A new exhibit at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump site highlights the traditional ways buffalo were hunted by indigenous communities.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves more than 6,000 years of buffalo hunting on the planes and the ingenuity that came with these hunts. The new exhibit was created thanks to a partnership between the Piikani Nation, the Canadian Museum of History and the Government of Alberta. The inspiration for the exhibit came from the original diorama created for the Canadian Museum of History and was developed with guidance from Piikani Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women Tanya Fir states the new exhibit invites visitors to connect with the land we call home on a deeper level.
“Alberta’s government remains dedicated to supporting projects that honour the Indigenous voices and traditions that continue to shape the cultural fabric of our province,” Fir says.
Minister of Indigenous Relations Rajan Sawhney adds the Buffalo Hunt Diorama honours the resilience and cultural strength of the Blackfoot Peoples.
“It reminds us that reconciliation begins with listening, learning and preserving the stories that shape this land. Alberta’s government is proud to walk this path in partnership with Indigenous communities,” Sawhney adds.
Kainai Nation Chief Traveller Plaited Hair explains that the installation brings the Blackfoot people’s stories of the buffalo hunt to one of the most important land markers in Blackfoot Territory, where people visit, the buffalo jump.
“We thank the Piikani Knowledge Keepers for their valuable contribution in the development of the project and to ensure our Blackfoot voice is heard,” Hair says.
The exhibit is part of the provincial government’s $51-million investment into provincial museums and historic sites. It also is an example of the continued commitment to reconciliation and cultural revitalization the provincial government has made.
Site manager go Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site Aaron Domes says it is an area of pride to be able to share the voices of Piikani Elders and Blackfoot Knowledge Keepers through the new diorama.
“Its presence here is a meaningful reflection of our relationship and a powerful way to honour and preserve the cultural legacy of the buffalo hunt,” Domes states.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump will celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on Saturday with visitors being able to come and see not just the new exhibit but all that the heritage site has to offer. As well every Wednesday throughout the rest of the summer the heritage site will host drumming and dancing performances.
