Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary

06/05/2026

Not only is it National Indigenous Peoples Month, June also marks Pride Month across Turtle Island and the world. At Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary, we know systemic barriers negatively impact the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and we are committed to addressing these barriers to make the world a better place for all. 🌈🌈🌈

06/04/2026

🪶♾️❄️ June marks National Indigenous Peoples Month and the Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary would like to take this opportunity to recognize the rich cultures of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit we serve in our mission towards restorative justice. Thank you to our Indigenous partners for introducing us to Siim Ohksin and Wahkotiwin (Indigenous natural laws), which we have entwined into our programming. We are proud to partner with local First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities to instill cultural wisdom in our programs. Without this connection, we would not be able to challenge the systemic barriers, restore resiliency and empower change in the same way. ❄️♾️🪶
Watch this space for a very special announcement this month.

05/06/2026

Last month, we gathered at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino to honour the six Indigenous women and the four Elders in our Reclaiming our Spirit gender-based research project. This project is rooted in research that explores the realities of Indigenous women impacted by gender-based violence and criminalization.

Throughout the project, the women were invited to reflect on the question, "What does healing mean to you?” They expressed their reflections through photography and the personal stories connected to each image. This creative outlet offered a way to process their emotions and transform difficult feelings towards healing.

The Elders played an essential role in this work. Their presence helped shape conversations about gender-based violence in ways that honoured traditional wisdom. Their guidance in sharing circles created an environment where women could speak, learn and reconnect with their inner power. These conversations allowed for healing rooted in culture, where Indigenous women are able to feel supported as they work to break cycles of violence.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our event. Your presence and care strengthen projects like this. Please visit elizabethfrycalgary.ca/give/ to donate and support us in continuing to create projects and programs that uplift Indigenous women in our community.

05/05/2026

May 5 is Red Dress Day, a day of remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit relatives. Each red dress carries the story of a life taken far too soon. Their loved ones carry pain that should never have been theirs to hold. This day reminds us to reflect on the systems that failed them and the ongoing violence that continues to put lives at risk. The Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary remains committed to advocating for justice that protects Indigenous women and prevents further loss in our communities.

Share this post to honour the lives lost and stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples.
No More Stolen Sisters.

04/01/2026

🌱At Dana’s House, guiding a healing journey is a sacred responsibility rooted in Indigenous traditional ways.

🏡In video 6 of our “Inside Dana’s House” series, Elder Corleigh Powderface shares how she walks with the women on their path of healing. She honours their bravery, listens with care, and reminds them that healing unfolds in its own time. Healing is not rushed here. Every Little Sister’s journey is nurtured with the respect and wisdom of someone who has walked this path herself.

Learn more about Dana’s House here: https://elizabethfrycalgary.ca/programs/transitional-housing-support/
Share this post with friends and check back next week for the next video in our series.

03/31/2026

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary is honouring National Indigenous Languages Day — a day that reminds us how language carries our story, identity, and connections.

🍞In this video, Monica Chiefmoon shares the Blackfoot word for bread. This video is from our fall “Blackfoot Word of the Week” 10-part series. We invite you to revisit the full series to learn and practice speaking each word out loud.

EFry Calgary encourages our community to spend this day building knowledge, reflecting, and honouring the many Indigenous languages rooted in our land.

03/24/2026

🌱What makes Dana’s House unique? The way learning and healing come together.

🏡In video 5 of our “Inside Dana’s House” series, Risa Downs, Program Team Lead, shares how the Little Sisters take part in monthly knowledge building that meets them where they are. The weekly teachings are delivered in various formats. Some weeks, it’s watching a video. Other weeks, it’s playing a game or participating in a guided activity. Each learning experience opens space for reflection and connection.

Elder Corleigh Powderface brings a gentle presence to this work. She supports women as they open up and uncover parts of their story they have carried alone. At Dana’s House, there is room for honesty, healing, and laughter, which brings its own kind of medicine.

Visit our website to learn more about the Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary’s Indigenous transitional housing program, Dana’s House: https://elizabethfrycalgary.ca/programs/transitional-housing-support/
Share this post with friends and stay connected for the next video in our series.

03/13/2026

👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏻At Dana’s House, women aren’t viewed through colonial labels like “client” or “resident”; they are welcomed as Little Sisters. Staff step into the role of Big Sisters, providing guidance, support, and the kind of care that comes from seeing someone as family. This way of relating and kinship creates a different kind of connection—one rooted in patience, empathy, and understanding.

🏡In video 4 of our “Inside Dana’s House” series, Risa Downs, Program Team Lead, explains how this approach honours relationships. Everyone at Dana’s House is part of a community that cares for one another.

Discover more about Dana’s House by visiting https://elizabethfrycalgary.ca/programs/transitional-housing-support/
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03/08/2026

"Give to Gain” is this year’s International Women’s Day theme, and it reminds us that generosity can ignite real change. S2 Architecture brought this theme to life by donating their ticket proceeds from their Build Together event on March 4th to our non-profit organization. Their gift demonstrates how community care can create real opportunities for women facing marginal barriers. Their support of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary reminds us that giving can move a community forward. Giving creates momentum. It builds relationships. It opens doors to possibilities.

Thank you, S2 Architecture! We're grateful for your contribution and the intention behind it.

This year, we’re doing something different.

Build Together isn’t just an event. It’s a commitment to how we work, how we collaborate, and how we move this industry forward.

Architecture has always been a team effort. The most meaningful projects happen when owners, consultants, contractors, and communities sit at the same table — sharing ideas, challenging assumptions, and building trust.

That’s what Build Together is about.

Not a spotlight on one voice — but a platform for many.
Not a single day — but a shift in how we lead.

We believe Western Canada deserves an industry event grounded in real conversation, shared experience, and practical momentum.

We’re just getting started. https://s2architecture.com/iwd/

03/05/2026

Many Indigenous women reach out to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary during moments of uncertainty. They may be experiencing the loss of housing, work, or the sense of stability they once had. Dana’s House was created for Indigenous women who are moving through these difficult challenges in their lives. This transitional home offers support rooted in culture, safety, and a place to feel grounded again. It’s a home where women can open up and be met with compassion by staff who truly care.

🏡 In video 3 of our series “Inside Dana’s House,” Risa Downs, Program Team Lead, and Elder Corleigh Powderface share that there is no single path that brings someone to Dana’s House. What matters is that she feels seen, heard, and supported when she arrives.

Learn more about Dana’s House here: https://elizabethfrycalgary.ca/programs/transitional-housing-support/
Share this post with your friends and stay connected for the next video in our series.