ECOTOURISM

Discovering The Blackfoot Confederacy

Tour Details

Day 1: Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump
Your multi-lingual guide takes you to the Peigan First Nation. Scenic drive from Calgary down south along the foothills to the Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, where the "Buffalo Days" take place. Get settled in the teepees right at the site and visit the Powwow with the Grand Entry at 7:00pm. Overnight in the teepees at the Powwow Grounds.

Day 2: Powwow
Breakfast at the interpretive center. Afterwards, participate in a guided tour at the Unesco Site "Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump" – one of the largest and sites where the Plains did hunt buffalo. Usually, there are two Grand Entries planned one at 1:00pm and one at 7:00pm. If there is a Powwow at Kainai Nation (Blood Reserve) you have the option to make a visit there. Go for dinner to Fort MacLeod and overnight in the teepees at the Powwow Grounds.

Days 3-5: Siksika Nation
An early rise with a breakfast on the road to the Siksika Nation. Drive along the "porcupine hills" and then drive northeast towards the reserve, where you meet with your guide Dion Redgun. Overnight accommodations are in teepees along the river or at the ranch. The hosts at the ranch are Debbie and Thomas Manyguns. Experience true native cuisine. Experience a multitude of activities during the stay on the Siksika Nation such as a float by canoe or boat on the Bow River while listening to stories, do bird watching and fishing; horseback riding; interpretive hikes; berry picking; visit historical sites like the museum, Chief Crowfoot Burial Site, a coal mine, Okan (cultural sensitive site), the earth lodge and "Blackfoot Crossing" – the place Treaty # 7 was signed in 1877.

On Day 5, leave the Siksika Nation and drive towards the mountains to the Tsuu T'ina Reserve southwest of Calgary. Settle in at the Eagle Bed and Breakfast in Redwood Meadows where you can sleep in a teepee or at the house. The owner, Lina Gallup is a wonderful host and is born a Cree/Chipewyan in Northern Alberta. She’ll have countless stories to share with you.

Day 6: Tsuu T’ina Nation
Spend the whole day with either the Eagletail or Starlight family. Learn about the past of this Athapaskan speaking people and visit historical sites as well as modern day development on the reserve. The native guides will introduce you to their dances and the rules of the powwow and by what standards the dancers are judged. Overnight at Eagle Bed & Breakfast.

Day 7: Powwow
Enjoy a relaxing morning with Lina Gallup. Visit the Western village of Bragg Creek. In the afternoon, go to the powwow and rodeo grounds. In the evening, you will get an opportunity to be one of the judges for the dancers. Main guides Hal Eagletail and Bruce Starlight will usually be either Master of Ceremonies or part of the organizers during this important event. Since the Bed und Breakfast is in walking distance to the grounds, you will be able to walk home and fall asleep to the sounds of the Powwow music and the drumming.

Day 8: Tsuu T’ina - Calgary - Departure or Continuation of Your Journey
Last breakfast at Lina Gallup’s place, drive to Calgary and do some sightseeing and shopping in this booming city. Opportunity to visit the Glenbow Museum. Transfer to the airport or continuation of your journey.