In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Nakoda and Tsuut'ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations, indigenous and non, who live, work and play and help us steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory. This sacred gathering place provides us with an opportunity to engage in and demonstrate leadership on reconciliation.

These items have been graciously donated over the years and help tell stories of the past, present and future. Every one of them has been gifted and researched in close collaboration with Indigenous partners. We honour the histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples in Mountain View County, and encourage you to visit our museum to learn more.

Honouring a Community Leader
Didsbury is one of just a handful of Alberta communities that has been led by a member of a First Nation. Didsbury's past Fire Chief, Councillor and Mayor, Richard (Rick) Mousseau, was a member of the Saulteux tribe. Rick was a man of service, giving his time to many organizations and clubs within Didsbury. Most notably, he served the Didsbury Fire Department as a member for 30 years, and as our Fire Chief for 18 of those years. He served two terms on Town Council, then was elected Mayor and served for another four years. As he said, "You must also return to your community and family what they give to you. All of us are equal and deserve the respect from each other." Rick passed away in September of 2018.

Authenticated Exhibits
Our Indigenous exhibits have been examined and verified by Carolyn (Awanáánaakíí) Wagner, an adopted member of the Day Rider family from the Kainai First Nation. She is a ceremonialist and Indigenous knowledge-keeper. Carolyn holds a B.A.(Hons) in Native Studies from the University of Alberta, and is currently working on a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Cultural Studies) from Athabasca University. Carolyn has been to Didsbury many times and, in fact, has shared cultural teachings with our Westglen Middle School students.

Métis Artifacts
We have recently introduced a small Métis exhibit, thanks in part to Didsburian, Jake Peters. Jake is an amazing teacher, an inspiring mentor, a singer/songwriter, an incredible musician and a gifted Luthier. In recent years, he has also begun his own personal search as he discovers his Métis roots. He believes this journey is not for him alone, but is to be shared, treasured and enjoyed by many. Thus, the additions of his heritage have been added to the Didsbury Museum's collection.

The First White Nurse
A particularly unique exhibit at our Museum is one gifted from the estate of Amy Wilson, the first white nurse to work in the north. We have copies of 1965's "When Days Are Long: Nurse in the North", a book of Amy's memoirs as a field nurse working with Indigenous people along the Alaska Highway in northern B.C. and Yukon in the 1940s and '50s. While the book is definitely a compelling read, it is an example of what it means to be an ally to Indigenous people: Amy Wilson listened, learned, and served the people of the North with heart, humility, and respect.

Amy's family provided many of her collection of heritage artifacts from the 1940s and '50s to the Museum, and they have been admired by many over the years. Amy was born and is buried in Didsbury.

Bison-hide Drum and Stock, Blackfoot Hammerstones, Club Stone, Elk-hide rattle (handmade by Louise Small Legs of Piikani in 2009 - used to call a person's ancestors), and Blackfoot Moccasins.

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Street Parking

LINKS   SITE MAP   BOARD LOGIN