The Jasper Indigenous Exhibit

Every aspect of this exhibit has been conceptualized and designed in close collaboration with Indigenous partners. These collaborations took place over more than 40 meetings, where partners decided on the design of the landscaping, walkways, furniture, lighting, the collection of Indigenous artwork and the commissioning for a bronze eagle sculpture.

The 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.

Central to the stories being told within the Exhibit is the forced removal of Indigenous people and the impact this history has on Indigenous communities to this day. The Indigenous Exhibit Working Group, comprised of representatives from Indigenous communities connected to Jasper, led the Exhibit design, artwork selection, drafting of text and planning for the opening ceremony.

As the final elements of the Exhibit are completed and when the site is safe for pedestrian use, Parks Canada will remove the perimeter fence. The opening ceremony to commemorate the meaningful relationships and elements that were built through completion of the Exhibit is scheduled for September 7 and 8, 2024.

Honouring the histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples

Since its inception, the Jasper Indigenous Forum (Forum) has called for the creation of an exhibit that gives a place for the recognition of Indigenous peoples who have connections to the lands that make up Jasper National Park.

The exhibit will have something for everyone. At each of the four entrances, there will be panels that will introduce you to the exhibit as well as recognize the displacement of Indigenous peoples from the land that became Jasper National Park. As you stroll down the pathways, you will find storytelling and art panels created and written by Indigenous partners, highlighting the unique and diverse cultures of partner communities. If you want to spend more time in the exhibit, you can relax on a bench and fully immerse yourself within this incredible project that was created by Indigenous partners and Parks Canada with a lot of dedication, passion and pride.

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.