After an extensive and Indigenous-led design competition, an independent jury has selected a design concept for Calgary’s future Indian Residential School Memorial (IRSM). The City and The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland are pleased to share that The Wandering Spirit, presented by groundcubed and Adrian Stimson has been selected as the design concept for the future vision of the memorial.
This Indian Residential School Memorial represents an important step forward in The City’s journey of Truth and Reconciliation: creating a space where all Calgarians can reflect, learn, and honour the survivors, families, and the children who never returned home.
Located at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, the future memorial will be a space of historical acknowledgement, ceremony, and healing. It’s also intended as a lasting place for reflection, dialogue, and connection.
“This memorial represents a commitment to truth, acting as a place of remembrance, and a call to action. It will stand as a permanent reminder of the children who never returned home, the survivors who carry deep scars, and the families and communities who continue to live with the intergenerational impacts of the residential school system,” says Mayor Jyoti Gondek, The City of Calgary. “I’m grateful to the Elders, survivors, and Indigenous leaders who have shaped this vision from the beginning. Their voices, teachings, and strength have guided this process — and will continue to guide us on the path of reconciliation. Through this memorial, we honour the past while also building a future grounded in respect, understanding, and shared healing.”
The significance of this memorial is deeply tied to its location and the shared history it represents. “The Confluence has long been a place of connection and cultural meetings. This memorial will add another layer of meaning to that space, connecting past and present so that all Calgarians can come together to learn and heal,” says Ward 7 Councillor Terry Wong. “It will help us recognize the complex history of this land, while creating a shared space that invites reflection and understanding for generations to come.”
The memorial project has been Indigenous-led from its inception, guided by Indigenous communities. “We are honoured to unveil a concept that reflects the voices of survivors, Elders, and community members,” says Harold Horsefall, Indigenous Strategist, Indigenous Relations Office, The City of Calgary. “Every step of this process has centred Indigenous leadership and cultural teachings.”
Four Finalist Concepts
The design competition began in fall 2024, following a two-stage process starting with a Request for Pre-Qualification and moving to a detailed design competition Request for Proposal. Four Indigenous-led teams were shortlisted to submit final concepts. Each submission reflected four shared pillars: healing, ceremony, truth, and acknowledgement, and was shaped by public feedback and guidance from the IRSM Elders Advisory Council.
The Wandering Spirit: Presented by Ground3 Inc (groundcubed) and Adrian Stimson
Niitsitapiisini – Our Way of Life: Presented by Two Row Architect and co-designers Brian Porter and Matt Hickey
Nitsiníí’Pokaako’sa – My Special Child: Presented by Spectacle Bureau for Architecture and Jared Tailfeathers
Footsteps in the Firelight: Presented by Tawaw Architecture Collective Inc. and Wanda Della Costa
The selected concept, The Wandering Spirit, was chosen by a jury composed of Indigenous members, including Elders, alongside technical experts. It best meets the competition criteria, aligns with cultural and community values, and honours the vision for this important site.
“The memorial will bring healing, celebration, and honour to Indigenous communities and those who continue to suffer the impacts and imprints of residential schools,” says Otsskoipiiks’aakii Paula Smith, (Blackfoot Confederacy, Piikani Nation) Indigenous Relations Manager at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland. “The land at the confluence was used by Fort Calgary to uphold the residential school system, but it has also been a significant place to Indigenous people since long before the North-West Mounted Police arrived here,” continues Smith. “The chosen memorial design is meant to bring both these histories together towards a unified future.”
Next steps
The design team selected by the jury has finalized contract negotiations with The City. Over the coming months, the project will move into the detailed design phase, where the concept will be refined before construction planning begins. The City and The Confluence will continue to provide updates on the project timeline, final design, and the future groundbreaking ceremony as the project progresses.
The City of Calgary extends deep gratitude to the IRSM Elders Advisory Circle, Elders, residential school survivors and their families, the four design teams, The Confluence and community members whose invaluable guidance and contributions have shaped this journey. “Through this memorial, we hope to foster understanding and connection for all Calgarians, now and for generations to come,” says Sherri Kellock, Indigenous Strategist, The City of Calgary.
For more information and future updates, visit: https://engage.calgary.ca/IRSmemorial
