Indigenous Experiences

The land on which Lethbridge Polytechnic sits has been providing sustenance and spiritual connections for generations of Blackfoot people. The Iissksiniip Coulee Walk is an interpretative self-guided tour that explores the traditional plants found in the area and shares some of the traditional creation stories of the Siksikaitsitapi, the Blackfoot Confederacy; visitors are urged to reflect on how shared connections with nature can bring people together in the spirit of reconciliation. The walk begins on the west side of the Lethbridge College campus and tours around the coulees, and is open to the public.

Casa Community Arts Centre is an interdisciplinary arts centre in Lethbridge with a free-to-visit gallery space that regularly features local Blackfoot artists. Keep an eye out for upcoming projects, as new exhibits and artists are constantly being celebrated here. Casa also hosts workshops, film screenings, art documentaries, community projects, and artist talks to encourage connection, engagement, and celebration in Lethbridge and beyond.

Head to the Rocky Mountain Turf Club in Lethbridge for the exciting event that is warrior relay racing. An event that is just as much about reconciliation and healing for a new generation as it is a sport, warrior relay racing involves riding thoroughbred horses bareback and transferring to different horses along the way. It’s a thrilling glimpse into the history of horseback riding in Southern Alberta.

Located approximately 70 kilometres west of Lethbridge on the Piikani Nation Reserve, Pale Horse Tipi Camp provides authentic Blackfoot tipi lodging in the foothills of Southern Alberta, one of the most ecologically diverse ecosystems in the world. Experiences at the camp include cultural awareness programs, horseback riding, medicine hikes, craft making, berry picking, traditional games, Elder storytelling, and evening dances.

Found about 70 kilometres west of Lethbridge, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site that preserves and interprets over 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo culture. In fact, it is the best-preserved example of the communal hunting techniques and way of life of the Plains people in the world. Through vast landscapes, exhibits, and diverse programming, learn about the cultural significance of this cliff and the people who have lived here for thousands of years.

Found on beautiful Siksika Nation, approximately 160 kilometres north of Lethbridge, River Ranche Lodge offers the perfect mix of guidance and freedom to interpret the land on your own. Enjoy a multi-day cultural stay, cultural tours, Bow River fly fishing, bird game hunts, and more, all overlooking the pristine river valley on ancient land.

Experience the diverse wonders of Alberta’s heartland with an Indigenous tour across Southern Alberta. This 9-night tour begins in Calgary and dives headfirst into the heart of Alberta’s Indigenous culture with hands-on experiences, including stops in Blackfoot Crossing, Lethbridge, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, and more. From interactive workshops to immersive storytelling sessions, you’ll leave with a much deeper understanding of Southern Alberta’s history and traditions.