The Calgary TELUS Convention Centre (CTCC) has taken a landmark step in Canada’s business events sector with the launch of its Indigenous ReconciliAction Plan, positioning the venue as a leader in Indigenous engagement.
The venue claims the plan is the first of its kind for a Canadian convention centre and reflects a commitment to action, accountability and relationship-building rooted in Treaty 7 territory.
For more than five decades, the CTCC has served as a central gathering place in downtown Calgary. With this new plan, the organisation is turning its focus inward and outward—examining its responsibilities as a convenor of global audiences on ancestral lands while using its influence to encourage broader industry change.
“For the CTCC, we started by reflecting on our land acknowledgement and learning the why and history of all of us as newcomers to acknowledge the lands we are on,” said Kurby Court, president and CEO.
Grounded in years of dialogue with Elders, Indigenous leaders and knowledge keepers, the Indigenous Action Plan is built around a clear framework known as P.A.T.H. Forward: Partner, Acknowledge, Teach and Heighten.
Together, these pillars guide how the CTCC collaborateswith Indigenous communities, recognise its role within Mohkinstis (Calgary), educate employees and guests, and expand economic and employment opportunities for Indigenous peoples.
From cultural awareness training and Indigenous programming for events, to governance oversight and public reporting, the CTCC has embedded reconciliation into both its daily operations and long-term strategy.
The centre will also continue to integrate Indigenous art, stories and protocols throughout its facility, reinforcing its identity as a place of respectful gathering and exchange.
At its core, the ReconciliAction Plan challenges both the organisation and its clients to move beyond symbolic gestures toward tangible change.
That includes supporting Indigenous tourism organisations, creating culturally safe workplaces, and using the venue’s economic reach to remove barriers for Indigenous businesses and workers.
The CTCC hopes this approach will inspire delegates - many of whom travel from across Canada and around the world - to reflect on their own responsibilities when they return home.
“Our collective responsibility includes acting on principle and doing what’s right – not because it’s easy, but because – through our actions – we believe we can help build a world of balance, belonging and equity. As an organization, we are committed to creating change that is not just impactful but meaningful, ensuring a positive legacy to the broader community,” said Court.
