Life on the Prairies relies on human connections and dependence on the Oldman River.
Until Aug.9, the Galt Museum and Archives presents its latest temporary exhibition, Down in the Valley on display in the lower-level hallway gallery.
From the Rocky Mountain headwaters to Hudson’s Bay, the Oldman River is vital to southern Alberta, and the Prairie provinces.
The exhibition continues the Galt’s focus on helping visitors expand their Blackfoot vocabulary, as they learn Blackfoot words relevant to the Oldman River’s long-winding history.
Museum Curator Tyler Stewart says one of the things the Museum really wanted to communicate in this exhibition is to remind guests that without the river, none of us would exist in Lethbridge. “Sometimes, you can take the river for granted. Without the river, our lives would be very difficult to sustain.”
“The really interesting history of the river starts well before European settlement,” adds Stewart.
Blackfoot perspectives are very important to the river’s history, including the Blackfoot language and stories.
“One of the things I think that’s awesome in this exhibition is the Napi creation story. It’s a very short version of the full story of how the river was created. We hope content like that inspires people to go out and learn more. Read some books to develop relationships in the Blackfoot community, and hear those bigger, longer stories in full,” Stewart explains.
In connection with the Down in the Valley exhibition, this summer the Museum will feature a variety of outdoor-focused public programs.
“We’re excited about that. To springboard off of the content in this exhibition and to take people into the River Valley with a lot of different public programs and activities,” says Stewart.
For more programming and event information, please visit online at galtmuseum.com.
(Photo by Stan Ashbee)
(Photo by Stan Ashbee)
(Photo by Stan Ashbee)
