Relations between Canada's museums and its First Nations have been
fraught with challenges, but have come a long way in the last few
years. It was not until the early 1990s that the Glenbow adopted a
policy to "involve First Nations in the collecting, planning,
research, implementation, presentation, and maintenance of:all
exhibits, programs, and projects that include First Nations
culture."
The $2-million Nitsitapiisinni exhibit is the result of a
four-year planning process. Museum staff worked with the Blackfoot
project team of 17 senior leaders and teachers from regional
communities of the Kainai, Siksika, and Peigan (including the
Apatohsipikani in southern Alberta and the Amsskaapipikani in
Montana). Team member Jerry Potts Jr. ;o: (Apatohsipikani) says
the museum was -among the first in Canada to involve : Aboriginal
staff and begin consultations with local Aboriginal leaders to
repatriate : sacred objects to their traditional owners. As a
result, artifacts on view are .thoughtfully integrated with
replicas and oral descriptions.
At the gallery opening, many of the speakers addressed the
audience in their own language and English. Donna Weaselchild (Siksika),
pointed out that "kids are being taught our language in our
schools-and it is our own people who are teaching them."
Blackfoot culture is traditionally passed on through a rich oral
tradition of storytelling. In this new exhibit, all didactic
panels are presented from the point of view of the Blackfoot
themselves; audio stations and videotapes let you listen to
ancient stories and personal experiences recounted in both
Blackfoot and English.
Heritage Community Foundation Presents
