Aboriginal
Alberta is home to 43 First Nations in three treaty areas—their cultures are distinct and diverse. Explore 10,000 years of First Nations life at ancient sites and museums around Alberta. Paddle the same waterways of original Métis fur trappers. Discover ancient petroglyphs and rock art, learn to make hand drums or sleep in a tipi next to North America’s best-preserved buffalo jump.Prehistoric First Nations Peoples
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Alberta is 18 km (11 mi) northwest of Fort MacLeod. It is the site of the world’s oldest, largest and best preserved buffalo jump. Older than Stonehenge or the pyramids at Giza, the site provides a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric life of the Blackfoot, who hunted the plentiful bison critical to their survival.
With the kinds of limited hunting tools that were available 6,000 years ago, they needed to devise a way to kill enough animals to feed and clothe their large communal groups. The buffalo jump was the answer. After herding the big animals over the 10-18 m (33-59 ft) cliffs, the carcasses were processed to meet their needs.
The skeletal remains at the base of the cliff are as much as 11 m (36 ft) deep, and a nearby butchering area contains the preserved remains of meat caches, bison bones and cooking pits. The site boasts a $10 million interpretive centre featuring hands-on activities and special events including dancing, drumming and archaeological digs.
Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park (Áísínai’pi) is a landscape sacred to the Blackfoot people. The site is 32 km (20 mi) east of the town of Milk River. An archaeological preserve within the Park protects the largest concentration of rock art on the North American plains. The artists are thought to be the Blackfoot people who settled this area for at least 3,500 years. There is speculation some of the rock art may be up to 6,000 years old.
Covering the sheer sandstone cliffs of the area along the Milk River are petroglyph carvings, paintings and pictographs which include vivid depictions of hunting and spiritual vision quests. But by far the most common are scenes of warriors and battles. Some speculate these were meant as warnings to neighbouring enemies to stay away. Guided interpretive walks and tours are available from mid-May until Labour Day. Interpretive programs are scheduled regularly.
Museums and Historic Sites
Learn about Aboriginal native culture at numerous historic sites, parks, forts, missions, cultural centres and museums. If you’re visiting our gateway cities, Calgary’s Glenbow Museum and Edmonton’s Royal Alberta Museum have world-renowned collections and exhibits. Fort Edmonton Park is a piece of living history, where costumed interpreters recreate the 1846 Hudson’s Bay Fort and the Native Encampment. Learn about the lives and experiences of the Métis who played a role in Edmonton's development.
In our Canadian Rockies Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum and Jasper-Yellowhead Museum entice you to immerse yourself in ancient ways. In central Alberta, visit Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site. Spanning the southern Alberta/Saskatchewan border, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park offers both natural and heritage events, including interpretive programming. Many archeological sites confirm human activity in the area over the last 8,000 years.
Experience Traditional Native Culture
If you’re looking for a First Nations or Métis experience, your primary resource is Alberta Aboriginal Tourism. History, hands-on activities, special events, guided tours—it’s all here. Experience traditional Canadian Aboriginal tribal lifestyle in the company of guides and elders. Book a one-day trek or a multi-day camp and learn about nature and culture.
Creative Western Adventures offers several holidays designed to put you in touch with Aboriginal ways. Discovering the Blackfoot Confederacy is a nine-day immersion program in which visitors explore the history and culture of the plains tribes. Live on reserves, take part in pow wows, dancing and drumming, search for berries and bear tracks, ride horses and paddle canoes—it’s an unforgettable experience.
Buffalo Spirit Aboriginal Experiences, less than an hour's drive from Edmonton in Elk Island National Park, offers a variety of excellent activities and interpretive programs for the whole family. The park is a treasure trove of more than 200 prehistoric aboriginal camping and stone tool making sites.
Kak Ki Yaw Cultural Camp is two and a half hours northeast of Edmonton, near the town of Lac La Biche. Interpretive programs are available year round. Visitors learn about the traditions of the Aboriginal people in the area. Activities include survival training, trapping, plant and animal identification, horseback riding, paddling, and a sweat lodge ceremony. Finish off your day listening to the stories of Walter Quinn, elder and long-time trapper.
Métis Crossing is northeast of Edmonton near Smoky Lake. Commemorating the site of a 6,000 year old campground and a major crossing point for fur traders on the North Saskatchewan River, this exciting new development is being built in stages. Phase One opened to the public in 2006. Visit the site often to see what's new.
Miywasin Centre in Medicine Hat sponsors ‘History in the Hills’ every June. This four-day event has hands-on activities for every age and interest. Play native games, learn how to make bannock and tan hides, dance traditional dances, and hear tales about Métis fur trapping days. The Centre runs one-day and weekend Voyageur Canoe Trips on the South Saskatchewan River.
National Aboriginal Day: June 21
Each year, this day is set aside to celebrate the contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples to Canadian culture. Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump celebrates the day with Blackfoot entertainers and workshops featuring heritage storytelling, aboriginal art and games.
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