Welcome to the AFCC Community Milestones!
This page is dedicated to honouring the successes, powerful moments, and resilience of the urban Indigenous community we serve. Here, you will find our visual archives, including photos and videos of major cultural gatherings, leadership announcements, and events that define the journey of the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary.
The AFCC Community Milestones are a testament to the strength found in kinship and culture. We invite you to explore this gallery to see our mission in action.
Traditional Owl Dance
Honour, Connection, and Story
The AFCC proudly hosted its first-ever Traditional Owl Dance on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
This historic gathering was dedicated to honouring tradition through song, dance, and storytelling.
Albert Woo, a valued community partner, captured the energy and spirit of connection from the evening.
It was a perfect opportunity to connect, socialize, and celebrate our incredible community.
Date: October 15, 2025
Location: Calgary Marlborough Community Association
Susan Aglukark Book Signing & Q&A
Kihiani: A Memoir of Healing and Resilience
The AFCC was honoured to host celebrated Inuk artist and author, Susan Aglukark, for the Calgary launch of her powerful memoir, Kihiani: A Memoir of Healing
The event brought together the community to focus on themes of trauma, resilience, and the redemptive power of Indigenous art
A Celebrated Advocate: Susan Aglukark’s achievements include multiple Juno Awards, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, and Officer of the Order of Canada
Date: September 22, 2025
Location: The Westin Calgary Airport
Blackfoot Naming Ceremony for Her Honour
A Sacred Act of Kinship: Iss’stoo’tsimaakii
The AFCC hosted a historic Blackfoot Naming Ceremony for Her Honour Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. The event was a sacred act of kinship, affirming a lifelong relationship with the Indigenous community.
Her Honour was bestowed the name Iss’stoo’tsimaakii, which translates to Eagle Plume Woman. Receiving a traditional name is among the highest honours in Indigenous culture.
The ceremony was guided by respected Elders and included the unveiling of a commissioned artwork by artist Kalum Teke Dan.
Date: August 25, 2025
Location: The Westin Calgary Airport
2nd Annual Red Dress Traditional Powwow
Healing, Remembrance, and Justice
The AFCC hosted its 2nd Annual Red Dress Traditional Powwow May 2025. Uniting the community in healing, remembrance, and commitment to justice for Missing, Murdered, and Exploited Indigenous Peoples (MMEIP)
The event served as a solemn reminder of the lives lost, with the powerful display of red dresses adorning the space.Guided by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, the powwow reinforced a collective responsibility: to remember, to fight for justice, and to create a future where Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit peoples are safe.
Honouring Minister Rick Wilson
Walking the Path Together: An Appreciation Lunch
The AFCC hosted an Appreciation Lunch for the Honourable Rick Wilson in May 2025, when he served as the Minister of Indigenous Relations. The theme for the gathering was “Walking the Path Together”.
The program featured an Opening Prayer by Elder Jackie Bromley, a Land Acknowledgment by Krista Whitepup, remarks from CEO Shane Gauthier, and a presentation on the Indian Residential School Fund.
The event culminated with an Award Presentation to Minister Wilson and an Honour Song by Drummer Adrian Goulet. We continue to look forward to working with him in his current role as the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
Location: Elders’ Drop-in Centre, Kankaatsinom ‘All Friends Place’
Reclaiming Your Power Symposium
Healing Through Resilience: A Transformative Gathering
The Reclaiming Your Power Symposium (March 27-28, 2025) was a vital two-day gathering hosted by the AFCC. It was dedicated to celebrating Indigenous resilience, culture, and healing, with a core focus on ending gender-based violence.
The event brought together esteemed Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and leaders—including keynote speaker Jaylene Tyme—to share wisdom and amplify the community’s collective voice
The symposium emphasized culture and tradition as the foundation for justice and healing for all.
Honouring Phyllis Webstad & The Orange Shirt Story
Truth, Healing, and the Orange Shirt Story
The AFCC was deeply honoured to host Phyllis Webstad, a Residential School Survivor and the founder of the Orange Shirt Day movement. Her visit served as a powerful community gathering focused on Truth, healing, and remembrance.
This event reinforced the central message that Every Child Matters and highlighted the importance of learning the true history of the Residential School system.
Phyllis Webstad’s story is the foundation of a national movement, inspiring collective action and strengthening our commitment to reconciliation.
Location: AFCC Elders’ Drop-in Centre
Grand Opening of Omahkkitapioyis Elders’ Lodge
Omahkkitapioyis: A Home of Wisdom
The grand opening of the Omahkkitapioyis Elders’ Lodge Apartments took place on October 2, 2023. This date marked the realization of a vision to provide culturally safe housing for Indigenous Elders.
Omahkkitapioyis is owned and operated by the AFCC. It provides dignity and security for our Wisdom Keepers, offering independent living, cultural programming, and a strong sense of community.
The Lodge is not just housing; it is a living testament to the teachings and traditions of the community, standing as a visible symbol of reconciliation in action.
Location: 352 34 Ave NE, Calgary, Alberta
Click here to learn more!
Kanakaa’tsinom: Calgary’s First Elders’ Hub
The opening of the Elders’ Drop-In Centre, Kanakaa’tsinom (Blackfoot for “All Friends Place”
This facility is the city’s first dedicated Indigenous Elders’ Drop-in Centre
The mission is to ensure Elders and Seniors have access to essential elements for healing and connection: language, culture, and ceremony.
Impact: As one participant noted, the Centre fosters a feeling of “an extended family that cares for me unconditionally”
Location: 4630 16 Ave NW
Est. Oct 2, 2023