Summary#

On September 14, 2026, Calgary City Council received the 2025-2026 Indigenous Focused Updates report for information and the Corporate Record. The decision does not create a new program or require new actions; the report’s stated goal is to show progress on the City’s Indigenous relations and Truth and Reconciliation commitments.

• The report covers work connected to the 2016 White Goose Flying report and highlights activities in five City business units, including recreation, the Calgary Fire Department, the Green Line project, housing and public spaces.
• The report describes milestones such as the Indigenous Relations Office, Indigenous-focused Council meetings and agreements with Indigenous governments. Council’s decision did not approve new agreements or direct new work.
• The information motion carried 12 to 0. A separate motion to suspend a Procedure Bylaw rule for this item was defeated.

What it means for you#

• Indigenous Peoples and the public: The decision does not change anyone’s rights, service eligibility or access to programs. The report describes existing activities, including Indigenous housing work, cultural programs and Indigenous engagement on projects.
• City staff: The report says staff will continue tracking progress and identify measurable outcomes. It does not set new deadlines or require a particular result.
• General public: The report says updated measurements will be posted on the City’s website, but does not give a date.

Money#

The report says there is no anticipated financial impact and makes no funding request.

• The activities described are being carried out within existing approved budgets and service plans. The report does not give their costs.

What is unclear#

• The report does not set measurable targets or say when the promised updated measurements will be available.
• It does not explain how the listed activities will be assessed for results.
• The report says it covers examples of work, not the full extent of the City’s Indigenous relations work.

Case for#

• City staff say the update shows work across City services, including Indigenous programs, workforce pathways and engagement on land and water.
• Staff say continued relationship-building, learning and culturally safe services support Truth and Reconciliation commitments.
• The report brings progress on the White Goose Flying commitments to Council, as Council had previously directed.

Case against#

• City staff warn that without clear communication, readers may mistake this annual update for the full extent of the City’s Indigenous relations work.
• Staff also warn that without explicit Council prioritization, this work may compete with other City initiatives.
• The report does not provide measurable outcomes yet, so readers cannot assess progress against targets from this update alone.