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Alberta Online Encyclopedia

Contemporary Life - Arts and Lifeways

A painted Siksika tipi at the Cascade Gardens of Banff National Park

They may vary in their features and functions, but many of the arts and lifeways activities that take place across Treaty 7 communities are rooted in a shared connection to the past and a strong sense of pride and identity. In this section, we will take a look at some of these rich cultural traditions, including traditional arts and crafts activities, vibrant music and dance, and culturally-rooted mythologies and oral histories, to gain a deeper understanding of the vital role they play in the lifestyles of the Treaty 7 Peoples. By incorporating these activities and philosophies into their everyday lives and grounding them in a traditional and spiritual setting, the Treaty 7 First Nations are helping to ensure the preservation and evolution of their creative heritage.

You are invited to take a closer look at the intricate and often stunning arts and crafts of the Treaty 7 Nations in the Traditional Artwork section. Explore the importance of oral storytelling within traditional First Nations cultures and become acquainted with a few of the intriguing stories and myths that have been passed down over the generations in Mythology and Storytelling. In the Music and Dance section, you will learn about the different types of traditional music and dance rituals and take a closer look as to how the Treaty 7 People incorporate these rituals into their spiritual and cultural life.

Here, you will also become acquainted with the many different Bands of Treaty 7, and explore the function of the Treaty 7 Management Corporation, which works to facilitate and co-ordinate the position of Treaty 7 groups in a number of key areas.

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