New exhibit showcases tradition and spirit of buffalo hunt at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

A new exhibit opened at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, showcasing the traditional buffalo hunting methods of the Blackfoot people.

A new exhibit is open at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.

The immersive exhibit illustrates the traditional hunting methods and spiritual significance of the buffalo hunt, which sustained Blackfoot people for generations until the near extinction of buffalo in 1881 following the arrival of European settlers.

“This is Blackfoot territory. Always has been, always will be,” said Blood Tribe Chief Traveller Plaited Hair. “The buffalo … we’re linked. We’re brothers and sisters.”

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The exhibit was adapted from an original diorama created for the Canadian Museum of History and reimagined with guidance from Piikani Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy and highlights their stories, traditions and knowledge. It sees about 60,000 visitors each year.

“This entire jump, this entire centre, really, has done a lot to preserve our culture and our heritage,” said Piikani Nation Chief Troy ‘Bossman’ Knowlton. “This new addition will add to that and educate people worldwide when they come.”

The Canadian Encyclopedia reports that single buffalo herds were described by early settlers to be in the tens of thousands of animals; however, large-scale slaughter of the animals in the 1870s, motivated in part by Canadian policies to starve Blackfoot people into dependence, nearly wiped out the species.

In 2018, the first bison calves to be born in 140 years in southern Alberta were born in Banff after the species was reintroduced to traditional Blackfoot lands the year before.

“We just brought home buffalo to the blood tribe about a couple years ago,” Plaited Hair said. They’re coming back home, and it’s just awesome to have them there."

“The buffalo is a keystone species,” he added. “When you have buffalo, everything around that flourishes.”

The new exhibit was created by the Canadian Museum of History in partnership with the Piikani Nation and the Government of Alberta. The province said it’s part of $51 million being spent over three years on 20 provincial museums and heritage sites.

“For over 6,000 years, this buffalo jump supported generations of Plains Peoples – a testament to community ingenuity and survival,” said Tanya Fir, minister of arts, culture and status of women. “This exhibit brings those stories to life with honesty and care.”

More information on Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump can be found on its website.