Indigenous Cochrane residents invited to a Talking Circle

A Community Talking Circle will be held this Thursday, May 5 to gather input and collaborate on the proposed Cochrane Indigenous Innovation Centre. 

The advisory group for the Indigenous Innovation Centre is calling upon the large number of residents who identify as Indigenous that reside in or around Cochrane to voice their opinion on how the proposed centre can serve the needs of the community. Dr. Michael Bopp, a Rotarian member says the meeting is about, "Inviting indigenous people residing in Cochrane to come and talk about their experience of being Indigenous, living in Cochrane and what they need out of a centre like this and how they would like to be a part of it."

With the initiative to develop an Indigenous Centre in Cochrane, the Indigenous advisory group has been created consisting of Indigenous people, Rotarians, and other community members. Bopp says, “When the board is finalized, it’s probably going to have seven, eight, or nine people on it mostly Indigenous people. But, we want to include Indigenous people from Cochrane as well.” 

Bopp adds that the advisory group will be speaking to the town council on May 9 to carry on a conversation with the hope that the town may be able to provide a space for the Indigenous Innovation Centre. 

The Indigenous Talking Circle takes place this Thursday, May 5 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. upstairs at the Frank Wills Hall at 405 1 St. East.  

Participants are asked to register at action@rotarycochrane.ca.

Light refreshments will be served.