possibility of wildfires; therefore, the design of kihcihkaw askî adheres to Fire Smart Canada principles. The sweat lodges are located away from the existing woodland, with a minimum of a 15m distance to the tree line. In a 15m radius around the sweat lodges, all grasses are kept short and mowed regularly. In this area, no shrubs or trees are planted. All proposed tree groves on site, outside the radius, are fire-resistant broadleaf trees. A permanent water source to the site was also a requirement to maintain Fire Smart Principles. In case of a fire ban issued by the City of Edmonton, users of kihcihkaw askî must adhere to the ban or apply for special consideration.

2) Do all Edmonton parks/fire pits have this level of fire mitigation with open fires in Edmonton parks?

Fire mitigation in this area is more stringent because there is only a single access point for emergency vehicles, the Whitemud Creek lands are designated as 'preservation' rather than 'conservation' or 'active and working landscapes' and because of heavy vegetation.

In 2017 the Fire Protection Engineer conducted a technical review of the Schematic Design Report and they recommended that the City of Edmonton incorporate the FireSmart Canada methodology and the Wildfire Hazard Assessment to minimize fire risk in the area, and reference the Alberta Fire Code 2014. Reimagine Architects Ltd. designed the stone heating device for the sweat lodges and the feast fire pit in the center of the tipi circle based on these recommendations and the most current approved design for a City of Edmonton river valley fire pit. Edmonton Fire and Rescue Services subsequently approved the design of both as part of the Development Permit application process.

3) How do site security and fire fighting operate?

In regards to security, the IKWC kihcihkaw askî operations team ensures, as reasonably possible, the safety and security of visitors, volunteers and staff, and the protection of personal and public property on the site. The kihcihkaw askî site is secure. All buildings are locked when not in use and/or under the supervision of kihcihkaw askî staff. The entrance gate and the southeast gate are checked and locked at the end of each working day. The site also has a security monitoring system and a private security company to monitor the site after hours.

In regards to fire fighting, all ceremony and cultural gathering structures (tipis and sweat lodges) have a fire extinguisher in or near the structures. Any cultural or ceremonial activity or event will be monitored by one or two individuals known as “firekeepers'' to ensure the fire mitigation plan is adhered to. The stone heating device used for the sweat lodge ceremony is contained in a fire enclosure that has been approved by Edmonton Fire Services. There will be no open fires outside of the ceremonial and cultural activities.

Environmental Considerations

1) What kind of environmental studies were completed?

An Environmental Impact Assessment was completed in 2017 for the kihcihkaw askî site. The Environmental Impact Assessment examined impacts to the valued ecosystem components in the vicinity of the proposed cultural site. The report outlines an extensive list of mitigation measures for potential impacts related to the following areas: geotechnical and soils, hydrology and surface water quality, vegetation, wildlife, habitat connectivity, residential and recreational land use, traffic and parking, and historic resources. There are numerous mitigation strategies identified for each area. Examples of specific mitigation measures that will be implemented for each impact category include:

Following City of Edmonton Erosion and Sedimentation Control Guidelines
Development of an ECO Plan and implementing best environmental construction practices
Reclaiming temporarily disturbed areas with native seed mix
Replacing lost and damaged trees pursuant to the Corporate Tree Management Policy
Marking project clearing limits with highly visible flagging
Limiting construction working hours as per Bylaw 14600 (Community Standards Bylaw)
Temporary fencing where construction is located near recreation areas
Paleontological monitoring program for open-cut excavations
Suspending work and contacting Alberta Culture and Tourism if historic resources are discovered

The Environmental Impact Assessment also highlighted positive impacts from the kihcihkaw askî project including:

Provision of a cultural/ceremonial site for Indigenous Peoples
Provision of new cultural experiences for the general public

In accordance with the North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Development plan, this facility met the definition of a major facility, and was required to go to City Council to approve the Environmental Impact Assessment and Site Location Study . Both the assessment and study were approved and the project was deemed essential. The reports went to Council and were approved on January 29, 2018 at which time all of the reports were made public.

2) The Environment Impact Assessment does not specifically address air quality. Will the burning of fires and levels of smoke at this site result in fine particulate matter accumulating in the air and cause health issues for residents in surrounding neighbourhoods?

When fire permits were received, they were part of a design approved by Fire Rescue Services. Due to the location of kihcihkaw askî, smoke from fires are anticipated to have little to no effect on neighbours. For the purpose the fire is being used, we anticipate they will be hot, fast-burning fires that would provide relatively minimal smoke. The coals will be produced and at that point, there will be less smoke and this is when the stones will be heated. Wet/damp wood will be avoided because it will delay this process.

The fires on site are required to adhere to Bylaw 14600 which addresses nuisance smoke from outdoor fires.

Volunteering and Programming

1) I am interested in helping with local community engagement or other types of volunteering. How do I help?

There aren’t any volunteer opportunities at the moment, but please email projectmanager@ikwc.org for future opportunities.

2) How can we, as residents neighbouring this sacred area, be respectful and honouring of the land, traditions and ceremonies while we are nearby? How can the community be of service?

As with any spiritual space it’s always appreciated when you approach with respect. When at the location it’s best to announce your presence to staff. We encourage you to ask questions to staff members and engage in a respectful dialogue. Another way of respecting the programming and the sanctity of the site is to volunteer. Help is always appreciated. You can also participate in publicly announced events and activities to engage more fully with the knowledge that’s being shared.

3) Is this facility open to the public? Will these be shared lodges to individuals that will host lodges from families that feel comfortable to do the ceremonies for them?

A select number of events and programming at kihcihkaw askî will be made available to the general public to provide educational opportunities about Indigenous worldviews, histories, sciences, and cultural teachings in the spirit of reconciliation. This will include programming specifically targeted for local neighbourhoods to allow community members an opportunity to learn about the territory they share with numerous Indigenous Nations. During programming hours, the kihcihkaw askî pavilion will welcome visitors and site attendants will be able to answer questions and provide access to the site, as necessary. It is also expected that the site will be used by other partner organizations (such as, schools, service providers, charities and not-for-profits, post-secondary institutions) to host private events and ceremonial activities.

Process and protocols will need to be followed and a site and service use agreement will need to be signed. Requests for using the site will go through IKWC by emailing projectmanager@ikwc.org.

Trails, Traffic and Transit

1) Is there any impact to trail users around the site? Are there any future plans to renew Brookside Trail? How do walkers and cyclists proceed from the bottom of Brookside Hill?

There is no impact to walking or cycling trails from the Brookside neighbourhood. The renewal of the existing walking paths or trails was not part of this project.

Walkers and cyclists can connect to the river valley and proceed from the bottom of the Brookside Hill. There was no change to access.

2) What is the estimated traffic associated with the project? Where will parking be located?

High volumes of traffic on a regular basis is not anticipated. During peak times the operations team will monitor traffic volume. Parking for kihcihkaw askî is located within the project boundaries. In total there are 50 gravel parking stalls and two locations for bus parking.

Consultation and Partnerships

Indigenous Consultation

The City of Edmonton has engaged with Edmonton region Indigenous communities about the proposed kihcihkaw askî project through numerous meetings and gatherings held by its project partner organizations.
A draft concept plan for the Whitemud Integrated Area was presented to the general public at open houses in June 2000 and June 2002, where it received a high level of support. The plan was amended in 2009 to include the development of the kihcihkaw askî site for Indigenous cultural programs and ceremonies. Additional consultation was completed in spring 2009, with stakeholder focus groups, Indigenous Community consultation, and a public open house.
A Grand Council Gathering, hosted by Native Counselling Services of Alberta with support from the City of Edmonton, was held 6-7 May 2015 at the Alfred H. Savage Centre. Spiritual leaders from the Edmonton region Indigenous communities were invited following traditional Indigenous protocols. A total of 32 Elders participated on the first day and 36 on the second day. The gathering was intended to provide an opportunity to discuss how Indigenous communities can work together at kihcihkaw askî, with a focus on protocols for ceremonies at kihcihkaw askî. The Elders identified priorities for the first year of operation and identified barriers and limitations as well as opportunities. This feedback was integrated into the Phase 1 design.
Two Council of Elders meetings were held (21 October 2015 and 4 November 2016) to provide feedback on the Schematic Design report and revised Site Plan. Feedback from both meetings was used to revise project documents.

Construction Procurement

When selecting a construction manager, the City piloted Indigenous procurement content in the Request for Proposal. This resulted in selecting a construction manager making a commitment to partnering with a local Indigenous employment agency and engagement consultant, and identifying potential Indigenous sub trades to perform scopes of work.

Partnership with the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre

The City has partnered with the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre (IKWC), an Alberta-wide organization supporting First Nation education, on kihcihkaw askî. IKWC has been finalized a governance and operation model, convenes the kihcihkaw askî Elders Counsel, builds relationships to support future programming and usage at kihcihkaw askî, and now operates kihcihkaw askî.

Counsel of Elders

In 2016, Native Counselling Services of Alberta created the Counsel of Elders to work with the Project Team during the design and construction of kihcihkaw askî. The Elders Counsel continues to meet to provide spiritual and cultural leadership for the project.

Howard Mustus (Chair)
Annabelle Kootenay
Joe Ground
Wilson Bearhead
Doris Daychief
Beatrice Morin
Emil Desrochers
Fred Campio
Wil Campbell
Ron Arcand

On May 6 and 7, 2015, and again on October 28 and 29, 2018, Native Counselling Services of Alberta hosted Grand Council Gatherings for Indigenous Spiritual Leaders in the Capital Region at the Alfred H. Savage Centre.

Outcomes of the gatherings included:

Review and approval of the kihcihkaw askî concept design
An understanding of the protocols to be used for ceremony at kihcihkaw askî
An understanding of the ceremonial and spiritual needs of the Indigenous community in the Capital Region

View from the tipi area to the Amphitheatre and pavillion buildings

View from the entrance to the pavilion building

View to the sweat lodge circle and the tipi area beyond

Project Timeline

Project life cycle Operate chevron

2022

Neighbourhood information session was held on February 22 - video, presentation
Construction on kihcihkaw askî continued. By December construction on the pavilion, storage, amphitheatre, utilities, site grading and landscaping was complete.

2021

Delnor Construction was selected as the construction manager for the project
Prior to construction commencing, a ground blessing was held in September to thank and honour the relationship between all stakeholders on this project as well as to seek blessing from Mother Earth in allowing construction to take place
The contractor mobilized to site in November of 2021 and started the Pavilion Building

2020

The City began working with the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre (IKWC). With guidance from the kihciy askiy Counsel of Elders, IKWC took on the work of completing the governance and operation model and engaging with community partners.
Development of an operations plan and partner and community engagement continued.
City Council approved the release of $700,000 in additional capital funding required for construction.

2019

With direction from Council, the project team worked with community partners to identify potential community organizations or other partners that could finalize and implement a governance and operations model for kihciy askiy

2018

Council approved the Environmental Impact Assessment and Site Location Study in January.
Native Counselling Services of Alberta held a Grand Council gathering in October 2018. Indigenous Elders met to discuss kihciy askiy operations.

2011

City Council approved $2 million in the 2015-2018 capital budget deliberations for design and construction of kihciy askiy Phase 1

2006

The City received a proposal from the Edmonton Indigenous Cultural Resource Counsel to create a permanent site for Indigenous cultural events and learning experiences for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people

2003

The Whitemud Integrated Area Concept Plan was developed and approved by City Council

Area Map

For More Information

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