Cultural Tourism and the History of the Banff Indian Days
A Centennial Celebration
After a Heritage Poster from the CPR Archives
The Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum in conjunction with the Eleanor Luxton Historical Foundation presents Cultural Tourism and the History of the Banff Indian Days, a walking tour exhibition marking Alberta’s Centennial.
The exhibit is an historical documentation of cultural tourism in Banff, Alberta, as told by the events, stories, and interpretations of the Banff Indian Days. It is presented as a walking tour with our exhibition partners.The Banff Indian Days, an annual event that had its beginnings in 1889, significantly strengthened the diversity of Alberta’s cultural heritage. It grew from a single event to an annual occurrence forging a unique and historic relationship between the residents of Banff and the aboriginal community that lasted well over 70 years. The relationship that grew from this alliance embodied the spirit of mutual respect and understanding between diverse cultures, capturing the essence of Alberta’s rich cultural heritage.
Banff Indian Days
Courtesy of Byron Harmon Fonds,
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies & Archives
Norman Luxton, a long time resident of Banff, and founder of The Luxton Museum (currently the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum), arrived in 1902 and shortly thereafter married Georgina McDougall, daughter of the pioneer missionary and trading family, who had settled in Morley, Alberta. The Luxton family was integrally involved with the aboriginal community, particularly through the Banff Indian Days, and remained so until the death of their daughter, Eleanor, in 1995. Norman’s relationship with the aboriginal community and his direct involvement with the Banff Indian Days are the common threads presented throughout the exhibition, referencing the enormous impact and influence he and others had on bringing two distinct cultures together.
Banff Indian Days
Courtesy of Byron Harmon Fonds,
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies & Archives
Highlights of the Centennial Exhibition
- The exhibition consists of displays of artifacts, collected in the area over the past 100 years, accompanied by photographs, and interpretive text. Housed in mobile display cases, it is exhibited in seven locations throughout the Banff town site. Along with the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum, locations include the Whyte Museum, Banff Park Lodge, Banff Caribou Lodge, Banff Springs Hotel, Juniper Hotel, and the Banff Centre.
- A photo exhibition of the Banff Indian Days, displayed at the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum accompanies the artifact exhibition, further providing interpretation of the historical event.
- The exhibition will run from July 23, 2005 – April 1, 2006
Banff Indian Days
Courtesy of Byron Harmon Fonds,
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies & Archives
Gratefully Funded By:
Department of Canadian Heritage
Exhibition Partners:
