It took over a quarter of a century, but the Siksika community in southern Alberta has opened their world-class tourism attraction, the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park. An interpretative centre designed by Rod Goodfellow rises out of the short grass prairie to greet visitors. People can listen to recorded video of Blackfoot elders sharing their stories and read the much discussed Indian Act. This unique exhibit gives non-aboriginals a chance to learn more about the contractual relationship shared between the First Nations people and the Canadian government. It can be an eye-opener!
I met one of the Siksika representatives, Doug Bearhat many years ago when he took an ecotourism workshop I was teaching at the Banff Centre. He spoke with great eloquence of the band’s vision for a sustainable tourism attraction that would showcase their culture and history and create economic activity and jobs. It is wonderful to see the vision come to life with a vacation experience that will educate and entertain people from around the world. To learn more visit www.blackfootcrossing.ca.