Lethbridge – The Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa (eternal gathering place) and Fort Whoop-Up invite everyone to join us in celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 from 11 am to 5 pm at Fort Whoop-Up. For this year’s event, we have partnered with the Helen Schuler Nature Centre to offer free admission and a variety of engaging activities for all ages.

Event Highlights:

• 11 am – 12 pm: Opening BuffaloMech and digital art installation, created by students of the University of Lethbridge.

• 11 am – 5 pm: Connect to the land with the Helen Schuler Nature Centre. Discover amazing plants found in Lethbridge through hands-on activities.

• 11 am – 5 pm: Learn traditional methods of buffalo hide tanning using brains, marrow, and eggs with Winston Wadsworth Jr.

• 1 pm: Elder blessing by Guuyii Staa Baamuugh-kaa (Elder Raymond Many Bears) and Aagohh giss stsistiigiiaakii (Elder Greta Many Bears).

• 2 pm & 4 pm: Napi stories in the Tipi with Blanche Bruisedhead.

• All-day: Bannock-covered hotdogs and bannock will be available in the classroom on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Regular Fort Season Activities: Wagon rides are available for $5 per person on a first-come, first-served basis. No tours of the Fort’s barracks will be offered on this day.

“I invite everyone to join us for National Indigenous Peoples Day at Fort Whoop-Up and the Helen Schuler Nature Centre. It will be a day of learning, connection, and reflection, with a program of fun activities for everyone to enjoy,” says Sarah Newstead, CEO/Executive Director of the Galt Museum & Archives and Fort Whoop-Up.

This significant event allows us to honour and celebrate Indigenous peoples' rich cultural heritage and traditions. “We are excited to provide a gathering place for the community to come together, learn, and engage with Indigenous culture through various activities and storytelling," says Connor Kenney, Fort Whoop-Up Site Coordinator.

On this occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering truth and reconciliation by promoting understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures and histories. Through educational programs, cultural events, and partnerships with Indigenous communities, we strive to create an inclusive environment that acknowledges and honours the contributions and experiences of Indigenous peoples.

Join us in celebrating the richness and diversity of Blackfoot Culture and Indigenous ways of knowing on National Indigenous Peoples Day. We invite community members to participate in land-based learning, hide tanning, storytelling, art, and more at Fort Whoop-Up. This event is funded in part by Canadian Heritage.

Fort Whoop-Up is open for the summer season until September 1, 2024. You can visit from Wednesday to Sunday, between 10 am and 5 pm. Enjoy a variety of activities such as guided tours of the barracks and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) gallery and the Lii Bufalo: A Métis Way of Life exhibit, immersive cultural and historical experiences like the Niitsitapi Experience and the Métis Experience, and delightful catered picnics provided locally by Homestyle Charcuterie, Hickory Street, and Chef Stella’s restaurants. You can also take wagon rides in Indian Battle Park while listening to local history from our experienced guides. Donkeys and horses are also on-site at the Fort for our animal-loving visitors.

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This media release can be found at www.galtmuseum.com/news.

Media Contact

Peter Tah
Marketing and Communications Officer
peter.tah@galtmuseum.com
403-320-4009