Truth, Reconciliation & Leadership: Building Culturally Responsive Organizations

About the Open Call

This course takes a deeper dive into the kind of leadership authentic reconciliation work truly demands, broadening concepts of responsibility, relationships, and the real, ongoing work of structural systems change for those working in non-Indigenous led arts and culture organizations. Designed for emerging and experienced leaders who have already begun their journey with Truth and Reconciliation, this program offers the next step: moving from awareness into action. Participants will explore how to embed reconciliation into the very architecture of their institutions, governance models, policies, and organizational culture using two-eyed seeing. Grounded in "Seven Wise Practices and Right Relations", and guided by Indigenous knowledge holders, this immersive experience offers a space to reflect, reimagine, and rebuild. Participants will be offered practical tools to support long-term transformation rooted in humility, accountability, and institutional courage. This is a space for brave questions, honest conversations, and collective learning. Sessions will be held in community, on the land, and in dialogue with those who have been leading this work for generations. Program highlights include: Deepen Leadership Capacity for Reconciliation, Apply Two-Eyed Seeing in Institutional Change, Embed Reconciliation into Structural Systems, Engage in land-based and community learning, Strategies for long term transformation, Foster brave conversations and collective learning, Insights from the field: Meet CEOs.

What is Offered

The program fee of $3,465.00 + GST includes tuition, accommodation (single bedroom on Banff Centre campus), and a flexible meal plan (equivalent to $73 credit per day). It also includes group seminars/workshops with faculty, access to the Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives, and campus facilities such as the Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre, and Box Office Discounts. Funding of up to $2,500 is available to support participants, especially those working for non-profits and smaller organizations.

Requirements

The program is designed for arts and culture professionals working in organizations of any size and across any art form. It is suited for those looking to build skills to run effective organizations, build healthy communities, and drive change. Specific roles include Indigenous, Canadian, and international artists, administrators, managers, directors, policymakers, creative producers, education and engagement specialists, community-based cultural workers, and consultants. Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date. Domestic and international applications are welcome, but participants must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada as Banff Centre programs do not meet Canadian Student Visa eligibility. Participants from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete an online form, pay an application fee ($65 for individuals, $35 for Indigenous applicants), and upload materials via SlideRoom, including a two-page resume/C.V., a program-specific questionnaire (written or video), and complete the Financial Aid section if applicable. Adjudication is based on skills, experience, and potential benefit from the program.