All Our Relations - Portraits from the Elders’ Gatherings by Craig Richards          

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies 
January 20 - March 25

Every year, for the past 19 years, Indigenous Elders have gathered in the shadow of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain, near the banks of the Bow River in Banff National Park. Elders, from First Nations and Métis communities on both sides of the Rocky Mountains, come from seven major language groups, from families with stories told through generations of using and sharing this Valley, the rivers, mountains, Buffalo, and Salmon.

The Elders meet, family stories are shared, and traditional medicines are exchanged. They discuss a range of issues including problems facing youth, the effects of residential schools, and how to bring back the Buffalo and Salmon to the prairies and rivers. The gatherings provide hope and direction for restoring culture, language, and community health, now and into the future. Over the years, youth have been invited to participate and have brought additional perspectives to the conversations. This has also been an opportunity for the Elders to pass on their knowledge.

An annual three-day event, these gatherings are led by the Elders and hosted by the Juniper Hotel in Banff which is located on a historically significant site for First Nations peoples. These gatherings have become a spiritual experience that bonds participants and unifies their voices as brothers and sisters.

Open: Mon-Sun: 10:00 - 17:00
Access: Location is wheelchair accessible. Exhibition is child friendly.
For more information see whyte.org

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, 111 Bear Street Banff, AB T1L 1A3