Indigenous Lethbridge

Oki and welcome to Lethbridge. Oki means hello in Blackfoot. It is also the official welcome of Lethbridge. This Indigenous Lethbridge page is a starting point for visitors looking to broaden their understanding of Blackfoot people, history and culture.

Honouring Traditions & Reconciliation Powwow & Artisan Expo

When: September 30th - October 1st. Where: Lethbridge Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre

The Honouring Traditions & Reconciliation Powwow & Artisan Expo is designed to bring together from all walks of life. This cultural gathering is a chance to highlight authentic indigenous arts and culture such as dancing, drumming, singing, and indigenous artisans and food. We hope this gathering will build relationships within the community and promote propensity, health, and healing together.

Pale Horse Tipi Camp Open for Summer 2023 Season!

Pale Horse Tipi Camp is officially open for the 2023 Summer season! They will be taking booking sup until October 1st of 2023. Visitors to Southern Alberta looking for authentic Indigenous experiences, where people can sleep in a tipi, enjoy authentic meals, cultural awareness, and entry-level horseback riding are a few of the things visitors can expect. The 2023 season has also seen a one-of-a-kind addition in the form of a 21ft cobblestone floored tipi that sleeps up to 5. There is truly no other experience like this in Southern Alberta, don't miss your chance to stay here when you stay in Southern Alberta.

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Tour Southern Alberta with Spotted Eagle Contracting!

Spotted Eagle Contracting offers shuttle services for small groups. Travel from attraction to attraction safely, comfortably, and quickly! Located out of Standoff Alberta, they know the area well and are more than ready to work with you to plan out the trip of a life time. Contact Spotted Eagle Contracting to tour of some of the most incredible attractions that Southern Alberta has to offer!

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The History and Importance of The Blackfoot Territories

The City of Lethbridge rests on the ancestral land of the Blackfoot and Indigenous people of Canada. Lethbridge is in Treaty 7 territory as well as a part of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.

This land has sustained and supported the lives and culture of all Indigenous people since long before we began tracking our history. To learn more about the territory and how it supports the cultural and historical practices of the Blackfoot people of Canada, read Rebecca Many Grey Horses' article on the importance of this territory to Blackfoot culture.

The Importance of Blackfoot Territory

Sacred Sites on Blackfoot Territory

Our region is home to many locations that are significant to Blackfoot Culture. From the Majorville Medicine Wheel to Estipah-skikikini-kots / Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo-Jump and Áísínai'pi / Writing on Stone, Southern Alberta is filled with places that are as sacred as they are spectacular. Some sites visitors can easily visit, others are are not attractions, all should be treated with respect. Read Rebecca Many Grey Horses article on the sacred sites of Alberta to learn more.

The Sacred Sites on Blackfoot Territory

The Galt Museum and Archives has many resources devoted to the Blackfoot culture.

Indigenous Attractions — Where to Begin

Lethbridge is at the heart of 4 remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Not surprisingly, these locations are also landmarks to the Blackfoot people. For an introduction into Indigenous history and culture, we recommend a visit to Estipah-skikikini-kots (Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump). A landmark such as Ninastako (Chief Mountain) defines the drive from Lethbridge to Paahtómahksik (Waterton Lakes National Park). A guided walking tour at Áísínai'pi (Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park) will give you much better understanding of the ancient rock art found there.

Blanche Bruised Head, the Galt Museum Blackfoot interpreter, introduces the history, culture and worldview of the Blackfoot people to a group of students.

The Galt Museum and Archives/

Akaisamitohkanao’pa

The Galt Museum and Archives is actively collecting and maintaining the history, stories, and artifacts of Indigenous Lethbridge. Along with Blackfoot history, they have assembled an excellent Blackfoot language page.

Keep Learning with The Galt

More Indigenous Resources

This page will continue to grow and develop. Here are more links to outside sources involved in Blackfoot history and culture and Indigenous Tourism.

Keep Reading — Related Indigenous Lethbridge Stories

2805 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta
Phone: 403-394-2403
Toll Free: 1-888-384-8687
Tourism Lethbridge is legally known as the Lethbridge Destination Management Organization, a non-profit society. © 2023. All Rights Reserved.