Collections

Artifacts courtesy of the Glenbow Museum Collection,
Calgary, Alberta

The Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum houses a small but unique collection of First Nations artifacts that spans well over a hundred years. Artifacts help to preserve and facilitate the stories and legends of the aboriginal peoples of the Plains. The beauty of the culture is woven into the displays and dioramas that represent the many aspects of native life.

Norman Luxton, the founder of the museum, began amassing this unique collection upon his arrival in Banff in 1902. He became fast friends and advocate to the native people of the area and through gifts, trade and purchase, grew a rich collection of items representing all nations of Treaties 6, 7, and 8. A taxidermist by trade, Norman enhanced the artifact collection with the natural aspects of the area. The museum displays many specimens of animals and birds native to the Rocky Mountains and the Bow Valley regions.

In 1963, Norman Luxton willed his collection to his close friend and founder of the Glenbow Museum, Eric Harvie. Mr. Harvie in turn donated these artifacts, along with his own collection, to the Province of Alberta, in the care of the Glenbow Museum. Norman’s collection is on display at the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum, along with many pieces collected over the past ten years.