Bloods reserve planning major tourism project

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Plans to build a major tourism-recreation facility on southern Alberta's Blood reserve are about to become a reality.

A $1,000 deposit on a major land deal that will give a home to the proposed Niitsitapi Cultural World is expected to be paid next week, as soon as official approval for the project is given. The payment is part of $60,000 land purchase on the Blood reserve, between the Niitsitapi (Real People) Society and Blood resident Frank Good Rider.

The proposed tourist facility is the dream of a group of local farmers and business people, who established the Niitsitapi Society to create employment and business opportunities on the reserve. Organizers have estimated the cultural centre could provide several hundred new positions for the job-starved band.

The cultural centre is designed to be an educational and recreational stop for tourists, built along the lines of the Polynesian Cultural Centre on the island of Oahu, in Hawaii. It will feature historical displays and cultural exhibits from North American Plains Indians as well as 11 other aboriginal cultures, including some from South America, the Pacific islands, Australia and New Zealand.

"The three major things that bring tourists to Alberta are dinosaurs, the mountains and Indians," says Louis Dardon, Niitsitapi's operations manager. "People don't really know anything about Native culture except what they see in the movies."

Initial plans call for each culture to be represented as a mini-village, demonstrating lifestyles, legends and language. Visitors will be able to participate in Native sports, purchase Native handicrafts and eat Native foods. Longer range plans will see the addition of an amusement park, swimming pool and mini-golf course, as well as other recreational facilities.

Though formal approval from Blood Tribe officials hasn't been given, Alataise Atoa, Niitsitapi's administration manager, says they have been "receptive and encouraging." So have officials and residents in the adjacent town of Cardston.

"It's exciting to see the heaven open to pour out gifts and donations to us, all made possible through the generosity of both the Cardston community and the local Natives," she said.