The Jasper Indigenous Exhibit

The Jasper Indigenous Exhibit, located in the heart of Jasper at Athabasca Park adjacent to the Visitor Information Centre, is an example of Indigenous partners coming together with Parks Canada to work towards reconciliation.

The central collaborative art installation features a large bronze sculpture of an eagle landing on a large sphere created by sculptor Lionel Peyachew. Words from six different Indigenous languages including Anishinaabe, Cree, Dene-zaa, Michif, Secwepemctsín and Stoney are displayed on the sphere. Below the sphere is a representation of original beaded artwork created by Lisa Shepherd and Kristi Bridgeman, which is on display in the Visitor Information Centre. Throughout the exhibit, a mixture of community and artist panels are displayed, sharing the communities’ stories of connection to Jasper.

Every aspect of this exhibit has been conceptualized and designed in close collaboration with Indigenous partners and led by the Indigenous Exhibit Working Group. These collaborations took place over more than 50 meetings, where the design of the landscaping, walkways, outdoor furniture, lighting, the collection of Indigenous artworks and the commissioning of the central art piece were all determined. Central to the stories being told within the exhibit is the displacement of Indigenous people and the impact this history has on Indigenous communities to this day.

Nearing completion

Due to the ongoing wildfire situation in Jasper National Park, the Jasper Indigenous Exhibit Grand Opening event, scheduled for September 7 and 8, 2024, has been cancelled. While the exhibit was not damaged when the wildfire reached the town of Jasper on July 24, 2024, work to complete the exhibit was delayed. The completion of this work and an official opening date for the exhibit is unknown at this time. Fencing around the perimeter remains in place to protect the exhibit as it is still under construction.

Indigenous Exhibit Working Group

The Indigenous Exhibit Working Group guided and advised the Parks Canada project team and the Jasper Indigenous Forum on aspects of the project. After many years of thoughtful development and collaboration, Indigenous partners and Parks Canada are in the final stages of creating an exhibit that is representative, inclusive and meaningful.