Members of the media are invited to join Fort Whoop-Up Site Coordinator, Connor Kenney and Elk Island National Park (Parks Canada) Promotions Officer, Becky Friesen, along with Galt Museum & Archives Curator Tyler Stewart, for a media availability on Thursday, June 6th, at 10:30 a.m. at Fort Whoop-Up.

*Lii Bufalo: A Métis Way of Life* exhibit on display at Fort Whoop-Up.
Image courtesy of the Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa

Lethbridge – Fort Whoop-Up, nestled in the heart of the Lethbridge River Valley, is thrilled to announce its eagerly awaited opening for the 2024 season on June 6th, offering visitors a captivating journey into the past. One of this year’s highlights is hosting the travelling exhibition, Lii Bufalo: A Métis Way of Life, presented in proud partnership with Parks Canada.

Fort Whoop-Up, a replica of the original late 1800s fur trading fort, stands as a testament to the rich history of Southern Alberta. The Fort helps share important stories of Indigenous-settler interactions, including the buffalo robe and illicit whisky trade that characterized the mid-1860s to the early 1890s. From the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) to Métis, Canadians, Americans, and British, the Fort’s visitor experience weaves together diverse cultures, trade dynamics, and political landscapes, offering a nuanced understanding of the era.

Fort Whoop-Up compound.
Image courtesy of the Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa

Activities this season include guided tours of the Fort’s barracks and Niitsitapi Gallery, immersive experiences such as the Niitsitapi Experience and the Métis Experience, delectable picnics in partnership with our local providers including Homestyle Charcuterie and Hickory Street, wagon rides while listening to local history from our experienced guides, and lots more.

“The Fort is thrilled to show off some of the site upgrades that took place over the winter and spring such as the reimagined garden area and a new horse shelter along with other structural upgrades to the barracks that make the space more physically accessible for all visitors,” says Connor Kenney, Fort Whoop-Up Site Coordinator.

Image courtesy of the Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa

“The Fort is also excited to share the new exhibit with returning and new visitors highlighting the Métis people’s historic ties and spiritual bond with the Buffalo. Come check out all the new things while enjoying the classics.”

Visitors will have the unique opportunity this year to see the Lii Bufalo exhibit featuring stunning artwork by Métis artist Jesse Gouchey. The exhibit’s dramatic landscape artwork sweeps across the inside of the Fort compound, showcasing the bison conservation efforts of Elk Island National Park while also highlighting the enduring legacy of Métis culture and its integral role in shaping Western Canada's identity. Through art and storytelling, the exhibit invites visitors to embark on a profound journey of discovery and reflection.

“The Lii Buflo: A Métis Way of Life travelling exhibit provides an engaging and in-depth look at the historical ties and spiritual bond between the Métis people and the buffalo. It aims to contribute to reconciliation and healing by telling a story through a unique Métis voice that teaches Canadians about the significance of the Métis’ relationship with their fellow nation, the bison. Parks Canada is proud to share the Lii Buflo: A Métis Way of Life exhibit at Fort Whoop-Up this summer,” says Becky Friesen, Promotions and Non-Personal Media Officer for Elk Island National Park.

Image courtesy of Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa

The exhibit was originally developed in partnership with the Arts and Heritage Foundation of St. Albert, and Métis advisors with funding from the Métis Reconciliation Fund.

The Métis people of Edmonton, formerly known as lii bufalo hunters, maintain a deep connection with bison, a legacy passed down through generations. Historically, communal bison hunts were pivotal events, symbolizing collaboration and cultural significance.

At the dawn of the twentieth century, wild bison faced extinction due to relentless market hunting and habitat destruction. Elk Island National Park emerged as a beacon of hope, offering sanctuary to the remaining bison populations. Today, descendants of these resilient creatures roam freely within the park and other sites throughout the US and Canada, embodying the spirit of conservation and renewal.

Visitors can experience the physical exhibit at Fort Whoop-Up until September 2024, during regular operating hours, with the cost of regular admission. For those unable to visit in person, a virtual exhibition experience and supplemental information are available on the AHF website (www.artsandheritage.ca/products/lii-buflo).

For more information, visit Fort Whoop-Up’s website fort.galtmuseum.com or contact us at 403-320-3777.

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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

Historic Fort Whoop-Up Opens Doors for 2024 Season Unveiling Lii Bufalo: A Métis Way of Life Exhibit