Indigenous Experiences

I remember learning a fair bit about the indigenous peoples of the plains when I was in elementary school, back when we referred to them as "aboriginal." How they were nomadic, resourceful, and far more concerned with survival than with establishing borders or acquiring property. But even this well-intentioned curriculum fell short in a couple of spectacular ways. 

First of all, it framed everything in the past tense, talking about the Cree and the Blackfoot in the same way one might discuss the passenger pigeon, overlooking the fact that First Nations exist across the entirety of the nation, both within and without reserves. 

Second of all, the tragic fate of the plains people was presented as though it was solely the result of economic fallout perpetuated by a greedy few. Why, if buffalo hides and beaver hats hadn't been so popular down East or across the ocean, who knows how differently things might have turned out? Who could have foreseen that practically eliminating the primary foodstuff of a nomadic people would have such devastating consequences!

And of course, this is in addition to the omission of key details like cultural genocide, residential schools, broken treaties, etc.

All in all, these failings make it a bitter pill to be revisited from the perspective of settler people and indigenous people alike. But there can be no looking forward without a bit more clarity on what has gone before, which is where opportunities like the Indigenous Peoples Experience come into play.

Recently opened as a part of Fort Edmonton Park, the Indigenous Peoples Experience is a top-notch state-of-the-art museum exhibition focusing on the history and culture of the first inhabitants of this region. Stepping in the door places you on top of an animated map projected on the floor. An interpreter explains what you see and takes you through the comings and goings of the people and animals that made this bend in the river their home, before overlaying it with the streets and roads that we know today.

From there you move on to a well-curated set of artifacts and recreations showing life on the plains both before and after the arrival of Europeans. Each panel is accompanied not only by names and labels, but also recollections from the more than 50 indigenous elders and authorities who were consulted during the creation of the exhibit. Anecdotes, quotes and reflections that range from nostalgic to embittered to joyous and everything in between underscore the importance of what you are looking at, making it far more personal than a cold description.

Taxidermied animals line the lodge poles and timbers placed throughout, while periodically animations are shown on the upper walls of the building as well as on the sides of the tipis set up there. Voices and music dramatize stories and legends while shadows and constellations act them out before your eyes.

And, there is bitterness in the later history, but joy and resilience as well. The Metis hall in particular shows how the rejection of exonyms like "half-breed" has led to the creation of a vibrant and distinct culture.

We visited the IPE with our dear friends from Camrose and their three children spanning grades one to nine. Even I had to admit there was enough reading to saturate me after a while and I look forward to returning to absorb the rest, but there was also enough to look at and look for and touch and push that the younger visitors weren't too bored before the end.

Of course, it was also pretty exciting to wander over to the fort and see Audrey's son Bryce giving his musket demo while decked out in his HBC "company man" kit!

I think the Indigenous Peoples Experience is a world-class exhibit and a real feather in the cap for the city and Fort Edmonton. Anyone who is a fan of art, culture, history, reconciliation, or just well-presented information should take it upon themselves to check it out. It is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 4 pm through December 19, and includes admission to the fort itself as well.