Interpretive centre pays tribute to Elder

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When Peigan Elder Joe Crow Shoe was buried on Nov. 2, 1999, the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre shut its doors in honor of the man who was instrumental in shaping the centre.

On Apr. 8, 2002, the centre opened a door in honor of Crow Shoe.

Words of tribute, a Sundance, smudge ceremony, and a drumming procession all preceded the cutting of a ribbon by Crow Shoe's sons, Joe Jr. and Mervyn, which marked the opening of the Joe Crow Shoe, Sr. Lodge.

It is only fitting that this particular room in the interpretive centre be selected to commemorate Crow Shoe, said master of ceremonies and Peigan chief, Peter Strikes With A Gun.

The room has hosted a number of visiting dignitaries who were introduced to the Blackfoot culture. It was Crow Shoe's dream and vision to introduce the Blackfoot culture to non-Natives and keep it alive with the help of the members of the Blackfoot Confederacy.

"Joe was a great teacher. He modeled the way we should live as First Nations people," said Strikes With A Gun.

Jack Brink, curator of archaeology at the Provincial Museum of Alberta, worked hand in hand with Crow Shoe beginning 20 years ago to put together the centre, which opened to the public 15 years ago.

"Joe saw opportunities where other people saw closed doors and difficulties," said Brink. "He was this man of dreams and visions and this is what this place has been about."

Ian Clarke, southern operation manager for historical sites and facilities for the Alberta government, echoed Brink's words.

"Joe saw in this place the vision of connection, connection between cultures, where cultures could come together."

Reg Crow Shoe, another one of Joe's sons, carried out the smudge ceremony on a buffalo skull, a ceremony that had been undertaken previously on the skull by Joe.

Reg recalled how his father and his mother, Josephine, were "one of the links that held our culture through a time of cultural void."

Reg told how Joe had brought the Sundance ceremony back to the Peigan Nation.

The centre's decision to dedicate a room to Crow Shoe fulfills a promise made to the Peigan Elder.

Clarke said the dedication is an indication of the "improved relationship" forged between the Alberta government and the Blackfoot Confederacy. "There's something rather wonderful here."

The Joe Crow Shoe Sr. Lodge room will contain a plaque honoring Crow Shoe as well as display the many awards both Joe and Josephine received, including the Order of Canada (1991), the National Aboriginal Achievement Award (1998), the Canadian Citation for Citizenship (1989), and the Alberta Achievement Award (1989).