Mark June 21 on your calendars as Glenbow Ranch is planning a massive celebration for National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Sarah Parker, the park’s executive director, said while it is still early in the planning stages the park is looking to create a day that showcases all Indigenous culture has to offer.
From dancing and drumming to Indigenous games, she said the event will be something for the whole family.
“We’re working with youth and elders from Stoney Nakoda,” said Parker of the important partnership the park has with the First Nation. “I think it will be a fantastic day.”
She said it will also be a great opportunity for families with young children, especially considering the growing focus the education system is putting on Indigenous history.
“What better way to show kids then with this type of experiential learning,” Parker said.
While Glenbow Ranch is well-known for its connection to the area’s ranching and settlement past, it also has a history that spans well before then.
“The ranch has a rich human history,” said Parker noting that there are remnants of the past – tipi rings, and buffalo kill sites - scattered throughout the area.
Over the years, Glenbow Ranch has worked to better showcase its connection to Indigenous people. They have been raising a tipi in conjunction with the Stoney Nakoda Nation and the last Parks Day at the ranch featured Indigenous dancers.
This year, the hope is to pull out all the stops and create an annual signature Indigenous Day event.
To accomplish that the Glenbow Park Foundation is in the process of applying for grants and seeking sponsorship and partners to help cover the estimated $20,000 in costs. The money will be used for planning, honorariums for performers and other associated costs.
On Monday, Cochrane Town Council voted to provide Glenbow Ranch with a letter of support for the foundation’s $5,000 application to the Cochrane Foundation’s new Neighbour Grant Program, which funds community projects.
Parker said other partners and sponsors are welcome and anyone interested in helping can contact the ranch by calling 403-851-9053 or by email to [email protected].
National Indigenous Peoples Day was first celebrated as National Aboriginal Day in 1996, after it was proclaimed by then Governor General of Canada Roméo LeBlanc. June 21 was selected due to its cultural significance as the Summer Solstice, and the fact that it is a day on which many Indigenous peoples and communities traditionally celebrate their heritage. It was renamed in 2017.
