Construction set to begin on kihciy askiy, Edmonton's urban Indigenous cultural site
CBC News | November 05, 2021
Categories: news
Construction is set to begin on kihciy askiy, Edmonton's urban Indigenous cultural site.
Meaning "sacred land" in Cree, kihciy askiy will be located on a 4.5-hectare site in Whitemud Park, just south of Fox Drive.
The city says it will be a place for members of the Indigenous community to host ceremonies and sweat lodges and to grow medicinal herbs. It will also be a place for non-Indigenous people to learn about Indigenous culture.
Construction on the $4.5-million project is expected to take 18 to 24 months. A ground-blessing ceremony was held in September.
The site will include a circular area for four sweat lodges and a permanent ceremonial stone heating device with a water source. Another area for teepees will have a permanent feast firepit for ceremonies and small group workshops.
