Parks Canada and the Manitou Asinîy - Iniskim - Tsa Xani Centre exploring locations within Elk Island National Park for future cultural centre
The cultures and identities of Indigenous peoples are rooted in the land, and honouring connections to place is an important element to reconciliation. Parks Canada works in partnership with Indigenous peoples in conserving natural and cultural heritage and sharing the stories of these treasured places.
Parks Canada and the Manitou Asinîy - Iniskim - Tsa Xani Centre (MAITX) have a signed Letter of Intent to collaboratively explore options to establish a permanent home for the Manitou Asinîy (the Manitou Stone) in Elk Island National Park, where it will remain under the care and custody of Indigenous Peoples.
On September 9, 2025, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages met with representatives from MAITX, a First Nations-led not-for-profit, to confirm Parks Canada's commitment to explore locations together within Elk Island National Park to house the Stone in a future cultural centre.
In keeping with existing Parks Canada regulations and laws under the Canada National Parks Act, MAITX will collaborate with Parks Canada to complete site assessments and environmental impact assessments. The results of these processes will inform the feasibility of the construction of a secured facility to house and honour the Stone. In the meantime, it will remain at the Royal Alberta Museum where it can continue to be cared for and accessible to Indigenous peoples.
Parks Canada is proud to support MAITX's efforts to welcome Manitou Asinîy back into Indigenous care. As the home of two free-ranging bison herds, Elk Island National Park is uniquely positioned to support the reconnection of Indigenous peoples to Manitou Asinîy by returning this sacred stone to an area where buffalo still roam.
