The history of Canada’s First Nations peoples is wrapped up in their relationship to the land, and the First Nations of Alberta are no exception. The archaeological record shows that that humans first inhabited areas of what is now Alberta up to 12,000 years ago; the oral traditions of some First Nations people hold that they have always been here. When you consider that the oldest known inhabited sites were here long before the pyramids, it’s a long and rich history.

Aboriginal people in Canada are made up of three groups – First Nations, Métis – referring to people of mixed aboriginal and non-aboriginal ancestry – and the Inuit. The First Nations, Métis and Inuit are three separate peoples, with their own languages, heritage and artistic and cultural practices, centered mainly on the specific natural characteristics of their home territory. Alberta has 47 First Nations and the single largest population of Métis people in Canada as well as Canada’s third largest Aboriginal population.

The peoples who originally settled the southern plains – including the Blackfoot, Blood (Kinai), Peigan, Plains Cree, and Sarcee (or TsuuT’ina)– sustained themselves by hunting and gathering. Their existence was inextricably linked to the buffalo, which they only began hunting on horseback once horses were introduced to North America from Spain in the 1500’s.

The peoples of central Alberta, such as the Woodland Cree and Assiniboine/Stoney, gathered food in the wooded parkland areas as well as participating in fishing and trapping while living their nomadic existence.

Finally, the Dene and Chipewyan of Alberta’s north hunted the caribou in addition to fishing and hunting.

In the 18^th century, European fur traders reached Alberta and so began the relationship between Alberta’s First Nations and the newest inhabitants of North America. Many fur traders married First Nations women and this led to the birth of the Métis people, who nurtured a culture that was neither First Nations nor European, but a distinctive hybrid of the two.

In the late 1800’s the First Nations of western Canada began to sign treaties with the government, allowing for settlement of non-Aboriginal Canadians on Aboriginal lands in exchange for various considerations.

Today, Alberta’s population of First Nations and Métis is young and growing and there is a commitment within many communities to preserve and actively continue the age-old traditions of their cultures. At the same time, First Nations are embracing the future with contemporary arts and crafts and blending authentic ways with a thoroughly modern sensibility.

As a traveller it’s possible for you to experience the traditional culture and learn the stories of First Nations peoples, which are showcased in everything from world-class interpretive centres, museums and art galleries to pow wows, traditional drumming and dancing, teepee camping and native encampments, or traditional wilderness experiences. First Nations tourism is a growing trend across North America and Alberta is a great place for authentic aboriginal experiences. Here are just a few examples:

Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park (Siksika First Nation, east of Calgary)

Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park has been heralded as a world-class facility showcasing the rich and beautiful Blackfoot culture and way of life.  Scenically situated on a hill, it overlooks a wide valley that makes up the park, the historic site where Chief Poundmaker signed Treaty No. 7 in 1877, his burial site and the Earthlodge Village archeological site.  The centre itself features a large Blackfoot exhibition, a theatre, gift shop, cafeteria, conference facility and a tipi village with overnight accommodations.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump UNESCO Heritage Site (Fort Macleod)

This world heritage site and interpretive centre explores one of the world’s oldest, largest and best-preserved buffalo jumps, a site where plains Indians stampeded buffalo over a cliff and butchered. Today, this beautifully rendered architecturally significant centre not only explains the practices of the aboriginal peoples of the plains, it is a hub for cultural events.

Metis Crossing (Smoky Lake)

Originally built on farming, buffalo hunting and trading, today Métis Crossing attracts visitors for its beauty, history and adventure experiences, including a zip line. One of the earliest Métis communities in Alberta, it is now the premier site for Metis cultural interpretation, from history to music and jigging, and loom weaving. It stretches over 512 acres and offers campground and RV parking.

Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum (Banff)

The Buffalo Nation Luxton Museum interprets, demonstrates and displays the cultures, traditions, and values of North American First Nations and their trading partners. See how they lived together and adapted to their surroundings before and after the Europeans arrived.

Royal Alberta Museum (Edmonton)

Syncrude Gallery of Aboriginal Culture hosts an exhibition featuring one of the largest explorations of First Peoples’ history on the continent, with stories spanning 11,000 years and 500 generations. Take a fascinating journey through time and space using interactive technology and over 3,000 artifacts; learn about the first contact between Europeans and Aboriginals and the dark days of suppression of native cultures; experience today’s message of hope and healing.

Glenbow Museum (Calgary)

Part of the permanent collection of this esteemed museum celebrating Alberta’s history is an extensive exploration of the culture and traditions of the Blackfoot people, which you can share through interactive displays and videos.

Saamis Tepee (Lethbridge)

Serving as a venue for ceremonies and other cultural events, this celebrated landmark is made of steel and is a proud symbol of the native values of spirituality, the family home and the circle of life. At two stories high, it is the largest teepee in North America.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

This sacred landscape has been nominated for a UNESCO World Heritage designation, because of the importance of its plains rock art; it has the highest concentration and diversity of ancient pictographs in North America.

Take a tour and view the over 50 carvings or rock art pictures and, during the summer, explore their significance through an interpretive program.

Article contributed by Justine Cooke, MyDestination Alberta
Photo credits:  All photos courtesy of Travel Alberta