The Galt Museum and Archives is amplifying Niitsitapi voices by showcasing their history of the Battle of the Belly River. (Photo: LNN)

By Drew Stremick

Battle of the Belly River project hopes to amplify Niitsitapi voices

Jul 29, 2022 | 2:34 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Galt Museum and Archives, in partnership with Lethbridge College, Reconciliation Lethbridge and the City of Lethbridge Indigenous Relations Office, are creating a project with the intent to focus on Niitsitapi knowledge and perspectives.

The event they will be highlighting is the Battle of the Belly River, which was a significant clash between the Blackfoot People and the Cree in 1870.

There have been at least three publications about this event over the years, but all three of those projects were written from a settler perspective. This project will be from an Indigenous perspective rather than a colonial one.

Indigenous Curator for the Galt Museum and Archives, Camina Weasel Moccasin, says its critical to include the historical perspectives of Indigenous Peoples.

“It’s important to center Blackfoot Peoples’ experiences in the retelling of historical events,” said Moccasin. “We are looking to engage in a more meaningful way with the Niitsitapi community to develop a new project that better explains this significant event.”

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In order to give space for Niitsitapi voices, the Galt intends to engage with elders and knowledge keepers from the Blackfoot communities about the battle. The Galt is also asking community members to share stories that may have been passed down over generations. If any families have artifacts from the event, the Galt Museum hopes to take photographs of the items to include with the story.

CEO of the Galt Museum, Darrin Martens, says this project is another step in the direction of reconciliation.

“We believe this project will continue efforts toward reconciliation and relationship building by informing residents of the impact the battle had on the development of Lethbridge,” explained Martens. “Being able to work with our partners at Lethbridge College, Reconciliation Lethbridge and the City of Lethbridge Indigenous Relations Office is helping to strengthen those community connection[s] as we work towards reconciliation.”

The Galt would like to emphasize that anything shared with the museum will remain the physical and intellectual property of the families and the Niitsitapi community.

If you or someone you know would like to contribute to the project, please contact Camina Weasel Moccasin (Ikinainiahkii, Gently Singing), Indigenous Curator at the Galt Museum. More information on the project can be found on the Galt Museum’s website.

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