AFCC Leaders Exploring Aboriginal Culture & Values with University of Calgary Master of Architecture Students / Photograph courtesy Dr. Brian R. Sinclair, FRAIC

Social Equity Commitment to Calgary’s Indigenous Community

In June 2015, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) will hold its annual Festival of Architecture in cooperation with the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA).  The Festival – a celebration of architecture and design – brings together practitioners from across Canada and around the world to Calgary, Alberta to explore, share, and learn about new current architectural issues.

The RAIC Festival’s theme of (Re)generation + Integration embraces the value of exploring opportunities for collaboration and inclusivity in architecture. It also seeks to enhance public education, respect, and responsibility for the built environment. The RAIC invites conversations within and beyond its membership on pressing issues concerning a viable and vital future.

The theme of “(Re)generation” stretches beyond sustainability and reimagines architecture that is restorative. Topics include: environmental health, adaptive buildings, and re-energizing city life. The Festival’s focus on “Integration” includes the relationship of architecture and landscape architecture, interior design and urbanism. This aspect of the Festival will discuss our ability to create spaces that are inclusive to all members of society, including the elderly and those with mental and physical disabilities.

Photo: Courtesy of Travel Alberta

Calgary sits within the traditional lands of the Niitsitapi, or Blackfoot Confederacy.  In 1877, this territory was ceded to the Queen of England through Treaty Seven. The Blood Tribe, Piikani Nation, Siksika Nation, Stoney Tribe and the Tsuu T’ina Nation are the First Nations groups included in this treaty. As a tangible expression of commitment to inclusion and respect for Treaty Seven members, and the First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) community more broadly, the organizers of the Festival commit to a donation to the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC). The RAIC and AAA are contributing $2,500 each.

 
Donating to the Cause

Given that the 2015 Festival of Architecture takes place on the traditional lands of Treaty Seven Nations, the conference organizers seek the support of all conference attendees towards an important cause. We are asking each Festival attendee to extend a donation in support of the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC). We suggest a contribution of $50, although a gift of any amount is welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for your commitment to promoting social equity and your donation for this most worthy cause.