Stoney Nakoda

The Stoney Nakoda Advisory Circle, comprised of chair John Snow Jr. of Chiniki First Nation, David Bearspaw of Bearspaw First Nation, and Trudy Wesley and Glenda Crawler of Goodstoney First Nation, will help to guide the museum in exploring its role in addressing the difficult legacy of Canadian colonialism and settlement in relation to Indigenous peoples.

“It shows the respect that we have across the country. It is a huge statement and a huge sign of support for the Banff Centre.”

“For First Nations across Canada who are already facing big infrastructure gaps, that connectivity piece just exacerbates what is already a massive deficit they’re facing,” said Black. “I don’t think everyone realizes the role that connectivity plays in being able to maintain your basic community infrastructure ... A big part of that now relies heavily on the ability to connect.”

“Minimalism is by definition, to my experience, often found on more simplified landscapes. They exist in mountainous areas but I found them easier to find in rural landscapes, in agricultural communities. I think a lot of people look to these and relate to the themes they see in front of them.”

PHOTOS: The past week in photography in the Bow Valley

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – while it helps to spur conversation – can’t be a one-off exercise for communities to acknowledge the harm of residential schools and make reparations, said Randall McKay, manager of strategic initiatives and special projects with the Town of Banff.

“Truth is telling our stories – the ugly stories – for our community to hear and believe. And from there, we must heal both sides before we can get into reconciliation, but the work is starting to happen.”

The session, called Understanding the Impact of Colonization, was an opportunity for Îethka people and those working for them or in their communities, to understand the position they occupy in First Nations spaces. Most of those in attendance were non-Indigenous.

“It is a job-seekers market for sure. We had a record-breaking 600 people last time. I am interested to see what we get this year.”

“A lot of the early directors were sympathetic to what was going on with the Indigenous populations and the Nakoda were very proactive and they knew what they were doing, and they formed relationships with the directors. They aligned themselves with powerful people who could help them. That is probably one of the biggest things that preserved their culture for them. They were very proactive.”