By Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs - (@morrittjacobs on Twitter)

Fort Whoop-Up Grand Opening for 2016 Season

Jun 21, 2016 | 12:35 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Fort Whoop-Up held its 2016 Grand Opening on Tuesday, with an opportunity for the public to enjoy the historic site for free.

Janae Redgrave, Galt Community Programs Coordinator, created a line-up of performances with a special emphasis on native heritage to honour National Aboriginal Day.

The Grand Opening featured a mini-pow wow, six Blackfoot interpreters to share knowledge about the multi-layered story of the region and musical entertainment by Floyd Silito.

“We are excited to present this fabulous line-up to mark the occasion of our opening at Fort Whoop-Up during National Aboriginal Day. There will be a little something for everyone,” said Redgrave.

The public enjoyed Spanish mustang wagon rides and free tours from interpreters; as well as traditional First Nations fare and western food available for purchase.

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Mayor Chris Spearman said that he is pleased with the relaunch of the facility as it is an important site that speaks towards the history of the area.

“This is the first visible reminder of what the settlement was. We are working with artifacts all across Alberta and in partnership with our Indigenous people to tell that settlement story, the good the bad and the ugly.”

Susan Burrows-Johnson, Galt Museum CEO, said that since the Galt took over operations in December 2015, board members have been hard at work revamping the facility.

“We spoke with our colleagues in other museums about artifacts and we have received a reproduction wagon that is authentic to the period given to us by Fort Calgary. We’ve had retired buffalo ranches bring us materials to help rebuild our collection.”

Despite the Galt having to start from scratch in the collection of artifacts, Burrows-Johnson said that there are many positive changes to the Fort.

“You’re going to see a revised Blackfoot gallery with stories on panels and an orientation film discussing the complete Blackfoot history in 14 minutes.”

Burrows-Johnson said that the Museum is appealing to the public for artifact donations from the 1860’s to the 1890’s.