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Program Information

Participants in the classroom

Indigenous Leadership at Banff Centre 2017, photo by Chris Amat.

Dates

Registration deadline: August 5, 2025

Program dates: September 14 –  September 19, 2025

Overview

Honoring the work of the Banff Centre Truth and Reconciliation Summit and the development of the Truth and Reconciliation through Right Relations Program, participants will explore the past, present, and future of the truth and reconciliation movement in Canada. Through this journey, they will renew and shape the path forward by drawing on the wisdom of our community stories. 

This process encourages a deeper understanding of our shared history, the concept of reconciliation, and the role each of us can play. Together, participants can engage in meaningful conversations about truth and reconciliation, take responsibility by learning from Indigenous strengths and wise practices, and commit to action in their lives, communities, and organizations to achieve reconciliation.

Description

The Truth and Reconciliation through Right Relations program creates a space for participatory learning, guided by Indigenous ways of knowing and sharing. It incorporates Elders’ teachings, land-based learning, and the exchange of knowledge. Participants will engage in the practical application of theories and tools, case clinics, deep listening, personal reflection, and group dialogue.

Program highlights

  • Develop an awareness of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) process, principles, and Calls to Action. 
  • Advance dialogue on building and sustaining right relations. 
  • Communicate with deep listening. 
  • Create change through collective leadership and partnership-building. 
  • Share Indigenous ways of knowing. 
  • Empower individuals to implement reconciliation action plans in their lives, families, and communities.
  • Foster greater respect, understanding, and meaningful connections among Canada's citizens.

This program does not count towards Certificate of Indigenous Leadership, Governance, and Management Excellence

Eligibility

This program is ideal for leaders, administrators, and service providers who work with Indigenous people, businesses, communities, and organizations, and are committed to improving and building new relationships with them.

Priority is given to those working for and with Indigenous communities and organizations.

Applicant must be 18+ at the start of the program.

Inclusivity Statement

We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. 

 

Itinerary

Participants are required to dedicate approximately 40 hours during the week to this program.

Sample Itinerary - subject to change

Each day will open with a smudge and teachings and close with a daily wrap-up.

Sunday 

  • Welcome, opening remarks & program logistics

Monday 

  • Day overview, invitation into deep listening, journal reflection and dialogue
  • Living history of Treaty 7 traditional territory
  • Introduction to journal homework & opening pathway plan

Tuesday 

  • Our journey of truth to reconciliation
  • Excursion
  • Dialogue & debrief 

Wednesday 

  • Land-based invitation
  • Dialogue: natural law and declaration
  • Excursion

Thursday

  • Day overview and working sessions - pathway action plans
  • Catalyst, leverage and intergenerational change
  • Relational systems, convening and social network webbing (asset mapping)
  • Prophecy and pathway of stories of transformation
  • Community working sessions - pathway action plans 
  • Sharing our good seeds

Friday 

  • Reflection on commitment cards
  • Closing Circle: standing together 

Faculty

What's Included

Accommodations
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Your program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.

Get connected with other artists on campus and focus on your projects in a creative environment while we take care of the day-to-day essentials.

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Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plans allow you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests. 

The Regular meal plan is equivalent to $53 credit per day, equivalent to two meals at our Buffet service.

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Join in group seminars/workshops.

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<ul><li>Enrich your experience and get to know other participants on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided by our <a href="https://www.banffcentre.ca/participant-resources" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Participant Resources</a> team.</li><li>Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite as well as discounted rates for classes at the <a href="https://www.banffcentre.ca/sally-borden-fitness-and-recreation" target="_blank">Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre.</a></li><li>Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to <a href="https://www.banffcentre.ca/events/events" target="_blank">events</a>.</li><li>The <a href="https://www.banffcentre.ca/library-archives" target="_blank">Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives</a> are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty</li></ul>

Fees & Financial Assistance

Total Fee (includes registration, tuition, meals and accommodation)
$4 445.00
+GST

Application Fee 

$35 application is included in the program fee.

Funding 

Limited funding is available to help some participants with program fees.

  • Funding is available for non-Indigenous participants working for and with Indigenous communities and organizations as well as Indigenous participants.
  • Requests are reviewed based on submission of the Financial Assistance form available in the Student Portal.
  • Funding amounts vary and do not cover 100% of the program fee. Participants should expect to pay a minimum of 25% of the program fee.
  • Participants may be eligible for a maximum of two programs per year.

Information about funding opportunities for Leadership programs can be found here.

Steps to follow

  • Select "Yes" to "I would like to apply for financial assistance" during registration.
  • Log into your Student Portal to complete your funding application form within 48 hours of submitting your initial registration.
  • Timely submission of the funding form is required in order to be considered.

Cancellations 

All participants must pay a confirmation fee of $262.50 within fourteen days of registration. We reserve the right to cancel registrants if payment and confirmation is not received within fourteen days.

Participants who are awarded financial aid who cancel their registration within the cancellation policy deadlines may be ineligible to receive Banff Centre funding for a period of 12 months. 

Registrations are non-transferable and cannot be applied to different programs or used on behalf of other registrants.

More information on our cancellation policy can be found here.

Tax Information

Banff Centre will issue official tax receipts for eligible tuition fees and all financial assistance and awards as required by the Income Tax Act. You will receive a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) for eligible tuition fees paid and a T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) for applicable financial assistance and awards.

How to Apply

Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.

Step 1:

Complete the Online Form

If you have requested financial assistance, please ensure that you log in to your Student Portal within 48 hours of registration, to submit your funding request form.

If you do not require financial assistance, please ensure that you log in to your Student Portal and complete confirmation of attendance and full payment as soon as possible, but no later than 7 days from completing step 1.

Note that non-completion within the timelines stated may result in your place being offered to the waitlist.

Disclaimer

All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

Contact Us

For more information please contact:

Phone
888.255.6327