150 years later, The Confluence reflects on impacts of the NWMP

January 19, 2025

Throughout 2025, The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland is hosting an event series to commemorate 150 years since the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) first arrived at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers and established Fort Calgary in 1875.

The series, titled 150 Years Later: Reflecting on Fort Calgary’s Legacy, will connect community with experts, historians and artists. Events will encourage thoughtful discussions about local and Canadian history through a lens that acknowledges the historical and contemporary impacts of colonialization on Indigenous Peoples and our society.

In 1975, Calgary marked the 100th anniversary of the same historical moment with a celebration that included a reenactment of the NWMP’s first river crossing to the site. It was also at this time that the site of Fort Calgary was set aside as a park for all citizens of Calgary.

In acknowledging broader perspectives on the arrival of the NWMP to the area, The Confluence will take a more reflective approach in sharing the stories that make the site so significant.

“The way we understand our nation’s history has changed dramatically in the last 50 years,” said Thompson. “Our eyes have been opened to the severe impacts of colonialization. After learning more of our history through The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and many other efforts, we see this is not a moment for celebration, but an opportunity to recognize and reflect on the truths of our past.”

150 Program Plans

The first program to roll out under the banner of 150 Years Later: Reflecting on Fort Calgary’s Legacy is Hot Dogs & Hot Takes on History, a monthly series of expert-led discussions investigating long-standing or dominant narratives through a modern lens. The first Hot Dogs & Hot Takes on History event on Thursday, Jan. 23 about the American whisky trade sold out quickly.

“The Hot Takes series invites community into the conversation leading up to our main 150 programming in the fall,” said Thompson, host of the event series where fully loaded hot dogs are on the menu. “These are important topics and we’re finding accessible ways to discuss them and encourage broad community participation.”

The major programming for 150 Years Later: Reflecting on Fort Calgary’s Legacy is planned for fall 2025, closer to August 25, the date commonly accepted as the day the NWMP “F” troop first arrived at the site.

Planning is currently underway to offer the following major commemoration events:

• Symposium: A collection of curated speakers, learning-based activities, and discussion will highlight a range of topics including Indigenous experience, settler history, policing, and government systems.

• Theatre Production: The play We Are All Treaty People, originally produced by Quest Theatre and Making Treaty 7 Cultural Society will run for two weeks in the Burnswest Theatre for school programs and public performances.

• Artist Response Exhibit: Indigenous artists are invited to respond to existing archival photographs of Fort Calgary through their own artistic expression.

• North-West Mounted Police Temporary Exhibit: A balanced presentation of lesser-known stories from the first 20 years of NWMP presence at the site we know now as Calgary.

• Light Art Projection: In partnership with the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY), The Confluence will project a public, outdoor art show on the Barracks walls.

Partnerships and Funding

The Confluence is exploring multiple community partnerships to support events commemorating the 150th anniversary.

“This is truly a community initiative, and we’ll work with different community organizations to ensure that all the events are credible, inclusive and relevant,” said Thompson.

A partnership with USAY to connect young Indigenous artists and The Confluence for the light art projection is already in place, and more are in the works for different initiatives.

Program funding is still coming together, as the Confluence pursues available grant and sponsorship opportunities. All events have been planned to scale up or down, depending on the final budget.

“The way we mark this milestone will say a lot about our community’s commitment to truth and reconciliation,” said Thompson. “We are actively seeking funding support, and we are eager to finalize budgets and move into our next phase of planning.”

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