Calgary tourist destination The Confluence to launch new exhibit this weekend

The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland. (Facebook/TheConfluenceHistoricSite)

A popular Calgary tourist destination will soon be opening its first permanent exhibit in more than 20 years.

The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland, formerly Fort Calgary, has announced plans to unveil the Kípaitápiiyssinnooni (Our Way of Life) exhibit on Saturday.

The exhibition is created entirely by Blackfoot artists and knowledge keepers.

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Set within a 900-square-foot space modeled after a traditional lodge, the immersive exhibit lets visitors step into a Blackfoot environment, experiencing their language, stories and artistic traditions.

“Everything in this space reflects our way of life,” said Niitsitapi artist Star Crop Eared Wolf of the Kainai Nation, the Confluence’s curator. “It’s a physical expression of our collective knowledge and our ongoing presence on this territory.”

“My hope is that we make our ancestors proud and that this space inspires future generations to carry our culture forward.”

The new showcase comes as the historic site undergoes a massive renovation, the first phase of which began in November 2024.

The overhaul will be completed in three phases, and will see exhibits that opened between 1997 and 2001 replaced.

Phase 2 will focus on exhibits looking at stories from the Stoney Nakoda, Tsuut’ina and Métis Nations.

Phase 3 will address the North-West Mounted Police, Fort Calgary and industrialization.

“We recognize that many museums and historic sites, including this one, have too often ignored and distorted Indigenous stories,” said Confluence president Jennifer Thompson, “Today, The Confluence reaffirms its responsibility to walk in a new direction—one led by Indigenous voices, grounded in respect, and committed to cultural sovereignty.”

Kípaitápiiyssinnooni opens to the public Saturday at 1 p.m.