This land at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers has been a place of significance for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years and remains so today. More recently, it became a site of colonization with the occupation of the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) and increasing settler presence, eventually leading to the creation of the city of Calgary.

The histories here are complex and diverse, unique and shared, inspiring and troubling. They bring together the land, the water, the animals, the plants, and the people who have been connected to this place for generations. They inform our collective experiences in what is today called Canada. Join The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland in exploring how these stories evolve, grow, and change as we continue to learn about this place.

The Confluence is working with community to activate this whole 40-acre site and create space for many different people to enjoy many different experiences, from educational tours and quiet reflection to festivals and art shows. There is room here to nurture all facets of arts and culture in our city.

Meet us at The Confluence for tours, workshops, talks, festivals and concerts, or to host your next private event!

Our Projects

Residential School Memorial Contribution $1M

The Confluence has committed $1 million towards the city-led initiative to create a permanent residential school memorial. Thanks to the Government of Alberta, we have reached 89% of our goal!

By creating a permanent place of remembrance and reflection, the memorial will provide space for healing, truth-telling, and education. The Residential School Memorial will help future generations understand the devastating impacts of the residential school system.

This memorial is not only a tribute to those who were lost, and that survived, but also a commitment to reconciliation. Calgarians will have the opportunity to learn, remember, and walk together toward a more compassionate future.

Ceremonial Room Operating Costs $150k annually

In partnership with the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC), The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland will open an accessible indoor space for Indigenous Peoples to meet and hold ceremony.

An existing room at the north end of the Fort Calgary Barracks is being renovated to include bathrooms, a kitchenette, and autonomous access from outside. Landscaping will improve accessibility and establish a connection to the future site of the Residential School Memorial, a separate but related project led by the City of Calgary.

Indigenous Elders will guide the AFCC and The Confluence to ensure the space is properly designed and cared for.

While the room is generally run autonomously, The Confluence is looking for funding to provide staff to keep the room in good order as well as technology for a booking system and hardware.

School & Youth Programming - Ongoing support

We're bringing the museum experience straight to the classroom! Our Education Museum Kit project will create four engaging, curriculum-aligned kits filled with hands-on learning materials and lesson plans designed to spark curiosity and bring history and culture to life. These kits will give teachers a powerful tool to enhance learning while eliminating barriers like costly busing and field trip expenses. We're looking for supporters to help us make this initiative a reality!

We are excited to welcome students in Grades 1-6 to The Confluence, a significant place to reflect on history and learn about the people who shaped this land. Our programs are an interactive and engaging look at the many complex stories that converge at the lands of The Confluence. Our interdisciplinary programs are designed to encourage inquiry-based learning and critical thinking about our history, while connecting to the new elementary curriculum.

Our school programs, PD day and summer camps welcome over 8,500 children annually and are often sold out.

The Confluence has a number of individual giving initiatives as well as custom designed donor opportunities.

We invite you to join us in creating something extraordinary at The Confluence, where diverse narratives of the land converge. Your philanthropic support will make a significant impact on the vibrant culture that Calgary provides, weaving together the rich histories and stories that define this unique place.