Design Selected for Calgary’s Indian Residential School Memorial
After an extensive, Indigenous-led design competition, The Wandering Spirit, presented by groundcubed and Adrian Stimson, has been selected as the design concept for Calgary’s future Indian Residential School Memorial (IRSM). The City of Calgary and The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland are proud to move forward with this powerful and thoughtful vision.
The memorial represents a significant step in Calgary’s ongoing journey of Truth and Reconciliation. It is being created as a space where Calgarians can gather to reflect, learn, and honour the survivors of the residential school system, the families impacted, and the children who never returned home.
Planned for The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, the future memorial will serve as a space for acknowledgement, ceremony, and healing. Rooted in the principles of truth, respect, and reconciliation, it is intended to foster dialogue, understanding, and lasting connection for current and future generations.
The location itself holds deep meaning. The Confluence has long been a place of gathering and cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples. It was also used by colonial authorities to uphold the residential school system. The memorial will reflect these layered histories and offer a space for remembrance and renewal.
The project has been Indigenous-led from the beginning, guided by the voices and teachings of Elders, survivors, and Indigenous leaders. The design process has centered Indigenous knowledge and community input at every stage, ensuring that the final concept reflects the vision, values, and cultural meaning carried by those most directly impacted.
The design competition, launched in Fall 2024, followed a two-stage process that began with a call for pre-qualification and led to a detailed design proposal stage. Four Indigenous-led teams were shortlisted and asked to submit concepts shaped by four guiding pillars: healing, ceremony, truth, and acknowledgement. Final submissions were also informed by public feedback and the guidance of the IRSM Elders Advisory Council.
The shortlisted concepts included:
The Wandering Spirit by Ground3 Inc. (groundcubed) and Adrian Stimson
Niitsitapiisini – Our Way of Life by Two Row Architect with Brian Porter and Matt Hickey
Nitsiníí’Pokaako’sa – My Special Child by Spectacle Bureau for Architecture and Jared Tailfeathers
Footsteps in the Firelight by Tawaw Architecture Collective Inc. and Wanda Della Costa
The Wandering Spirit was selected by an independent jury made up of Indigenous Elders and community members, alongside technical experts. The concept was chosen for its alignment with cultural values, its meaningful relationship to the site, and its ability to honour the vision of a space rooted in both remembrance and hope.
With the selection complete and contract negotiations finalized, the project is now moving into the detailed design phase. Over the coming months, the design will be refined in preparation for construction planning. The City and The Confluence will continue to share updates on the final design, project timeline, and future groundbreaking ceremony.
The City of Calgary extends its sincere gratitude to the IRSM Elders Advisory Circle, residential school survivors and their families, the four design teams, and the many community members and partners who helped shape this important process.
For more information and ongoing updates, visit: engage.calgary.ca/IRSmemorial