Twenty-four land acknowledgement signs were installed in parks and open spaces with the intent of celebrating the culture of the place now called Calgary. Through personalized ceremony, the signs recognized the historic context of the original land stewards and connects them to the land, the air and the water that surrounds them. The city worked directly with each Nation to identify Elders to interview and share stories of the landscape. Each sign has been installed with QR codes taking visitors directly to the video recorded Elder stories. The project brought Indigenous youth and Elders together, giving the Elders the opportunity to pass on traditional knowledge. Each of the signs include artwork created by emerging artists from the same Nation as the Elders. The signs are placed within natural area parks and are located relatively close to the entries. Great care was given to the placement of the signs, ensuring the landscape acted as an integrated backdrop and almost became part of the signage. The hope is that as a park visitor starts their journey through the greenspace, they listen to the Elder’s story, view the artwork, acknowledge the original stewards of the land and reflect on what that means.
