The Untold Stories of Calgary: A Journey Through Time and Modern Challenges
Home / Calgary history
Calgary, a city nestled in the heart of Alberta, Canada, is often celebrated for its stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop, the world-famous Calgary Stampede, and its booming oil and gas industry. But beneath the surface of this modern metropolis lies a rich and complex history—one that intertwines with contemporary global issues like climate change, Indigenous reconciliation, and urban sustainability. Let’s dive into the lesser-known chapters of Calgary’s past and explore how they resonate with today’s pressing challenges.
Long before skyscrapers and oil rigs dotted the landscape, the area now known as Calgary was home to the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), including the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations. These Indigenous peoples thrived on the bountiful plains, relying on the buffalo herds and the Bow and Elbow Rivers for sustenance. Their deep connection to the land offers a stark contrast to today’s industrialized world—and a reminder of what’s at stake in the fight against climate change.
The arrival of European settlers in the late 19th century marked a turning point. The signing of Treaty 7 in 1877 promised peace and shared land, but the reality was far from equitable. The displacement of Indigenous communities and the near-extinction of the buffalo disrupted centuries-old ways of life. Today, Calgary grapples with the legacy of these injustices, as calls for truth and reconciliation grow louder across Canada.
In 1875, the North-West Mounted Police established Fort Calgary as a strategic outpost to curb the whiskey trade and assert Canadian sovereignty. The fort’s wooden walls symbolized the beginning of a new era—one where railroads and settlers would soon transform the region.
The discovery of oil in Alberta in the early 20th century turned Calgary into an energy powerhouse. By the 1970s, the city’s skyline was dominated by oil company headquarters, earning it the nickname "Cowtown with a Skyline." But this prosperity came at a cost. The fossil fuel industry’s role in climate change is now a hot-button issue, forcing Calgary to confront its identity as the world shifts toward renewable energy.
Calgary’s economy has long been tied to oil, but the winds of change are blowing. The city faces mounting pressure to diversify its energy sector and invest in green technologies. From solar farms to hydrogen initiatives, Calgary is slowly adapting—but the transition is fraught with political and economic tensions.
As one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, Calgary struggles with urban sprawl and car dependency. The debate over public transit, bike lanes, and affordable housing mirrors global conversations about sustainable urban living. Can Calgary reinvent itself as a model of eco-friendly development, or will it remain shackled to its oil-dependent past?
From the renaming of landmarks to the inclusion of Indigenous voices in city planning, Calgary is taking steps toward reconciliation. But progress is slow, and the scars of colonization run deep. The city’s future hinges on its ability to honor its Indigenous roots while forging a more inclusive path forward.
The Stampede, often dubbed "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," is more than just cowboy hats and chuckwagon races. It’s a reflection of Calgary’s cultural mosaic—where Indigenous traditions, settler history, and modern diversity collide. Yet, the event isn’t without controversy, as critics question its portrayal of Indigenous cultures and its environmental footprint.
As global attitudes shift toward cultural sensitivity and sustainability, the Stampede faces a reckoning. Can it evolve to meet 21st-century expectations, or will it become a relic of a bygone era?
Calgary stands at a pivotal moment in its history. The choices it makes today—about energy, urban design, and reconciliation—will shape its legacy for generations. The city’s past is a tapestry of resilience and adaptation, and its future will demand nothing less.