For decades, reconciliation in the meetings industry has largely been expressed through land acknowledgements and cultural programming layered onto events. Calgary TELUS Convention Centre (CTCC) is attempting something more structural.
The venue has launched Canada’s first formal Indigenous ReconciliAction Plan for a convention center — a multi-year, venue-wide strategy that positions reconciliation not as an optional event feature, but as an operational responsibility. The structured approach helps avoid what Indigenous partners often describe as performative reconciliation, public-facing gestures that lack meaningful structural follow-through
The plan aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action #92, which urges the corporate sector to adopt meaningful Indigenous engagement, education, employment, and procurement practices. While many organizations have publicly committed to reconciliation, CTCC says it is the first convention venue in North America to formalize those commitments into a measurable operational framework.
From Acknowledgement to Accountability
Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission found that the church-run residential school system, which operated from the late 1800s until 1996, amounted to cultural genocide. In recent years, new technology has led to the discovery of unmarked graves, many believed to be children, at former residential school sites. Canada now observes a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
CTCC’s leadership says the venue’s plan is an effort to extend that reflection into year-round institutional practice.
“Indigenous programming for events is never to be a ticked box,” said Kurby Court, president and CEO, Calgary Telus Convention Centre. “It is holding space for respectful ceremony, reflection, and if meaningful enough, it should cause a ripple effect for others to follow.”
Court said CTCC’s reconciliation journey began several years ago with the development of its land acknowledgement, which prompted deeper internal education and conversations.
Central to the plan is long-term relationship-building with Indigenous partners. Elder Sheldon First Rider, a Blackfoot elder and residential school survivor from the Blood Nation, serves as an advisor to the venue.
Over the past year, CTCC has commissioned permanent artworks from Indigenous artists. The venue also hosts an annual Indigenous Art Market during the Calgary Stampede, featuring exclusively Indigenous vendors and handmade works, creating direct economic opportunities tied to one of the city’s largest events.
Integrating Indigenous Elements
For planners, the ReconciliAction Plan translates into structured, on-site support rather than ad-hoc sourcing. CTCC has introduced a Client Indigenous Program that helps planners integrate Indigenous elements into events in informed and respectful ways.
“Our role is to provide the partnerships and guidance that allow planners to contribute meaningfully to Truth and Reconciliation — not just symbolically, but through action,” Court said.
The venue connects clients with vetted Indigenous organizations offering Elder blessings, drumming and dance performances, art walks, speakers, and educational sessions. Partners include Authentically Indigenous, Zuc’min Guiding, Warrior Women, and Moonstone Creation.
