Representatives from Parks Canada, the Galt Museum, and Fort Whoop-Up unveil the new Lii Buflo: A Métis Way of Life exhibit. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Fort Whoop-Up open for summer with new ‘Lii Buflo: A Métis Way of Life’ exhibit

Jun 6, 2024 | 12:45 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A new temporary exhibit is the highlight for this summer as Fort Whoop-Up opens its doors for the season.

In partnership with Parks Canada and the Galt Museum & Archives, they have brought a piece titled, “Lii Bufalo: A Métis Way of Life.”

Park Canada Promotions and Non-Personal Media Officer Becky Friesen explains that the exhibit was created a committee of Métis community members from St. Albert and features the artwork of Jesse Gouchey.

“This exhibit, it provides a really in-depth look at the historical ties and the spiritual bond between the Métis people and the bison,” says Friesen. “It aims to contribute to reconciliation and healing by telling a unique story through a Métis voice.”

Galt Museum & Archives Curator Tyler Stewart says they try bring at least one “special exhibition” to Fort Whoop-Up each year to give people yet another reason to come.

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He adds that Lii Bufalo immediately caught his attention.

“One of the most exciting things about this project is, not only does it do a great job of storytelling and telling some of the history of the Métis relationship to the buffalo, it also uses contemporary art to do that,” says Stewart.

Fort Whoop-Up Site Coordinator Connor Kenney says they have completed a series of renovations over the winter, including dropping door egresses to make the facility more wheelchair accessible, improving the outdoor garden area, and installing new horse paddocks.

The fort is now open for the season, but officials are planning to hold a bigger grand opening event on Friday, June 21 for National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Admission to Fort Whoop-Up will be free for both the June 21 grand opening and on August 5 for Alberta Heritage Day.

More details at Fort.GaltMuseum.com

The new Lii Buflo: A Métis Way of Life exhibit at Fort Whoop-Up. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

The new Lii Buflo: A Métis Way of Life exhibit at Fort Whoop-Up. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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