Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre to mark 25 years of storytelling

On Wednesday, July 25 Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre celebrates 25 years of sharing stories of Alberta’s ancient buffalo-hunting culture.

The day will include a formal anniversary ceremony at 11 a.m. with dignitaries from the Blackfoot Confederacy, Government of Alberta, UNESCO and historical Northwest Mounted Police officers. There will be First Nations drumming and dancing, music, storytelling and birthday cake for the public.
“Culture connects our past with our present and for the last quarter century, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre has brought the past to life for Albertans and visitors from around the world, exploring the links that run from ancient times to the present,” said Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Culture. “Its exhibits and public programs offer all of us a chance to connect to the cultural and archaeological treasures of our province, and to consider our place in history. Like every Albertan, I congratulate the centre on its 25th anniversary and cannot wait to see what the years ahead hold for Head-Smashed-In.”


In 1981, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, one of the world’s oldest, largest and best-preserved buffalo jump sites, as a World Heritage Site. In 1987, the spectacular interpretive centre was opened by their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of York and Aboriginal elders Dr. Joe CrowShoe Sr., Piikani Nation Chief Peter YellowHorn, Blood Chief Roy Fox and other prominent members of the Blackfoot First Nation.

Operated by Alberta Culture, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is located 18 kilometres northwest of Fort Macleod on Secondary Highway 785. The site is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 403-553-2731 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access within Alberta), or visit www.experiencealbertahistory.com.

Admission is $10 for adults, $22 for a family (two adults and their children ages 7 to 17), $5 for youth (ages 7 to 17) and $8 for seniors. Children six and under are admitted free.