An Incorrigible History of Alberta
Calgary Stampede's Western Art Winners
The West That Was
Focusing on the West
A Slice of Reality
Lithograph in Western Canadian History
Shadow Stories
Five Hundred
Generations
D.C. Lund
Calgary's Art Walk
Stew Cameron
Dale Auger
Judie Popplewell
K. Neil Swanson
Jerry Doell
Paul Van Ginkel
Diana Stupniski
Janice Blackie Goodine
Gena La Coste
Wendy Risdale
Ash Cooper

Five Hundred Generations

In All Their Finery

By Terri Mason

One of the royal Alberta Museum's dioramas, this one depicts a transfer ceremony held at Sundance Flats in southern Alberta. A young boy has just received a weasel tail suit, a distinctive outfit named for the white weasel pelt fringes on both shirt and leggings. Weasel tail suits are medicine bundles or items with special spiritual significance. They have their own face paint and songs and must be transferred by person who has the rights to the bundle in a ceremony like the one shown. Photo by Brad Callihoo, supplied courtesy of the Ethnology program, Royal Alberta Museum

The First Nations traditions are Canada's only true culture. Theirs is a story of great richness, diversity and depth that has evolved over the centuries. The newly christened Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton hosts a collection of some of the finest examples of aboriginal artistry and craftsmanship in North America.

Woman's dress. Blackfoot. Late 1800s. This stunning example of Blackfoot pageantry is enhanced with wool, ribbon, cowrie shells and glass. Photo by Brad Callihoo, supplied courtesy of the Ethnology program, Royal Alberta Museum.

Choosing the artifacts for the 10,000 square-foot Syncrude Gallery presented a challenge to the museum; which pieces would be included to represent and accurately trace the First Nations history in Alberta? The Royal Alberta Museum has made considerable effort to ensure the displays are sensitive to those they so vividly honour. Elders from twenty-two First Nations and MŽtis communities as well as the museums' aboriginal advisory committee offered advice and insights during the development of this project.

The Gallery traces the story from the end of the Ice Age, through the development of the culture up to contemporary issues, including the tragedy of residential schools and the shameful treatment of First Nations soldiers who fought for Canada in the First and Second World Wars and in Korea. As well, the Healing Movement is explored and the uplifting spiritual revitalization of their culture is celebrated.

Cradle. Nakota. C. 1917. This beautiful cradle used for infants is decorated with hide, glass beads, cowrie shells, velvet, wool, cotton fabric, metal and brass tacks. Photo by Brad Callihoo, supplied courtesy of the Ethnology program, Royal Alberta Museum.	Headdress with trailer. Nakota. C. 1910. The headdress is constructed with bald and golden eagle feathers, felt, wool, ribbon, weasel pelts, human hair, glass beads, hide and buttons. Photo by Brad Callihoo, supplied courtesy of the Ethnology program, Royal Alberta Museum.	Panel bag. Cree or MŽtis. Mid-1800s. The panel bag is lavishly decorated with wool, glass and brass beads, ribbon and cotton cloth. Photo by Brad Callihoo, supplied courtesy of the Ethnology program, Royal Alberta Museum.

Horse mask. Tsuu T'ina. Pre-1919. Constructed with canvas, hide, glass beads and thread, this elaborate horse mask, one of only a few known examples, nearly covered the horse's entire face. Note the careful placement of holes for the horses ears and eyes. Photo supplied courtesy of the Ethnology program, Royal Alberta Museum.

Far from static displays, the amazing dioramas re-enact moments in time that range from dramatic buffalo hunts to peaceful camp scenes. The impact of the arrival of Europeans, the subsequent rise of the fur trade and the introduction of new decorative items such as dyed wools, ribbons and beads is reflected in the stunning displays of everyday items turned into works of art.

Since the Gallery opened, the museum has received a steady flow of positive reviews and expressions of support from Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal visitors from around the world.

Special thanks to ethnologist Susan Berry, PhD for her assistance in researching this article. Research material obtained from Aboriginal Cultures in Alberta - Five Hundred Generations by Susan Berry and Jack Brink, available at The Royal Alberta Museum.