Only one word to describe new centre-wow

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Southern Alberta's newest tourism attraction, the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, hosted its official launch on the 128th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 7, Sept. 22.

The facility, located south of Cluny, Alta. on the Siksika Nation, is built on 2,000 acres of prairie grassland overlooking the Bow River. The site is where Treaty 7 was signed in 1877.

The celebration marked the completion of the vast majority of the construction elements. The facility will be open to the public in early spring 2006.

"This is a gift to our past, to all of the people that have gone on before us and what they left us, so this facility is one way of preserving that," said Strater Crowfoot, chief of the Siksika Nation.

Crowfoot described the celebration as a "jaw dropping and button-busting" event.

"I know a lot of people that were there didn't expect to see that type of building," said Crowfoot. "I think a lot of people were wowed."

When asked what she thought of the events to introduce the historical park, Alberta's Aboriginal Affairs Minister Pearl Calahasen said "It took the dreams of everyone to make this happen."

Crowfoot said the centre will enable the youth to learn about the Blackfoot culture and language, while sharing traditions with tourists from all over the world.

"This will definitely bring tourism and economic prosperity and, of course, we are looking at preserving our culture and having it passed on to our upcoming rising generations. It will help us to preserve our culture and instill pride in who we were and are and what we can be."

The centre will be the setting for storytelling and oral tradition that will be used to communicate the culture of the Northern Plains Indian to Siksika members and visitors.

"This building does represent the future of Siksika Nation," said Rick Pike, resort manager of the Hidden Valley Golf Resort, located in Cluny.

Pike attended the celebration to support and witness Siksika's dream become reality.

"I hope it lends itself to very interesting exposure to Native culture. It is just a magnificent building."

Cecil Crowfoot, an Elder of the Siksika Nation, knows all too well said there is no better place to talk about the nation's culture and history than on "this traditional and sacred land."

"All around here is a historical place," said the senior Crowfoot. "I think it's something that is really powerful."

Some people, like Senator Joyce Fairbairn, traveled a great distance to celebrate and congratulate the people of Siksika Nation on the long-awaited unveiling.

"I'm so glad I did come because I've known the chief for a few years and this is what breaks down barriers and builds a solid foundation for our children," said Fairbairn. "Meeting places like these is a place to come see and learn about this tremendous culture."

Although the planning of the historical park took nearly 20 years to unfold, Jason Doore, Siksika councillor, said the launch celebration was the first step to creating awareness about how important the Blackfoot history and culture are.

"The artifacts now have a home and the Elders have a place to gather more strength," said Doore.

"The centre is a lasting component for the young generation to understand who they and we are. It's here for the world to see and learn."

The construction of the facility was made possible through the federal and provincial governments and the people of the Siksika Nation.

Their contribution of $6 million, $4.5 million and $8 million respectively enabled Goodfella Architecture Ltd. to complete the majority of the centre.

Ron Goodfella, a principal architect for the firm, said all the hard work definitely paid off.

"After 20 years of hard work and having many times when we thought it was dead in the water, we thought this is never going to happen, it's very gratifying and satisfying to see it completed."