Kihcikaw Aski Sacred Land

PROJECT

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Meaning ‘Sacred Land’ in Cree, Kihcikaw askî - Sacred Land is a permanent Indigenous ceremonial and cultural site in Whitemud Park within the City of Edmonton. Kihcikaw askî provides a natural setting for urban Indigenous groups to host spiritual ceremonies, grow medicinal herbs, practice traditional crafts and facilitate inter- generational learning. At the same time, it will be open to the general public and become a place where all Edmontonians can learn about Indigenous traditions. 

The design and layout of Kihcikaw askî has been informed by a continuous dialogue between the City of Edmonton and partner, the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre, IKWC, who is operating the site. The development of Kihcikaw askî  will continue in phases. This first phase focused on facilitating sweat ceremonies. It included the construction of a Gathering Building to host meals traditional after the sweat ceremonies and a storage pavilion. Due to its river valley location, the built facilities are located on top of the bank, outside the 100 year flood plain, close to the parking and access road. The storage pavilion has a sloped grass recreation space, which acts as its east wall. This area is used as an amphitheater and sitting area for performances and presentations. 

At the 2023 Edmonton Urban Design Awards kihcihkaw askî, has been honoured and received an Award of Merit in the Civic Design category.