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The Native Cultural Arts Museum is located in the Moosehorn Lodge at the Northern Lakes College, Grouard Campus. The Moosehorn Lodge is part of the old mission school in Grouard. The Sisters of Providence founded the mission school in
1894 and Moosehorn Lodge was a later addition to the site.
The Native Cultural Arts Museum collection celebrates the cultures of the First Nations of North America, the history of Lesser Slave Lake and vicinity. The artifact collection consists of both historical objects and contemporary works of the students and instructors of the Native Cultural Arts Program. It showcases the clothing styles, daily living materials, as well as a fine arts collection.
Displays are changed approximately every eight weeks. The quillwork and beadwork display, the display of weaponry and our pipes and tobacco display are
the most popular displays and remain on permanent exhibit.
The Museum is currently expanding their archival holdings.
These consist of early photographs and some newspapers. The Museum has a
Research Library with a microfilm reader and an assortment of resource materials
available for the public to utilize. Photocopies of information are available
for a small fee.
Tours are available of the St. Bernard's Church. Construction was started by Bishop Grouard in 1901 and completed in 1902. This beautiful church is one of three that Bishop Grouard had constructed in the north. Examples of the Bishop's art can be seen gracing the wall behind the altar. It also houses an excellent collection of early vestments, ecclesiastical objects such as chalices,
and incense burners that are displayed in the vestry. The collection belongs to the Oblate Fathers and is a very interesting part of the tour. An optional part of the tour is the cemetery below the church site, where the tombstones of the bishops, brothers and nuns give a sense of the religious importance of the area. A striking feature of this cemetery is the grave markers that reflect the hierarchy within the church. The tombstones of the Sisters of Providence are the smallest and furthest away from the Bishop's and priests' grave.
Through the summer
the Native Cultural Arts Museum offers drop in children's programming. These programs are designed to help young children understand their Native heritage and traditions. In 2000
the NCAM also offered Outreach Programs to local campgrounds in the Grouard/High Prairie area. These involved having
Museum staff visit a campground to do crafts and storytelling. The Museum plans
to continue to offer these programs yearly.
In 2001 the restored Hudson's Bay Post, donated by the Whitefish Nation, will become part of the tours offered. This building was moved from Atikameg to the Northern Lakes College in 1999. The move and restoration was accomplished through the generous support of the MD of Big Lakes, the Community Lottery Board, Millennium Bureau and Northern Lakes College.
Plans for this building include detailing the interior to look as the building did when it was still used by the Hudson's Bay Company.
 The Museum is very involved with the Elder's Circle. This project is in partnership with Northern Lakes College. It is designed to encourage Elder's and students to communication about a variety of subjects.
The goal of the program is to provide an opportunity for students to consult an Elder about problems they may be experiencing. Although the College has an excellent counseling service sometimes the traditional ways are required.
The
Native Cultural Arts Museum also co-ordinates the Youth Dance Project. A Community Crime Prevention Grant, Northern Lakes College, the Native Clothing Design Course, and Awasisak Seniors Drop in Center supports this project The grant was provided to assist us in creating a dance company for the youth of Grouard- ages 5-18. There is very little for the young people of Grouard to do in the evenings and weekends. Through music and dance
the Project hopes to instill in the young people a sense of pride in their heritage and respect for the community in which they live. It is
the hope of the Museum that by providing positive experiences to our youth,
youth can help prevent vandalism, and disrespect of the seniors and other's
property.
 The Young Canada Works, Summer Temporary Employment and Summer Career Placements programs provide assistance. These grants aid
the Museum in hiring students from our area during the summer months. Extensive assistance is received though Museums Alberta for a variety of projects.
The Native Cultural Arts Museum provides group tours and is willing to accommodate your needs.
Operating Hours:
Summer, April 1 to October 31, Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Winter, November 1 to March
31, Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Admission is free. Donations gratefully accepted.
Reach the Native Cultural Arts Museum in Grouard by calling 1-780-751-3306 or fax us at
1-780-751-3308. Email curator Victoria R.
Barsalou at: barsalouv@yourfuture.ab.ca
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