Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter
A new Buffalo Hunt exhibit is now on display at Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump. (Photo: Ministry of Arts, Culture and Status of Women)

New exhibit at Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump highlights traditional hunting methods

Jun 18, 2025 | 1:12 PM

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Alberta, a local museum has received its newest exhibit.

The Canadian Museum of History has donated a new Buffalo Jump diorama to Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump, about 22 km west of Fort Macleod.

Museum President and CEO Caroline Dromaguet says the immersive exhibit explores the spiritual and cultural significance of the buffalo hunt, a tradition that sustained the Plains Peoples for generations.

“The Canadian Museum of History is honoured to have worked in close partnership with the Piikani Nation and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump to develop exhibitions and public programs relating to Blackfoot history and culture. The Museum offers this diorama as an expression of deep gratitude, friendship, and respect,” says Dromaguet.

Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump is situated at the southern tip of the Porcupine Hills. First Nations tribes would herd buffalo into a stampede and drive them over a cliff.

This was a common practice for nearly 6,000 years, and undisturbed layers of bones can still be found at the bottom.

Kainai Nation Chief Travis Plaited Hair says the exhibit brings that tradition to life, educating both local and international guests.

“The Blood Tribe/Kainaiwa congratulates the Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump, recipients of the gifted Buffalo Hunt Diorama display. This installation brings our stories of the buffalo hunt to the centre’s visitors on one of the most important land markers of Blackfoot Territory, the buffalo jump. We thank the Piikani Knowledge Keepers for their valuable contribution in the development of the project and to ensure our Blackfoot voice is heard,” says Plaited Hair.

The diorama is expected to be on display at Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump for the foreseeable future.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.