Fort Edmonton Park’s new exhibit explores the rich and diverse cultures of First Nations and Métis Peoples dating back to the 1700s.
“Up until this past year, when we reopened, the park really focused on the narrative starting at the fur trade,” says Renee Williams, senior vice president of customer experience and product development at Fort Edmonton Park. “Now it goes much farther back than that, so this experience really sheds light and brings awareness and knowledge to all things around Indigenous customs, cultures, teachings and so on.”
The Indigenous Peoples Experience was developed in collaboration and consultation with the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, alongside Elders and community members. Over 75 interviews, stories and community discussions went into the research behind the exhibit.
Fort Edmonton Park recently received a Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement for the Indigenous Peoples Experience. The award is internationally recognized and celebrates outstanding work on educational, historical and entertainment projects.
“It’s such a beautiful and thoughtful space, and it evokes all kinds of emotion,” says Williams. “People go in there and just take time to really walk through and understand lots of tough conversations and questions, and we hear from so many guests how appreciative they are that the experience is here in Edmonton.”
The Indigenous Peoples Experience is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. until December 19. The rest of the buildings in Fort Edmonton Park are closed, however, the streetcars and wagons are operating for guests to explore the park grounds.
Admission for the Indigenous Peoples Experience must be booked online and costs $20 for adults and $12 for youth under 17 years old. Family admission passes are available.
All Indigenous Peoples Experience ticket holders will receive one free general admission ticket of equal or lesser value for the 2022 Fort Edmonton Park summer season.
