The post-secondary institution in Banff, Alberta revealed the next chapter in a long history of leadership training: the three pillars of Indigenous Leadership, Cultural Leadership, and Convening and Summits will inform and develop programs across departments in a new, interwoven design. Watch the recording of the live webinar presentation now.
BANFF, AB, OCTOBER 9, 2025 – Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is thrilled to reveal a lineup of leadership training and development programs for 2026 and beyond that weave together its three pillars: Indigenous Leadership, Cultural Leadership, and Convening and Summits. As a world-leading post-secondary institution dedicated to arts, leadership, Indigenous culture, and mountain culture in the Canadian Rockies, Banff Centre invites leaders at any career stage working with Indigenous communities and organizations as well as the arts and culture sector to apply or register today.
We’ve been working diligently and intentionally on the evolution of Leadership programming at Banff Centre, and we’re excited to share some important updates—both in terms of our strategic direction and the frameworks guiding our work.
Mark Wold, Executive Director, Leadership at Banff Centre
In a public webinar on Wednesday, October 8, Wold was joined by Simon Ross, Director, Indigenous Leadership and Geneviève Cimon, Director, Cultural Leadership to announce their upcoming programs. That webinar is now available to view on Banff Centre’s YouTube page.
As explored through the webinar, both Indigenous Leadership and Cultural Leadership programs are now based on the Right Relations and Wise Practices model with seven elements of success that each underpin the development of training and skill development programs:
By moving from "best practices" to Wise Practices, Cultural Leadership programs at Banff Centre are now building upon the foundation of over 50 years of Indigenous Leadership training at the institution. By completing a program in each of the seven Wise Practices, participants can earn the Certificate of Indigenous Leadership, Governance, and Management Excellence or the Banff Centre Certificate of Distinction in Cultural Leadership.
Convening and Summits, the third pillar of programming, consists of invited summits and research events to act as a research and development engine, feeding insights directly into Banff Centre’s core Leadership and Arts programming.
Our core programming in Indigenous Leadership, particularly those that build toward the Certificate, is well-established and proven to foster important skills, knowledge, awareness, and confidence in our alumni. But we are constantly looking at what gaps still exist in nation-building, which is why our programming isn’t complete without ongoing faculty and Elder gatherings to guide new programs like Dreaming Forward: Exploring Pathways to Child Welfare Jurisdiction.
Simon Ross, Director, Indigenous Leadership at Banff Centre
By grounding our programs in the Seven Wise Practices and Right Relations, we’re embracing a model of leadership rooted in values, relationships, and community—one that reflects the wisdom of Indigenous approaches to nation building and renewal. Leadership in the arts can often feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Through our Cultural Leadership Programs, we’re creating spaces where cultural leaders can connect, reflect, and collaborate. These opportunities to build community and share wisdom not only make leadership less lonely, they make it far more impactful.
Geneviève Cimon, Director, Cultural Leadership at Banff Centre
To find out about all upcoming Arts programs at Banff Centre, visit banffcentre.ca/programs.
See Banff Centre’s Media Room here.
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