March 24, 2025 Regular Meeting

Rotary Edmonton West alumnus Lewis Cardinal will speak about the creation of kihcihkaw askî-Sacred Land, set in the Whitemud Ravine Nature Reserve, the first and only urban Indigenous ceremony grounds in Canada. Lewis will share the importance of the site for urban Indigenous Edmontonians and how it has become a bold act of Reconciliation. He woll also address how we can work together in the spirit of Reconciliation and friendship to ensure a unique legacy for future generations.

Lewis Cardinal is a distinguished communicator and educator whose work focuses on fostering relationships that bridge cultural divides, both locally and internationally. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to public service and advocacy, holding key leadership positions such as Chair of the Global Indigenous Dialogue of Initiatives of Change - International, Co-Chair of Initiatives of Change - Canada, and Trustee and Executive Committee Member for the Parliament of the World’s Religions. He is also an Honorary Board Member for the Martin Luther King Jr. International College of Ministers and Laity at Morehouse College in Atlanta, USA.

His contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards and honors, including two medals from Queen Elizabeth II: the Diamond Jubilee Medal for Public Service and the Platinum Jubilee Medal for his contributions to the Province of Alberta. He has also received the Indspire Award for Public Service from Indigenous peoples of Canada, the Treaty No. 8 Medal for the protection of Treaty Rights, and the Province of Alberta’s Centennial Medal for his work in Human Rights and Diversity. Additionally, he has been recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award from MacEwan University, an Honorary Diploma for Indigenous Voice in Leadership from Norquest College, and an Honorary Degree of “Doctor of Sacred Letters” from St. Stephen’s College at the University of Alberta. Since 2014, he has been listed in Canada’s Who’s Who.

Lewis is of Woodland Cree descent from the Sucker Creek Cree First Nation in Treaty No. 8, located in northern Alberta, Canada. Through his consulting company, Cardinal Strategic Communications, he specializes in Indigenous education, communications, and project development. Additionally, he is the owner, CEO, and Head Storyteller of Red Earth Blue Sky Productions, a media production company. He currently serves as Senior Advisor for the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre in Alberta and was the originator and former project manager of “kihcihkaw askî–Sacred Land” in Edmonton, the first designated urban Indigenous ceremony grounds in Canada.

His lifelong commitment to Indigenous issues, human rights, and community-building through strategic communication has left an indelible impact on both local and global Indigenous communities.