About Us

The Confluence Heritage Society’s Strategic Plan will provide some background information about the Society as well as our mission, vision and value statements. We will discuss our guiding principles, focus areas and specific strategic priorities along with timelines and targets.

The Rocky Mountain House site, home to historic forts, was declared nationally significant in May 1926, with an official inscription approved in 1927. In 1968, it became a National Historic Park encompassing three fort sites. Initially managed as a standalone park with dedicated programs, budget cuts in the early 1980s downgraded it to a National Historic Site under Banff National Park. Plans were made to tear down the building and limit the site to walking trails.

To save the park, community groups mobilized, raising funds and lobbying Parks Canada. The Association of Friends of Rocky Mountain House National Historic Park, a volunteer organization, was formally established in 1983, proposing to manage park operations. Parks Canada agreed to keep the site open, assigning the Friends responsibilities such as running the gift shop, greeting visitors, performing the David Thompson Puppet Show, and hosting a French immersion day camp. The Friends secured $1 million in federal funding for upgrades and built the Play Fort in 1999.

In 2007, the organization was renamed The Confluence Heritage Society to reflect its position at the meeting point of the North Saskatchewan and Clearwater Rivers, symbolizing both the confluence of waterways and the blending of Indigenous and European cultures that shaped the region’s history.

The CHS operates as an operational board, where directors are actively involved in administrative functions. Legally responsible for governance, the board ensures the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies to achieve organizational goals.

The board consists of up to nine elected Directors, a General Manager, and a Field Unit Supervisor. Directors serve three-year terms and are elected from the Society’s voting membership. The Executive Committee includes the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Discussion is underway regarding transition from an operational board to a governance board.

To preserve, support, and promote our Western Canadian history, heritage and culture.

The mission statement emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and celebrating the unique history, heritage, and culture of Western Canada. We support cultural initiatives and promote awareness to ensure that the rich legacy of the region is passed down to future generations.

To be recognized as a vibrant, creative, and unique volunteer organization in the preservation of Western Canadian history and heritage and culture.

This statement emphasizes the organization’s aspiration to be acknowledged for its dynamic and innovative approach in safeguarding and promoting the rich history, heritage, and culture of Western Canada. By engaging volunteers, the organization aims to foster creativity and build a strong community that cherishes the region’s historical significance while keeping its traditions alive for future generations.

Guiding principles are important for a variety of reasons when making decisions about the CHS. Following guiding principles ensure that the Board works well as individuals, as board members and as partners with Parks and the surrounding community.

1. Education and Engagement

• Inspire learning by sharing the history, stories, and significance of the region’s heritage.
• Engage with the community through educational programs, workshops, and events.

2. Cultural Respect and Inclusion

• Honor and celebrate diverse cultural narratives, especially those of Indigenous communities.
• Ensure inclusive representation and participation in heritage activities.

3. Community Collaboration

• Partner with local organizations, volunteers, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Foster a sense of collective responsibility for heritage preservation.

4. Ethical and Transparent Operations

• Maintain transparency in decision-making, financial stewardship, and organizational management.
• Uphold ethical standards in all relationships and initiatives.

Values are essential for the Confluence Heritage Society as they serve to shape our decisions, actions, and relationships with the community. They reflect our commitment to preserving, supporting, and promoting Western Canadian history, heritage, and culture. These values foster trust, inspire collaboration, and ensure that our work remains meaningful, respectful, and inclusive. By upholding these principles, we create a strong foundation for sustainable growth and a lasting impact, connecting past generations to present and future communities.

1. Preservation

• Commitment to safeguarding Western Canadian history, heritage, and culture.

2. Volunteer Spirit

• Celebrate and rely on the dedication, creativity, and unique contributions of our volunteers.

3. Inclusivity and Diversity

• Honor and promote the diverse stories, perspectives, and cultures that define Western Canada.

4. Integrity and Stewardship

• Act with transparency and accountability, respecting the trust placed in us by our community and supporters.

5. Lifelong Learning and Engagement

• Inspire curiosity and promote learning for all ages about Western Canada’s past and its continuing story.

The focus areas for the Confluence Heritage Society align with its mission and vision of preserving, supporting, and promoting Western Canadian history, heritage, and culture. These focus areas work together to create a comprehensive approach to preserving and celebrating the unique heritage and culture of Western Canada.

1. Cultural Promotion:
   • Promote the rich cultural diversity of Western Canada through events, festivals, and educational initiatives.
   • Highlight indigenous, settler, and immigrant histories that have shaped the region’s unique identity.
2. Education & Outreach:
   • A focus on educating the public about Western Canadian history, culture, and heritage through events and a historical reenactment with puppets.
3. Community Engagement:
   • Involvement in fostering a deeper connection between communities and their heritage.
   • This could include organizing volunteer-led projects that engage local people in the celebration of their history.