| Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

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BANFF, AB, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 – Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is pleased to announce the appointment of the Honourable Ken Hughes, ECA, ICD.D as Chair of The Banff Centre Foundation Board of Directors. His term as Chair began September 8, 2026.

Hughes was appointed as a Director of the Board of Directors on July 19, 2025 for a three-year term ending July 18, 2028. There is no current change to his term on the Board of Directors.

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Ken’s presence on the Foundation’s Board of Directors has been a source of innovation, responsibility, and strength. I’m thankful he has taken on the role of Chair and with his history of estimable governance and leadership, I look forward to working with him as we steward Banff Centre towards our 100th anniversary in 2033.

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Chris Lorway, President and CEO of Banff Centre

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About Ken Hughes

Ken Hughes is an entrepreneur and community leader. He serves as Chair of the Board, Providence Therapeutics, Canada's cancer therapeutics company, focused on saving lives through cancer and infectious disease therapeutic development. He is Vice Chair of Beacon Data Centres, a leading developer of hyperscale data centres in Alberta, and serves as Lead Independent Trustee of Nearctic Industrial REIT.

Hughes is also a member of the board of the Banff Canmore Foundation.

Elected at age 34 to the House of Commons of Canada, he served as Chair of the Aboriginal Affairs Committee, leading five all-party unanimous reports and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister.

Hughes was appointed the first Chair of the Board of Alberta Health Services in 2008, creating Canada’s largest health delivery service, leading through early years of development. In 2012, Hughes was elected to the Legislature of Alberta, appointed Minister of Energy, and led the creation of the Alberta Energy Regulator. Subsequently, as Minister of Municipal Affairs, he led the resolution of Disaster Recovery Assistance Program claims for nearly 10,000 Albertan families recovering from the southern Alberta floods of 2013. In September 2014, he returned to private life.

He was recognized as Honourary Chief Badger Runner of the Blackfoot Confederacy Piikani First Nation in 1991. He has received the following civil awards: The 125th Anniversary of Confederation of Canada Medal (1992), The Alberta Centennial Medal (2005), The Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), and The King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025). He and his wife Denise live in Canmore, Alberta and on Salt Spring Island, B.C.

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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

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.

Media Release

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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 Reconciliation Framework session.

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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.

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Harley Crowshoe

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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.

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Chris Lorway, President and CEO, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

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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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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

Banff Centre
107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
Banff, Alberta
Canada
T1L 1H5
403.762.6100
www.banffcentre.ca

Media Release

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Julia Sunay is a New York City–based Maestra and Music Director with more than two decades of experience as a pianist, vocal coach and educator. Born and raised in Calgary, Julia is especially delighted to return to Alberta to join the faculty at the Banff Centre and contribute to its renowned artistic community. Julia’s Broadway and select touring credits include Associate Music Director and Conductor for Beetlejuice, Music Director for Jersey Boys, and Associate Music Director for the first U.S. National Tour of An Officer and a Gentleman. Most recently, she has worked on several New York productions, including Schmigadoon!, Little Shop of Horrors, All Out: Comedy About Ambition, and Gotta Dance. Known for her versatility and collaborative approach, Julia works extensively with performers and musicians and regularly music supervises auditions throughout New York City.

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Heather Bouchier (Seeseequasis) is proudly Plains Cree from Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation (Treaty 6 Territory) in Saskatchewan. She attended the Academy of Fashion Design in Saskatoon and has been sewing since 2001.

In 2013, Heather showcased her first collection at Western Canada Fashion Week as an emerging designer. Since then, she has gone on to showcase all over North America, Japan and has dressed for red carpet events such as Toronto International Film Festival, the Juno Awards and the Canadian Screen Awards.

Her designs often feature up-cycled and sustainable materials blended with traditional techniques such as beadwork, horsehair and dentalium shell work. Mixing traditional and modern, Heather has been working with 3D printing dentalium shells and incorporating into her work. This has played a pivotal role in her time spent alongside other artists during the Indigenous Haute Couture Residencies Heather has participated in.

Currently, Heather runs her own business creating for clients/customers Jewelry, Alterations, Bridal wear, ready to wear couture, Custom Sewing, costumes and cosplay. She produces fashion shows, teaches workshops and mentors.

Heather is also the Creative Director of the Indigenous Empowerment Fashion Collective in Edmonton and the Co-Founder of Edmonton Indigenous Fashion Week

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Rhonda Johnson is a First Nations Cree multidisciplinary artist and fashion designer whose creative practice is grounded in culture, identity, storytelling, and community. As the founder and designer of Acahkos Designs, Rhonda works across fashion, textiles, appliqué, beadwork, and visual art, creating contemporary works that honour cultural knowledge while embracing innovation and individual artistic expression.

Her work is inspired by cultural teachings, the natural world, family, ancestry, and the strength and resilience of Indigenous women and men. Through her multidisciplinary practice, Rhonda explores the connections between art, fashion, culture, and lived experience, using creativity as a way to share stories, celebrate identity, and create meaningful connections.
Rhonda is committed to supporting Indigenous artists and emerging creatives while contributing to greater representation of Indigenous voices within the arts and fashion sectors. Her practice is guided by cultural pride, mentorship, creativity, and a desire to create lasting opportunities for community through art.

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Gregg Belisle-Chi (池敏超) is an Chinese-American guitarist and composer living in Brooklyn, New York, who over the past decade has been “busily establishing himself as an important and distinctive new voice in the contemporary guitar world” and “has emerged as one of the most creatively dexterous musicians.” (Earshot Jazz)

Described by the New York Times as “a subtle stunner,” his sideman playing has traversed paths between the Jazz and Improvised Music scenes of New York City to the realms of Rock, Pop, and Electronic Music. His own compositions and projects prioritize “beauty both in concept and execution, making us luxuriate in its immersive sonorities.” (Part-Time Audiophile)

Within a career of mercurial interests, he has performed with Bill Frisell, Tim Berne, The Bad Plus, Nels Cline, Henry Threadgill, Stomu Takeshi, Hank Roberts, Chris Potter, Mat Maneri, Tom Rainey, Jim Black, Ches Smith, Nasheet Waits, Marc Ducret, Steve Swallow, Chris Lightcap, Trevor Dunn, Ralph Alessi, Cuong Vu, Emma Frank, and many more in the Jazz, Improvised, Rock, and Chamber music worlds.

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Tina Priceman is a violinist and artist manager from Forest Park, Illinois, and co-founder of Big Fish Booking and Management Companies. After nearly a decade of touring internationally as a musician, Tina shifted her focus toward artist management, bringing firsthand touring experience to her work behind the scenes. Today, Tina works primarily with artists in jazz and creative music and manages The Bad Plus, Nate Smith, Jeff Parker, SML, and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson. Her approach to management is informed by years spent on the road and a firsthand understanding of both the creative and practical sides of building a sustainable career in music. Tina continues to perform, albeit less, and has recently shared the stage with Reid Anderson of The Bad Plus, Makaya McCraven, and others.

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