The Confluence Unveils First New Permanent Exhibit Since 2001: Kípaitápiiyssinnooni (Our Way of Life)

May 21, 2025

On Saturday, May 17, The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland welcomed approximately 700 people for the grand opening of Kípaitápiiyssinnooni (Our Way of Life), its first new permanent exhibit in more than two decades. This groundbreaking exhibition, created entirely by Blackfoot artists and knowledge keepers, is Phase 1 of a three-phase overhaul of the cultural centre’s interpretive spaces and demonstrates the historic site’s continuous work to honour Indigenous stories and experiences on the land.

Curated by Niitsitapi artist Star Crop Eared Wolf of the Kainai Nation, Kípaitápiiyssinnooni (ghee-BAHT-ah-BEE-see-noon) invites visitors into a living Blackfoot environment. Set within a 900-square-foot space modeled after a traditional lodge, the exhibit centers the language, stories, and artistic traditions of the Blackfoot people, offering an immersive experience grounded in cultural sovereignty and contemporary life.

The exhibit opening will be celebrated with a full day of events, welcoming Blackfoot community members and chiefs, contributing artists, funding and tourism partners, City of Calgary representatives, and Calgary residents.

“It’s an honour to create this exhibit with the community, for the community.” says curator Star Crop Eared Wolf. “Everything in this space reflects our way of life. It’s a physical expression of our collective knowledge and our ongoing presence on this territory. My hope is that we make our ancestors proud and that this space inspires future generations to carry our culture forward.”

Kípaitápiiyssinnooni is the first phase in a three-part plan to replace existing exhibits, which opened between 1997 and 2001. Phase 2 will focus on stories from the Stoney Nakoda, Tsuut’ina and Métis Nations, while Phase 3 will address the North-West Mounted Police, Fort Calgary, and industrialization.

The primary language of the exhibit is Blackfoot, with English translations. This choice affirms The Confluence’s commitment to language revitalization and cultural continuity. One of the many highlights includes a living winter count by artist Winston Wadsworth, recording Blackfoot history from 2020 onward on brain-tanned elk hide.

“As we open this space to the public, we do so in the spirit of reciprocity and truth,” says The Confluence President Jennifer Thompson. “We recognize that many museums and historic sites, including this one, have too often ignored and distorted Indigenous stories. Today, The Confluence reaffirms its responsibility to walk in a new direction—one led by Indigenous voices, grounded in respect, and committed to cultural sovereignty.”

This transformation has been made possible thanks to generous support from community partners, including Anneliese Weber, the City of Calgary, Travel Alberta, and Ovintiv.

NT4