The Legacy Gift that Started Major Change at The Confluence

Jun 16 2025

How one private donation kickstarted a multi-year exhibit overhaul at the national historic site

In 2024, 20 years since any major exhibit updates, The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland team knew significant change was needed to remain relevant in Calgary’s arts and culture community. Just as plans for a complete overhaul of The Confluence Cultural Centre began to take shape, an unexpected $250,000 legacy gift transformed the project from a concept into a reality.

Anneliese Weber, long-time Confluence volunteer and donor, arranged to leave the legacy gift before her death in July 2023—her dedication to supporting the organization made it possible to hire Star Crop Eared Wolf, a Niitsitapi artist from the Kainai Nation, as The Confluence’s first full-time curator in 20 years.

According to Jennifer Thompson, President of The Confluence, Crop Eared Wolf brought the vision needed to secure further funding from Travel Alberta and the City of Calgary to complete Phase 1 of the cultural centre overhaul, which includes Kípaitápiiyssinnooni (Our Way of Life), a 900-square-foot exhibit about Blackfoot life and connection to the land.

“That first step to hire Star led us to the concrete plans and drawings that got other funders excited to support us,” says Thompson. “We are so grateful to all the Phase 1 funders, but that early donation from Anneliese really got everything rolling—there was no looking back from there.”

Committed to History and Community

Anneliese’s story is one of profound commitment. Born in Germany, she immigrated to Canada in 1967, drawn by its vast landscapes and perceived promise. Her arrival in Montreal introduced her to the complexities of Canadian identity. Through volunteer work Anneliese sought to ground herself in service, giving her a renewed sense of purpose.

While Anneliese did not know how her donation would be used at the time that she committed to it, her daughter, Nicole Weber, believes she would be proud that her contribution played such a key role in opening  Kípaitápiiyssinnooni (Our Way of Life) to the community.

“She saw Indigenous Peoples as central to the history and future of the land we now call Canada,” says Nicole. “This exhibit tells a story she believed in. One that is honest and inclusive.”

Why Kípaitápiiyssinnooni Matters

Anneliese Weber believed in the power of education and the importance of giving back. Her donation towards new cultural exhibits reflects that commitment. This exhibit is more than a display, it’s a living statement of cultural continuity and sovereignty, built through deep collaboration with Blackfoot elders, artists, and knowledge keepers. It teaches that Indigenous life is not a relic of the past but a vibrant, enduring way of being rooted in relationship with the land. For Indigenous communities, the exhibit offers direct access to cultural knowledge, mentorship, and pride in their cultural heritage. For all Calgarians, it invites a deeper, more truthful understanding of this land’s history.

The opening of Kípaitápiiyssinnooni is part of a growing international interest in Indigenous tourism, a sector forecasted to grow significantly in the coming years. As Calgary positions itself as a cultural destination, spaces like The Confluence offer authentic engagement rooted in historical integrity. International travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that are educational, ethical, and connected to local cultures. This exhibit aligns with those values.

NT5