Fort Whoop-Up and the Helen Schuler Nature Centre are offering free activities on National Indigenous Peoples Day. (Photo: Galt Museum & Archives))

By David Opinko

National Indigenous Peoples Day to be celebrated in Lethbridge Coulees

Jun 19, 2024 | 2:49 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A full day of festivities is planned at Fort Whoop-Up and the Helen Schuler Nature Centre for National Indigenous Peoples Day.

On Friday, June 21, 2024, the facilities will host a series of events for free from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sarah Newstead, CEO and Executive Director of the Galt Museum & Archives and Fort Whoop-Up, is inviting everyone to participate.

“It will be a day of learning, connection, and reflection, with a program of fun activities for everyone to enjoy,” says Newstead.

Event highlights at Fort Whoop-Up include:

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• 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Opening BuffaloMech and digital art installation, created by students of the University of Lethbridge.
• 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Learn traditional methods of buffalo hide tanning using brains, marrow, and eggs with Winston Wadsworth Jr.
• 1:00 p.m.: Elder blessing by Guuyii Staa Baamuugh-kaa (Elder Raymond Many Bears) and Aagohh giss stsistiigiiaakii (Elder Greta Many Bears).
• 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.: Napi stories in the Tipi with Blanche Bruisedhead.
• All-day: Bannock-covered hotdogs and bannock will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in the classroom.
• Regular Fort Season Activities: Wagon rides are available for $5 per person on a first-come, first-served basis. No tours of the Fort’s barracks will be offered on this day.

The Helen Schuler Nature Centre will also host the following event:

• 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Connect to the land with the Helen Schuler Nature Centre. Discover amazing plants found in Lethbridge through hands-on activities.

Fort Whoop-Up Site Coordinator Connor Kenney says the event allows everyone to honour and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Indigenous peoples.

“We are excited to provide a gathering place for the community to come together, learn, and engage with Indigenous culture through various activities and storytelling,” says Kenney.

Fort Whoop-Up is also playing host this summer to the Lii Bufalo: A Métis Way of Life exhibit.

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

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