Historical, cultural significance recognized with plaque

Flanked by park wardens, participants in the Áísínai’pi at Writing-On-Stone Plaque unveiling ceremony were (starting second from left)  Minister of Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation Christine Cusanelli; Piikani Band Councillor Fabian North Peigan; Dorothy First Rider, of the Mookaakin Cultural and Heritage Society; Ifan Thomas, Parks Canada, Waterton Lakes Field Unit superintendent; Rob Hugill, director, Southern Region, Alberta Parks; and illustrated plaque artist William Singer

A Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating the national historic significance of Áísínai’pi at Writing on Stone Provincial Park was unveiled in a special ceremony June 15. The art on the plaque was created by William Singer. The commemorative plaque recognizes the historic value of this sacred place for the Niitsítapi. The surviving rock art, some of which may be 2,000 years old, provides insights into the history and culture of the Blackfoot People and is one of the largest concentrations of rock art on the North American Plains. “Áísínai’pi remains a place of spiritual power for the Niitsítapi, and a living part of our heritage,” Dorothy First Rider, vice president of the Kainai First Nation’s  Mookaakin Cultural and Heritage Society, said in a news release.