Tourism Lethbridge Honors the 144th Anniversary of the Signing of Treaty 7 in Southern Alberta – Lethbridge | The Canadian News

Lethbridge Tourism hosted a meeting Wednesday in honor of Treaty 7 day.

The day marked 144 years since the signing of Treaty 7, on September 22, 1877, between the Crown and various bands, primarily Blackfoot, in southern Alberta.

The gathering outside the Tourism Lethbridge visitor center featured a prayer of elders, the raising and walking of teepees, round dances and indigenous vendors.

“I really hope that more people understand how important it is that we not only honor the fact that this is part of our Indigenous and First Nations culture and history, but that there is still a lot to do,” said Turismo. Lethbridge CEO Jasmine Sangria.

Sangria says Tourism Lethbridge is working to expand indigenous tourism in the area.

“What we are doing in the next three weeks is that we will create an indigenous advisory committee to help us with all of our marketing plans going forward,” he said.

“I think it is very important to have that voice at the table, to have that skin in the game, so that we can build the indigenous tourism sector here in Lethbridge.”

The CEO of Alberta Indigenous Tourism, Shae Bird, was in attendance on Wednesday. He says a greater emphasis is being placed on tourism throughout the province.

“There is a lot of demand right now for indigenous tourism, both nationally and internationally, and we see the demand continuing to grow,” Bird said.

Bird says tourism can play an important role in reconciliation, as it provides a platform for indigenous communities and entrepreneurs to share their stories and educate others.

“Everyone has their own story, their own story and their own culture, and everyone is willing to share that story authentically,” he said.

“Many people think that indigenous tourism or indigenous nations are homogeneous throughout the country and in all provinces, but this is simply not the case.

“We have so much diversity and I think the opportunity is there for everyone to experience that through indigenous tourism.”

Katie Rabbit Young-Pine is a member of the Tourism Lethbridge board and will chair the indigenous advisory committee. She says she is delighted to see the increased focus on learning indigenous cultures.

“I think the word is getting out.

“I am from the Blood Reserve and we are starting something there in the reserve also for tourism.

“A lot of people and a lot of interest are coming, you can see from the suppliers, they are participating, and I don’t think they have had that in the city here.”

Representatives from indigenous businesses and attractions in southern Alberta were in attendance Wednesday, including Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.

The event was one of many that recognized Reconciliation Week in Lethbridge, with the National Truth and Reconciliation Day scheduled for September 30.