Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Appoints Elder Harley Crowshoe to Board of Governors
By
Banff Centre Communications
Posted on
September 22, 2026
BANFF, AB, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 – Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is pleased to welcome Indigenous cultural knowledge holder and advocate Elder Harley Crowshoe as the newest member of our Board of Governors, who brings decades of experience in policing, government programming, and healthcare in Indigenous communities across Canada, as well as a deep commitment to cultural understanding, Reconciliation, and community service and well-being. He will serve on the Board of Governors for a three-year term from September 4, 2026, to September 3, 2029.
Harley Crowshoe is a member of the Piikani Nation with extensive experience in service work in rural communities across Alberta, British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories. By addressing and bringing more understanding of the historical impacts of Residential Schools and colonial policies, he aims to improve healthcare services in Indigenous communities and bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous healthcare experiences and outcomes.
Crowshoe has also served as a member of the National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools, Missing Children and Unmarked Burials. With his service work comes a commitment to truth and reconciliation that drives his efforts to create a culture of mutual trust and healing.
Crowshoe has played a valuable role in Banff Centre’s Indigenous Leadership, Cultural Leadership, and Convening programs. With his perspective as an Elder and Knowledge Keeper, he has supported the Peter Lougheed Leadership Initiative, the National Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Culture, Cultural Policy Convening, and the Related-world Strategic Planning program at Banff Centre. He has also helped plan Banff Centre’s Indigenous Youth Leadership and TCG Reconciliation Framework session.
I am honoured to join the Board of Governors of Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. I have always believed that leadership is about service, listening, and creating opportunities for those who come after us. I look forward to bringing my experience, my Blackfoot ways of knowing, and the teachings I have received throughout my life to this role. The arts have an important place in carrying our stories, strengthening our cultures, and helping us imagine what is possible for future generations.
Harley Crowshoe
Harley’s contributions to our Leadership programs and convenings have already made a meaningful impact on our participants, staff, and campus. We are honoured that he will extend that impact as a member of our Board of Governors and, I look forward to his guidance on so many elements of our work, including our steps forward as we implement our Braids of Reconciliation Framework and upcoming Strategic Plan.
Chris Lorway, President and CEO, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
In addition to his extensive work in Indigenous communities across Northern and Western Canada, Crowshoe is the recipient of the Order of Canada, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation, and was presented with a Soapstone sculpture and Sacred Eagle Feather in recognition of his contributions to the First Nations people of Canada. He was also inducted as an Honorary Chief of the Piikani (Blackfoot) Nation, including a traditional transfer of a sacred eagle headdress.
Quick Facts:
Banff Centre is a public, board-governed post-secondary institution specializing in arts and culture. The Board of Governors of The Banff Centre consists of:
- a board chair appointed by government
- the president of Banff Centre
- five public members appointed by government
- nine members appointed by the board, including one board-appointed member nominated to the board by the federal minister responsible for the National Parks Act
For more information on Banff Centre’s Board of Governors, visit banffcentre.ca/banff-centre- board-governors.
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For photos, information, or interview requests, please contact:
Carly Maga
Director, Communications
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
tel: +1.403.763.6210
cell: +1.403.431.3423
carly_maga@banffcentre.ca
About Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Founded in 1933, Banff Centre is a post-secondary institution built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and leadership development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become a global organization leading in arts, culture, and creative decision-making across dozens of disciplines, from the fine arts to Indigenous Wise Practices. From our home in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to move everyone who attends our campus—artists, leaders, thinkers, and audiences—to unleash their creative potential and realize their unique contribution to build an innovative, inspiring future through education, performances, convenings, and public outreach. banffcentre.ca
Banff Centre
107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
Banff, Alberta
Canada
T1L 1H5
403.762.6100
www.banffcentre.ca
We recognize, with deep respect and gratitude, our home on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain. In the spirit of respect and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Banff area, known as “Minihrpa” (translated in Stoney Nakoda as “the waterfalls”) and the Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney Nations – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Shuswap Nations, Ktunaxa Nations, and Métis Nation of Alberta, Rockyview District 4. We acknowledge all Nations who live, work, and play here, help us steward this land, and honour and celebrate this place.