The new ‘Buffalo Hunt’ exhibit opened Wednesday at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
A new exhibit that illustrates traditional hunting methods of the Blackfoot people was unveiled at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
The new Buffalo Hunt exhibit was adapted from an original diorama created for the Canadian Museum of History with guidance from Piikani Nation elders and knowledge keepers.
“Standing here at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a meaningful reminder of how vividly history breathes, stories endure and traditional knowledge continues to guide us,” Arts, Culture and Status of Women Minister Tanya Fir said. “Today we celebrate the opening of a new exhibit and meaningful collaboration, one that honours Indigenous culture, shines a light on the stories of the Blackfoot, and reflects Alberta’s commitment to reconciliation, heritage, and life-long learning.”
Elders conducted a pipe ceremony and North Stone Singers opened with an honour song prior to the news conference.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a UNESCO world heritage site that preserves at least 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo culture and Indigenous ingenuity.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump manager Aaron Domes said the museum continues to inspire and educate through Blackfoot stories, traditions and knowledge.
“Nearly 60,000 visitors come to this UNESCO world heritage site every year,” Domes said. “To learn, connect and experience the deep history of this place and the living history of the Blackfoot people.”
“This new exhibit will enrich that experience for generations to come.”
Domes spoke of the lasting relationships and partnerships created by the project with communities, organizations and knowledge holders.
The new exhibit explores the spiritual and cultural significance of the buffalo hunt, a tradition that sustained Plains Peoples for generations.
“The new Buffalo Hunt exhibit is a vibrant expression of Indigenous wisdom and identity created with guidance of elders, communities and valued partners to bring history to life in authentic and immersive ways,” Fir said.
Fir said the provincial government is proud to support projects such as this exhibit that help Albertans learn, grow and reflect together.
Fir said Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and other museums help tell Alberta’s stories that echo across generations and resonate far beyond Alberta’s borders.
“This world heritage site is a sacred place, a cultural bridge, and a living classroom,” Fir added. “For over 6,000 years this buffalo jump supported plains people, a testament to community, ingenuity and survival.”
“This exhibit brings those stories to life with honesty and care, and stands as an act of recognition reminding young people — expecially Indigenous youth — that their stories matter and their voices carry great strength.”
Chief Troy Knowlton of the Piikani Nation said the diorama is a beautiful rendition of what the buffalo jump once was.
“This entire centre really has done a lot to preserve our culture and our heritage,” Knowlton said. “This new addition will add to that and help educate the world.”
The buffalo jump, Knowlton said, tells the story of the Blackfoot people’s existence in this area.
Kainai Nation Chief Traveller Plaited Hair reflected on the years he spent as an interpretive guide at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
“I have to say it was one of the best jobs I ever had,” Plaited Hair said. “I got to meet people literally from around the world and that was an awesome experience. I worked with some awesome, awesome people here.”
Plaited Hair said he learned a lot from the elders at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and got reconnected with Blackfoot history and culture.
“That’s the real story, right there,” Plaited Hair said of the new Buffalo Hunt exhibit. “It’s a really, really awesome story.”
Plaited Hair said the story of the jump and buffalo is an amazing one that is well told at the interpretive centre.
Buffalo have been brought back to the Kainai Nation, Plaited Hair noted.
“It’s just awesome to have them there,” Plaited Hair said. “The buffalo is a keystone species. When you have them, everything around them flourishes.”
Tim Foran, curator, Canadian Museum of History, said the diorama is about relationships.
“It’s about a sacred, deep, meaningful relationship rooted in respect, and trust, and honesty,” Foran said. “Tis diorama is the product of relationships and many people were involved in making it.”
In creating the diorama, they drew heavily on the wisdom of people such as Wilfred Yellow Wings and Peter Strikes With A Gun.
The original diorama exists in History Hall in the Canadian Museum of History where Blackfoot culture history is featured.
“All of that content was developed through very careful, deliberate, respectful collaboration with Piikani and other Blackfoot elders and knowledge keepers,” Foran said.
Those relationships were mediated by Quinton Crowshoe of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
“The Canadian Museum of History is deeply honoured to have had this wonderful working relationship with Blackfoot knowledge keepers, with Blackfoot elders,” Foran said. “We hope that this relationship can continue, that it will grow stronger.”
