Photo of Sikapinakii Low Horn speaking at a panel at Fort Calgary
As part of National Indigenous History Month, Fort Calgary hosted a panel discussion with members of the local Indigenous community to share the history of the City’s complex beginnings.
“Even though it’s this old colonial statue of Colonel McLeod it’s a very crucial part of our history in Calgary.” -Sikapinakii Low Horn
Guests were taken on a short, guided tour by guide and Blackfoot history buff Jared Tailfeathers, who shared the natural history of the site while helping guests understand the importance of the meeting place of the Bow and Elbow Rivers.
The first of three panels telling the story of Treaty 7
The second of three panels telling the story of Treaty 7
The third of three panels telling the story of Treaty 7
The tour also featured an interactive demonstration of the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth’s (USAY) new IndigiTrails app which is free to download on Apple and Android devices.
After the tour, a presentation by local Siksika artist, Sikapinakii Low Horn who shared how the new panels around the statue of Colonel McLeod, tell the story of Chief Crowfoot and his journey of making Treaty 7.
Low Horn shared later in the panel how they felt about having the panels around the McLeod Statue, “Even though it’s this old colonial statue of Colonel McLeod it’s a very crucial part of our history in Calgary.” Low Horn continued “I thought it would be a nice touch to have these panels created by a Blackfoot Artist of how we got here and where we are today”.
The event ended with more panel discussions from Treaty 7 and Métis panelists to educate guests about the rich history and culture of the area.
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