An area of Galt Gardens has received an artistic boost.
A project between the City of Lethbridge and the University of Lethbridge has resulted in brighter lighting, improved sightlines and more accessible paths along the southwest corner of the downtown site.
Construction at Galt Gardens started last summer and finished this spring.
The updated area has two new entrances to the pergola from the west and south sides.
At those entrances, the community can see new Niitsitapi Blackfoot artwork from artist Marjie Crop Eared Wolf.
“I just wanted to express how grateful I am, and happy, to have this opportunity to share this art with the city,” Crop Eared Wolf says.
“My hope is that the public won’t just see this piece as public art but come to appreciate the Blackfoot language and the Blackfoot artwork and my community, and our territory.”
Crop Eared Wolf adds the city’s appreciation for Blackfoot culture has grown since her youth. “I applaud the City for the efforts that they’re making in doing these types of projects and bringing back the Blackfoot language in spaces where it wasn’t prevalent before.”
The artist worked along the Urban Revitalization team to bring her artwork to life.
“As we worked through the design and construction, we really wanted to tie in that Indigenous element,” says manager Crystal Scheit.
She adds that upgrades to the park entrances aim to improve safety, especially as more events occur at the pergola and within Galt Gardens.
“People are loving the space. I think the open sightlines and the improved lighting really makes it feel welcoming for people,” Scheit says. “The stone seating, we’ve seen utilized a lot – from Foodie Fest when the food trucks line up, people really feel that they can come in and use the space and it’s very inclusive and welcoming to everyone.”
Echo Nowak, the Indigenous Relations Specialist with the City, notes that the new artwork highlights Lethbridge’s commitment to reconciliation.
“One of our Calls to Action is to have more Indigenous spaces and more Indigenous art and culture within the city, so this is an easy win for everybody, of course, and it showcases Marjie’s amazing work and the teachings that she brings with it,” Nowak says.
She adds the City’s partnership with the nearby Blood Tribe is valuable and something that will continue to be strengthened.
