Powwow Country: Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, Siksika First Nation, Alberta

Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park,
Siksika First Nation

Mark Aug. 9 on your calendar for the fifth annual Chicken Dance Championship and Blackfoot Fest at the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park at Siksika First Nation. The world championship is judged by five Native American representatives from the United States and Canada, and include dancers from tiny tots to seniors who progress through rounds one and two before entering the final round. Last year’s first place winners came from the Woodland Cree, host Siksika, Blackfeet First Nation in Montana, and Prince Albert, Sask. But if you can’t make the fest, Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park has more to offer. Located 100 km east of Calgary on the Siksika First Nation, there are many other activities for visitors to enjoy, including viewing the historical earth lodge village and a 62,000 square-foot eco-museum. There is also a library with an ever-growing collection of books, magazines archival materials, photos, and oral histories. You can wander the centre and trails on your own or take a guided tour with a local Siksika guide. Guided tours, in which cultural information and insight into the traditional ways of life are offered, have been a popular activity in past years. Chief Crowfoot’s legendary son Poundmaker is buried here and a monument to the Treaty 7 which was signed at Blackfoot Crossing.

For more information, check out:
www.blackfootcrossing.ca/index.html