Edmonton International Airport (YEG) has opened The Indigenous Interpretative and Retail Centre as part of its commitment to cultural and economic reconciliation and being an “airport for everyone.”
The new center is located next to YEG Gate 64 in the International/Domestic Departures Lounge. The space was designed and created, with the guidance of an Elders and Knowledge Keepers Circle, with representation from Treaties Six and Eight, the Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Settlements General Council, the Dene Nation, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Inuit Communities in Edmonton.
The retail space allows passengers to purchase authentic Indigenous-made products from in and around Alberta and the North. Working together with airport partner Indigenous Box, a QR-based retail program was created where passengers can see a variety of traditional and contemporary Indigenous-made products, scan the QR code to instantly purchase and have the product shipped to their home or another address. Supporting the values of this project, all revenue generated from the retail space will go directly to the artisans.
“Passengers from around the world will be able to experience Indigenous history and culture, including themes related to navigation, traditional traveling routes and territories, the land, animals, traditional and contemporary teachings, star stories and more,” said Tom Ruth, YEG president and CEO. “We are grateful to our Elders and Knowledge Keepers Circle, Indigenous partners and contributors who shared their experiences to help us understand what this space needed to be and how we could authentically celebrate the incredible Indigenous culture that has shaped our region.”
