Tktkt by the way It Takes a Village
The Calgary STampede isn ’ t just about cowboy culture . It ’ s also a place to honour Alberta ’ s Indigenous peoples . Families representing the Kainai , Tsuut ’ ina , Stoney Nakoda , Siksika and Piikani First Nations have erected an Indian Village at the Stampede every year since its inception in 1912 . They reside in 26 distinctive tipis for the event ’ s duration , inviting visitors to enter and learn about Aboriginal beliefs and customs . By agreement of the tipi owners , the antiquated name of the Village is retained to recognize that , in its early years , it was one of the few safe spaces for the public practice of First Nations culture . ( The federal Indian Act sought to suppress Aboriginal traditions for much of the 19th and 20th centuries .) In 2016 , the Village moved to the more historically significant Enmax Park : The site was an encampment during the heyday of Fort Calgary . Visit the contemporary Indian Village from July 6 to 15 for an Indigenous immersion — with everything from traditional games and powwows to elder storytelling and youth dance performances .
— Craig Moy
Selina VeSely
58 Summer 2018
AMA InSIder