The City of Edmonton introduced a new Heritage Places Strategy that recognizes Indigenous heritage, natural spaces, cultural landscapes and community landmarks.

Building on the city’s 40-year legacy of more than 200 municipal historic resource designations, this initiative was developed over two years in collaboration with The Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, Enoch Cree Nation, Otipemisiwak Métis Government, heritage groups, community leagues and the public.

As a result, the strategy includes reflecting Indigenous ways of knowing and being, strengthening relationships with heritage partners that support community-led initiatives and finding ways to highlight the stories and histories of underrepresented communities.

“Society’s views of history are changing and expanding,” said Kent Snyder, branch manager of planning and environment services. “Historically, we’ve only looked at the last 100 years or so, and the settlers who built the structures of Edmonton. This new strategy expands our focus to include the places, stories and landmarks important to Indigenous Peoples and those from around the world who’ve settled here and influenced what Edmonton has become today. Indigenous people, 2SLGBTQIA+ people and immigrants, to name just a few, are among the many voices we also want to capture as we move forward.”

The Heritage Places Strategy includes six principles that reflect shared values across all elements. Four pillars—Natural Heritage, Indigenous Heritage, Community and Cultural Heritage and Built Heritage—establish the focus areas for heritage work. The strategy also identifies six implementation priorities to advance specific heritage recognition projects.

“The directions and pillars are comprehensive and broad,” added said David Ridley, Executive Director, Edmonton Heritage Council. That reflects not only what Edmonton’s heritage is and certainly what it is becoming. The Edmonton Heritage Council looks forward to working with the community and City of Edmonton in implementing the strategy.”