It’s a place to sit – and more.

On Wednesday morning, the Tipi of Hope Foundation unveiled its first “Bench for Hope” at the Peter Lougheed Center.

It was created in collaboration with indigenous survivors and elders.

A QR code on the bench provides links to services for Indigenous patients and staff.

“Now that the bank is here, it creates a safe physical space because it’s a bank for the indigenous peoples that will come,” said Melissa Lundy, founder and president of Tipi of Hope.

“They can now access all the services available through this bench, like stain, (and) prayer,” added Lundy, “and then help continue the conversation around how we remove these barriers for Indigenous patients and staff.”

Tipi of Hope plans to unveil a second bank in early 2025.

They are also looking for indigenous carpenters to be involved in the project.