USAY Opens Calgary’s First Indigenous Youth Centre

On a bright September day in Calgary, community members, youth, and partners gathered to celebrate a milestone years in the making: the grand opening of the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth’s (USAY) new Indigenous Youth Centre — the first of its kind in the city. The Peter Gilgan Foundation and Mattamy Alberta join in congratulating USAY on this remarkable achievement and are proud to have supported their work and journey toward this moment.

For over two decades, USAY has uplifted thousands of Indigenous youth through culturally grounded programs, advocacy, and mentorship. Yet until now, the organization had no permanent home. This new 5,000-square-foot centre in Calgary’s Forest Lawn neighbourhood changes that reality.

Inside, youth will find flexible gathering areas, a communal kitchen, creative arts and skill-building spaces, and quiet places for wellness and ceremony. Outdoors, an adjoining 6,400-square-foot lot offers room for sports, drum circles, markets, and employment fairs. A rooftop garden for growing medicines and constellation teachings connects the centre back to traditional ways of knowing. For Executive Director LeeAnne Ireland, the opening marks the realization of a 15-year vision.

“This space was designed with and for Indigenous youth and aims to be a place where they can feel safe, celebrated, and supported. Every detail reflects the voices and visions of our young people. We are proud to open these doors not just to a building, but to opportunity, healing, and hope.”

— LeeAnne Ireland, Executive Director, USAY

A Community Effort

The centre’s opening was made possible through the persistence of USAY’s leadership, the support of government and community funders, and the generosity of partners who believed in the vision. Indigenous Services Canada contributed $3.9 million toward construction, with additional support from the Calgary Foundation, the Government of Alberta, and others. Local partners also played key roles, from architectural design to volunteer site preparation.

Among them was the Alberta Division of Mattamy Homes, which donated and built the fencing and gates that now surround the property. Mattamy Alberta employees have been actively involved with USAY, volunteering at community events and sponsoring initiatives like the Roots to Recipes Cook Off. Their contributions show how corporate partners can meaningfully walk alongside Indigenous organizations to help create lasting community assets.

“Seeing this centre come to life under LeeAnne’s leadership has been inspiring. We’ve learned so much from USAY about collaboration and purpose, and we’re honoured to have played a part in helping their vision take shape.”

— Joe Case, Vice President, Land Development, Mattamy Alberta

Long-Standing Partnership

The Peter Gilgan Foundation has supported USAY since 2020, most recently awarding three consecutive $50,000 grants through its Indigenous Youth program. These investments strengthened organizational capacity by funding a full-time Financial Director.

This role proved transformational. With dedicated financial leadership, USAY modernized its bookkeeping, standardized processes, and improved reporting. Staff experienced less administrative stress and greater confidence, while programs gained stability and room to grow. The results were tangible: expanded programming, stronger policy engagement, and improved staff wellness.

Looking Ahead

With the opening of the Indigenous Youth Centre, USAY enters a new chapter. The centre is expected to serve more than 4,000 youth annually, offering programs that honour Indigenous knowledge, support mental health, and build pathways to education, employment, and leadership.

This milestone is not just the story of a building. It is the story of an Indigenous-led organization realizing its long-held dream, a corporate partner contributing tangible support, and a foundation committed to walking alongside community leaders. Together, these efforts have created a space that will nurture future generations of Indigenous youth in Calgary — a place to learn, heal, connect, and thrive.