Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump invites visitors to join in two special days of programming this June in recognition of National Indigenous History Month, offering meaningful opportunities to celebrate, learn, and connect with Indigenous culture, history, and community.
Indigenous Peoples Day
Sunday, June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day.
On this day of recognition and reflection, we honour the history, culture, and living traditions of the Plains Blackfoot people.
Guests are invited to gather for a full day of Blackfoot drumming and dancing, and to spend time with storytellers, singers, drummers, and dancers as they share teachings, songs, and cultural knowledge passed down through generations.
Throughout the day, visitors can also participate in guided tours and special interpretive programs that highlight the deep connection between the Blackfoot people, the land, and our shared history.
Provincial Archives
On Wednesday, June 24 visitors will have the opportunity to engage with special guests from the Provincial Archives of Alberta and the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre, alongside additional on-site programming.
Archaeology
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump will showcase live archaeological discoveries during National Indigenous History Month.
With an active excavation currently under way on site, this is a unique opportunity for visitors to hear directly from the lead archaeologist about new findings and what they reveal about this landscape.
It’s a rare chance to experience living history in real time and gain a deeper understanding of the ongoing work that continues to shape our knowledge of this place.
The Provincial Archives of Alberta will present an interactive archival showcase, featuring historic photographs from their collections.
Some images include individuals and moments that have not yet been fully identified, and visitors are invited to help contribute their knowledge by adding names and context.
This hands-on activity allows community members to play an active role in preserving and enriching Alberta’s historical record.
Guests can also take home small contact prints of select photographs. Each print will include a reference number, allowing individuals to access the original image within the archives in the future.
Enlarged archival images will also be on display, creating a visually engaging space that highlights the depth of the collections.
Provincial Archives of Alberta staff will be on site to answer questions and provide information about accessing archival materials, including the Indigenous Resource Guide, which helps identify records related to Indigenous peoples and communities across Alberta.
In addition, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump will host a special archaeological presentation in the main theatre.
With an active excavation currently taking place on site, the lead archaeologist will deliver a 30-minute talk sharing recent findings and insights, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about ongoing research and discoveries connected to this important cultural landscape.
Birds of Prey
Visitors can also enjoy a special mobile presentation from the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre.
Guests will have the rare opportunity to meet Sarah the Golden Eagle and other birds up close while learning about their ecological importance and their significance within Indigenous teachings.
The day will also include guided tours and special interpretive programming throughout the site.
The layout for the day:
Sunday, June 21 — National Indigenous Peoples Day:
• Blackfoot drumming and dancing throughout the day.
• Storytelling, songs, and cultural knowledge sharing.
• Guided tours of the site.
• Special interpretive programs highlighting Blackfoot connections to the land.
Wednesday, June 24 — Special Programming Day:
• Live archaeology presentation in the Main Theatre.
• Visit an active dig below the cliff.
• Thirty-minute talk by lead archaeologist on active on-site excavation.
Provincial Archives of Alberta interactive exhibit:
• Help identify historic photographs.
• Add names and stories to archival records.
• View enlarged archival images.
• Take home small contact prints with reference numbers.
• Learn about accessing records and the Indigenous Resource Guide.
Alberta Birds of Prey Centre presentation:
• Meet Sarah the Golden Eagle and other birds.
Additional Information:
• Food vendor available on site for both event days.
• Guided tours and interpretive programming throughout the day.
