Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park

A huge, well-kept museum in a stunning land with very friendly staff. From the moment you arrive at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, it’s clear this place is more than a museum it’s the beating heart of the Siksika Nation. First, you will be guided to a theatre to watch a half-hour documentary movie about the tipis and storytelling. Beside the Bow River, the beautifully designed, eco-friendly interpretive centre stands in the very spot where Treaty 7 was signed in 1877, a historic moment expertly brought to life. Inside, the 62,000 sq ft museum is a masterful blend of interactive displays, artifacts, and storytelling. The exhibits on Chief Crowfoot featuring his repatriated regalia and the vivid theatre presentations are poignant and powerful. I was particularly moved by the banner of Chief Crowfoot’s leadership and the display recounting the historic negotiations of Treaty 7 alongside other Blackfoot Confederacy leaders. You can book the Tipi Village experience sleeping in a buffalo-hide tipi, learning ancestral skills and connecting with the land unforgettably. The day we visited, the cafeteria was closed due to construction. There is a store where you can shop Indigenous handicrafts.

Beautiful and informative displays as well as friendly and helpful staff. The food in the cafeteria was fresh and delicious—bannock was amazing! Walking the paths outside and looking at the incredible view was a highlight. My only wish was that we had more than a day to enjoy everything.

This was an amazing experience. We learned so much about the people of the Blackfoot nation. Every person at museum was welcoming. Lyndon was especially knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting facts and stories about the crossing and the peoples that have lived there. It was a special day in a truly gorgeous valley.

Absolutely fantastic museum in the heart of Siksiká Nation. Had a great introductory video that gave an outline of the Blackfoot people's history and culture, and of their perseverance through the present day. There are many exhibits downstairs of traditional art, clothing, and dance, naming customs and storytelling traditions, as well as a thorough overview of the hardships faced by the Blackfoot and other Indigenous peoples since the arrival of Europeans. An important section discusses the life story of Chief Crowfoot and his (unfortunately often unsuccessful) work to ensure that his people received the treatment they were promised in Treaty 7. Near the museum are a lot of scenic and well-maintained trails with audio tours (accessible by scanning the QR codes at the start of the trails). I highly recommend going there, but be mindful that there are many mosquitoes and horse flies in the summer. Insect repellent is recommended. My highest recommendation!

An amazing place. Went as part of a tour. We first went into the theater and watched a 10 minute movie before listening to an elder speak. Elder Big Snake spoke for over an hour, very interesting but a wee bit long. After this, knowledge keeper, Grant Many Heads, gave us a guided tour of the exhibits downstairs. He is an amazing story teller, a great wealth of knowledge. While it was too hot to explore the trails below the museum, I will be returning when it's cooler to explore.

Beautiful and educational. Appreciate the tour guide who has been so patiently answering our questions and explaining the Blackfoot history and culture to us. This place helps my cohorts and myself to gain a deeper understanding towards Indigenous culture and wisdom. I really liked the "preserve a language" session. Also, their Bannock burger is a perfecy combination of Bannock, fresh veggies and patty!! Would go back again another time!!

The Centre plays an important role in educating both Indigenous and non-Indigenous visitors about the history, rights, and ongoing challenges faced by the Blackfoot people and other Indigenous communities in Canada. Our stay was a deeply enriching cultural and educational experience. We spent the night in a tipi, listening to the distant howls of coyotes. We enjoyed traditional bannock, embarked on a fascinating plant walk, explored the museum and buffalo jump, and paid our respects at the resting place of Chief Crowfoot, who led the Treaty 7 negotiations. The day concluded with a stunning prairie sunset, followed by stargazing under an incredibly clear night sky. Nitsiniiyi'taki (Thank you) to our incredible hosts Lee for setting us up in the Tipi Village, Matt for the Plant Walk, and Chante for helping book our stay and unforgettable experience.

Highly recommended for a visit. Just a short drive east of Calgary. Be prepared to be amazed with the cultural experience and stories told by tour guides. You will be touched beyond belief when you hear the history of this incredible First Nations people and the story of colonialisation. The Blackfoot People have an amazing heritage to tell.

It's hard, but I have to drop a half star here. When I was here last, it was newly open. I could excuse some empty areas in the museum, and some messy bathrooms, but during a recent visit, the same area was fairly empty, and the bathrooms were still a mess. Now it was Treaty Day, and they had a few events here, so maybe this is the reason for the washroom sloppiness (there was a talent show, bbq, and 10k run---I was too late for all of them) :( But yeah, last year I was in awe. I noted some shortcomings, but I assumed they'd get remedied after a year or so of operation. Unfortunately, not much was different. Museums should be dynamic and ever-changing. They should give reason for return visits. Our people have so much to offer, and THIS IS A MAGNIFICENT MUSEUM. So, let's represent! (Don't get me wrong though---I'll be back!). On a techie note, they did have free wifi, so I was able to check email on my phone!

To be honest I have a bit of mixed feelings about this place. First of all it is a great venue, the exhibition is very interesting and you can learn a lot about the history i.e. Treaty No. 7. But, ... then there is what Corey already mentioned: some display lights were off or broken, an area with a photo exhibition was completely in the dark, posters were starting to peel off from the displays... There seems to be a lack of maintenance. The experience with the staff however was flawless. Very friendly and professional. A note on the side: some trails are still closed after the 2013 flooding.