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Reconciliation Statement

Home About Us Reconciliation Statement

THE CITADEL THEATRE’S RECONCILIATION STATEMENT

At the Citadel Theatre, we believe in the power and importance of stories. We acknowledge the stories that have come before us since time immemorial – on this land just north of the river and under these skies and stars, and in this building with you. 

We live, work, and create in the place we share on Mother Earth. This area, Edmonton, is known to the Plains Cree as Amiskwaciwâskahikan or Beaver Hill House. It is the traditional and contemporary homeland for the Nehiyawak (Plains Cree) along with the Saulteaux (Plains Ojibwe), Stoney Nakoda, Haudenosaunee (Mohawk), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Inuit, Dene and Métis. We express deep gratitude for the knowledge that has long nurtured these lands. 

Treaty No. 6 was created with the intention of fostering harmonious co-existence. The Citadel Theatre recognizes our role and responsibility in being an active participant in reconciliation. We commit to this work through the sharing of resources, ongoing training, the inclusion of Indigenous stories, histories, and experiences in our programming, and by fostering meaningful relationships with the community. 

In the spirit of reciprocity and respect, we seek to uphold the original intent of the Treaty and strive to create a shared narrative that honors our responsibility to this land and to each other. 

HOW WE GOT HERE

We were honoured to be guided by Elders Dr. Jerry Saddleback and Jo-Ann Saddleback, together with Christine Sokaymoh Frederick, in creating this statement. Over two seasons (2023/24 and 2024/25), our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee (staff, board members, and community artists) spent time listening, learning, and reflecting. Through this shared work, we developed our Reconciliation Statement. 

This work has replaced the Land Acknowledgement the Citadel Theatre used from 2017 to 2024 and represents a deeper commitment to Indigenous stories, histories, and relationships. It is the result of thoughtful collaboration, guidance from knowledge keepers, and a desire to honour the land, its peoples, and the stories that have come before us. 

The Citadel Theatre’s Reconciliation Statement is not set in stone. It is intended to be an organic, living statement that evolves with our learnings each season. It will live in our building and materials in different ways, honoring the full statement while showing up in different contexts. 

WHAT IS NEXT?

We recognize that a statement alone is not enough. Reconciliation requires meaningful action. The Citadel Theatre is committed to putting these words into practice through programs, partnerships, training, and ongoing engagement with the community. On this page, we will share how we are reflecting on and responding to the commitments in this statement, taking steps to ensure that our work supports Indigenous voices, strengthens relationships, and honours our shared responsibilities to this land and to one another. 

ACTIONS IN 2026/27:  

  • In September 2026, the Citadel will unveil a permanent mural on the north exterior wall of the theatre, created by Métis/Cree artist Paityn Savoie (Wâposhpyii). Developed with Citadel leadership and the Edmonton Mural Festival, the mural will create a visible and lasting welcome while reflecting our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and to ensuring Indigenous stories, cultures, and voices are meaningfully represented in our shared spaces.
  • In September 2026, the Citadel Theatre will host Indigenous Awareness sessions with Arts and Heritage St. Albert for staff. Our upcoming production of The Comeback with the National Arts Centre Indigenous Theatre, which is a story about a blended Métis and settler family, was our original impulse around wanting to schedule some time for staff to build understanding of Métis culture and experiences in our area. The Indigenous Awareness session will focus on Métis culture and will include finger weaving, local history and end with the sharing of bannock and conversation. We will host up to 70 staff and community members as part of these sessions.

RESOURCE LINKS

The Citadel Theatre is grateful to share the following resources, which our staff have found meaningful in their own learnings about Truth and Reconciliation. We appreciate the opportunity to learn alongside our community and will continue to add to these Resource Links as we discover new insights and teachings: 

  • National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

    The NCTR is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations.

  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action

    The Truth and Reconciliation Commission released their 94 calls to action on June 2, 2015, in order to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.

  • Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society – Knowledge Holders

    Bent Arrow is an Edmonton organization dedicated to supporting the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of Indigenous children, youth, and families in Edmonton and surrounding areas. 

  • Royal Alberta Museum Indigenous Reading List

    The Royal Alberta Museum has pulled together a list of resources to learn about Indigenous Peoples in Alberta and Canada, past and present.

  • Indigenous Services Canada

    The Government of Canada’s list of resources for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. Includes Forms, Funding Programs, Indigenous healthcare information, and more.

  • Native Land Digital

    An interactive online tool that helps us recognize and honor the Indigenous nations whose territories we live and work on. By entering a location, users can learn about the traditional lands, languages, and treaties connected to that place. It provides a meaningful way to reflect on the histories, presence, and ongoing stewardship of Indigenous peoples, supporting our commitment to education and reconciliation.