Indigenous Tourism Alberta’s members provide opportunity for Canadians to enjoy, learn and celebrate our shared history through living culture
This June, as part of National Indigenous History Month, three Indigenous cultural centres in Alberta are showcasing a different approach to the preservation of important cultural artifacts while actively integrating them into modern and vibrant Indigenous cultural ceremonies.
Blackfoot Crossing, Métis Crossing, and the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum are Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) members with a shared commitment to safeguarding unique artifacts that embody Indigenous history and give an opportunity for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous guests to better understand the true history of this land.
These preservation practices are an example of how Indigenous Peoples are overcoming colonial ideas to forge their own paths forward. National Indigenous History Month serves as a gateway for fostering allyship, preserving Indigenous heritage, and inspiring future generations through experiencing immersive cultural sites across Alberta.
Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, located on the National Historic Site of the signing of Treaty No.7 is situated less than an hour’s drive east of Calgary. Last year, the facility reclaimed sacred regalia from England.
"The repatriation journey began in 2004," said Shilo Clark, communications specialist at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park. "Chief Crowfoot's regalia which includes a buckskin shirt, pair of leggings, a knife with feather bundle and other precious belongings, have finally returned to their rightful home after being housed at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery in Exeter. These culturally significant items were never meant to be confined behind glass; they are meant to be symbols of our evolving culture."
Blackfoot Crossing is a destination that educates visitors on the understanding that Indigenous artifacts are not merely relics of the past, they are often used in present day ceremonies as a way of connecting Indigenous communities to their history, identity, and ancestral knowledge.
“While we maintain optimal storage conditions for our artifacts, including careful control of humidity and temperature, some of our specific ceremonial regalia, imbued with spiritual significance, are smudged daily to nurture the living spirit within the items,” explains Clark.
Métis Crossing, a 688-acre interpretive centre is a destination worth visiting. The facility has numerous programs, traditional workshops and signature experiences that allow guests to step beyond the boundaries of a traditional museum and interact with history in a tangible and meaningful manner.
“Our site was never designed to be a museum where you look at artifacts, or old things, behind glass,” said Métis Crossing CEO Juanita Marois. “We have created an interactive place where the past, present, and future of Métis people are explored and shared.”
The destination is home to the restored Cromarty home, built by Magnus Cromarty and his family in the 1860s.
“This home has stood the test of time”, explains Marios. “The notches of the hand-hewn logs are a reminder to a way of life that birthed the Métis nation. Today inside the walls of the Cromarty house, Métis interpreters share Magnus’ story as an example of the many Métis families who grew up across Alberta and contributed to this province.”
Situated at the heart of Alberta's premier international visitor destination, the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum is another ITA member committed to bridging the gap between the past and the present. Their newest beaded horse regalia exhibit features techniques dating back to the 1800s and aims to show that Indigenous arts and culture are alive and thriving today.
"Growing up on Tsuut'ina Nation and spending time with the horses, I learned that beading horse regalia is a sacred practice passed down from generation to generation. Each bead tells a story, preserving our history and culture," shares Tania Bigplum, tour guide and beadwork artist at the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum. "My grandmother taught me the art of beading, and now I have the privilege of passing it on to the younger generation. By teaching children, we connect them to their Indigenous roots, ensuring that our traditions and heritage carries on."
The way these museums both preserve history and keep it alive for vibrant modern cultures is a hallmark of the Indigenous worldviews embodied by Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs in Alberta. These ways of knowing are great examples of how authentic Indigenous tourism can be a gateway for travellers to learn more about the lives and cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples.
“The preservation efforts, visitor experiences and knowledge shared by ITA members is truly world-class,” says Shae Bird, CEO of Indigenous Tourism Alberta. "We take great pride in collaborating with these exceptional cultural destinations to enhance their experiences and market them to national and global audiences.”
For more information on the experiences mentioned above and to explore a full list of ITA’s members visit IndigenousTourismAlberta.ca.
About Indigenous Tourism Alberta
Driven by the Indigenous Tourism Alberta Strategy 2020-2024, Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) encourages and promotes authentic Indigenous tourism that showcases the unique and immersive experiences offered by its members throughout Alberta. This strategy is industry-driven, industry-lead and directed by Indigenous People. Through a unified industry voice, Indigenous Tourism Alberta focuses on creating and nurturing partnerships between associations, organizations, governments and industry leaders from across Alberta to support the stability and growth of Indigenous tourism. Further to this, ITA’s goal is to create a resilient Indigenous tourism industry that can weather future economic instability while also enhancing economic viability and further supporting Indigenous people throughout the province by sharing stories, culture and experiences with a global audience. To learn more, visit www.indigenoustourismalberta.ca. Indigenous Tourism Alberta Media Kit here.
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Maria José