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JUCS 3 (3) pp. 301–325 Intellect Limited 2016
Journal of Urban Cultural Studies
Volume 3 Number 3
© 2016 Intellect Ltd Article. English language. doi: 10.1386/jucs.3.3.301_1
KEYWORDS
Edmonton
urban indigenous
populations
placemaking
pehonan
public space
city planning
metissage
KAREN WALL
Athabasca University
Gathering place: Urban
indigeneity and the
production of space
in Edmonton, Canada
ABSTRACT
Most major Canadian cities have displaced existing indigenous settlements and
gathering places. The city of Edmonton, Canada today includes what will soon be
the nation’s largest urban Aboriginal population. Though urban space and plan-
ning reflect colonial relationships, it has launched progressive initiatives preced-
ing and following the work of the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission
(TRC). This article examines material and intangible traces of Aboriginal history
and cultural presence in a theoretical context concerned with public spaces promot-
ing transformative, dialogic, cross-cultural encounters. Case studies consider urban
spaces as gathering places in terms of their relevance to indigenous practices of
metissage. What is at stake for settler colonial cities in the recognition and inclu-
sion of indigenous presence and historical relationships? Aboriginal cultures can and
must play a critical role in the development of a mature civic identity rooted in a
complex mutual history, with implications for urban social and ecological sustain-
ability in the future.