Indigenous Interpretive and Retail Centre
Edmonton International Airport and Villeneuve Airport are proud to be located on Treaty Six Territory, the Métis Homeland and Métis Nation of Alberta Region Four. Treaty Six is the gathering place and travelling route of the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene and Nakota Sioux.
We thoughtfully acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries and whose voices are so important in paving a path forward together in reconciliation.
Welcome, Tawâw
As an “Airport for Everyone,” we are committed to learning from and collaborating with our Indigenous neighbours, organizations and communities to create a sense of place in the terminal. This includes things like Indigenous art, retail, music, history, items of cultural significance and an overall atmosphere of diversity and respect.
In 2022, we opened a first-of-its-kind Indigenous Interpretive and Retail Centre in the YEG terminal to contribute to our reconciliation journey.
Indigenous Interpretive and Retail Centre
Visit the Indigenous Interpretive and Retail Centre near Gate 64 and experience Indigenous history and culture and authentic Indigenous-made products for purchase.
One step in our reconciliation journey includes the creation of the Indigenous Interpretive and Retail Centre at YEG. This space offers a unique place for passengers, and the airport community, to learn about the Indigenous history and culture that has shaped our region, as well as a place to purchase authentic Indigenous-made products. The centre was created to come alive with interactive programming to engage passengers in a cultural journey, learning about Indigenous history and culture and creating a platform to expand this important sense of place in the terminal.
The Indigenous Interpretive and Retail Centre at YEG, which is partly funded by Prairies Economic Development Canada, was authentically and thoughtfully designed and created with the guidance of an Elders and Knowledge Keepers Circle, with representation from Treaty Six and Treaty Eight, the Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Settlements General Council, the Dene Nation, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Inuit Communities in Edmonton and many other contributors.
We collaborated with our airport partner, Indigenous Box, to create a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, showcasing products from dozens of Indigenous artisans and entrepreneurs. Passengers and online visitors will be able to purchase authentic Indigenous-made products by scanning a QR code or visiting the online catalogue and having their purchases shipped directly to their desired destination. This retail experience features traditional and contemporary products, with all proceeds going directly to the artisans.
Check out the online catalogue to see the unique products now.