In this episode of Let’s Talk Poverty, Jaclyn Silbernagel connects with Buddie Dixon and Shawna Morning Bull, the co-chairs of the Indigenous Gathering Place. They discuss the need for a purpose-built and culturally rich gathering space dedicated to ceremony and the sharing of Indigenous knowledge.
Podcast
Episode 34: Purpose-Built Indigenous Spaces
28 May 2025
Published 28 May 2025
Last Updated 28 May 2025
Why is it important to have a space dedicated to ceremony and tradition for Indigenous people in Mohkinstsis?
How does historical trauma heal in a space where Elders can share knowledge and young people can see themselves in community?
Who benefits from a culturally rich gathering space, rooted in truth and reconciliation?
In this episode of Let’s Talk Poverty, Jaclyn Silbernagel connects with Buddie Dixon and Shawna Morning Bull, the co-chairs of the Indigenous Gathering Place. They discuss the need for a purpose-built and culturally rich gathering space dedicated to ceremony and the sharing of Indigenous knowledge.
In this episode
The need for an Indigenous Gathering Space (IGP) is rooted in reconciliACTION – ensuring that there is a space where both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can come to embrace Indigenous knowledge and culture.
How the IGP is working with Elders to bridge two worldviews – the Indigenous ways of economics, justice and governance with the Western system that governing partners understand.
Discover why having a culturally rooted space will allow for truth and reconciliation to be put into action, bridge gaps and break down fallacies between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Three key takeaways
- Within the context of historical traumas, the IGP will be a place of healing and community. The idea for it is to have a space where Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can come together, share stories and meals, and exchange knowledge.
- A culturally rooted space to gather is critical in empowering youth to feel a sense of belonging and to have a safe space to experience their culture and traditions.
- It’s critical to have a physical space, to have an IGP that provides space for a richness of culture, a place for all to experience, which is a tangible step towards activating truth and reconciliation.
About Shawna Morning Bull
Shawna Morning Bull whose traditional name is Ikannaisapiistikomii (Low Owl Hoot Woman) is of the Seldom Lonesome Clan and is a member of the Piikani First Nation which is part of the Blackfoot Confederacy. She has been the Manager of Business Development at Community Futures Treaty Seven (CFT7) in Calgary, Alberta for the past 15 years. Prior, she was a Business Loans Manager with Alberta Indian Investment Corporation and a Business Support Officer with Indian Business Corporation, but her career in business began with Peace Hills Trust in 1997. She has attended Lethbridge College for Business Management and Criminal Justice. In June 2022, she attended Harvard Business School and completed a one-week Leadership Program. Shawna has begun her MBA Journey at Athabasca University.
Shawna was on the Piikani Resource Development Limited Board of Directors from August 2011 to January 2020, an entity operating on her homelands of the Piikani Nation to develop, design and implement projects, programs and services for the benefit of her First Nation economy. Shawna also was on the Board of Directors with CANDO as the Alberta Representative from 2013 to 2022. Shawna is the 2018 recipient of the Chief David Crowchild Award; she was presented this award by Mayor Nenshi in June 2018 for her efforts to build bridges in and around Calgary between Indigenous and non-indigenous people and entities. She currently sits on the CANDO – Business Department Committee, Alberta Indian Investment Corporation – Indian Equity Foundation Board and Calgary Indigenous Gathering Place Board as the Co-Chair
Shawna is married to Wade and she has 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Recently she has been doing some MCing as a side hustle. She enjoys attending her children’s activities such as basketball, hockey and they all enjoy hitting the powwow trail, where Shawna is a traditional dancer.
About Buddie Dixon
Buddie is proud to be from the Kainai, Tsuu T’ina, and Stoney First Nations. He also has close family ties to the Siksika Nation. Born and raised in the Treaty 7 territory of Alberta,
Buddie has worked within the Indigenous engagement sector for several years and has deep connections to the cultures, languages, and peoples of Treaty 7. This has allowed him to grow and gain a wealth of experience and knowledge. He has dedicated the majority of his career to integrating Indigenous perspectives into organizational practices, where his contributions have been instrumental. Through his traditional teachings and Western education, he has an understanding of how to balance both worlds and is proud to bring this understanding to organizations working to reduce poverty among Indigenous communities. Buddie is part of ATCO’s Partnering for Resilience team, he supports VCC’s Indigenous engagement work, sits on the Board of the Calgary Stampede, and is the co-chair of the Indigenous Gathering Place Board.
About the Indigenous Gathering Place
The Indigenous Gathering Place Society is a registered society formed in direct response to the call for a reconciled Canada. We respect both Western written protocols and traditional Indigenous ways of knowing and being in all our relations. Every member supports the pursuit for a physical Indigenous gathering space within the City of Calgary.
Useful Information/Resources/ Show Notes:
- Discover the Indigenous Gathering Place
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