Celebrating Our Aboriginal Past and Present

The land and waters of Prince Albert National Park are the ancestral home of Aboriginal people (from ab origine "from the beginning"). These are the First Nations who have passed through and lived in the area for hundreds of years, as well as the Metis who came later.

Historically, Dene from the north, Cree from the east, and Nakoda from the south, crossed paths in this region. In search of new territory and trade links, their boundaries evolved into mainly Woodland Cree in what is now the national park, and Plains Cree to the south and west. The Woodland Cree moved with the changing seasons. They recognized six seasons,including freeze-up and break-up, as each brought its own activities. Freeze-up was between fall and winter and marked the beginning of easier travel on bogs and lakes. Winter was an opportunity for sharing knowledge and wisdom through stories. Break-up brought the promise of birth and renewal. In spring , fish were hunted in rivers; summer brought the harvest of plant-medicines and berries.

Long before European settlement where did children go to school? Where did their parents grocery-shop? Where were the hospitals, the churches, and the sports complexes? The Cree not only survived but flourished in the boreal or northern forest. Education, spirituality, health care, and work and leisure were found in nature all around them.

European contact and the fur trade entered the region in the 18th century. The are to become Prince Albert National Park was distant from major fur trading centres and routes. Aboriginal people involved as traders, merchants and suppliers saw their way of life change again as posts were closed and moved. Smallpox swept through Aboriginal populations and fur-bearing animals were being depleted. Permanent settlement arrived and reserves were created. Eventually Treaty 6 encompassed the entire area and forged a new relationship with the government and the people of Canada.

Today Prince Albert National Park is celebrating the presence of First Nations and Metis and recognizing their contributions. They represent a variety of backgounds and provide a wide range of services on behalf of Parks Canada. An exhibit in the Nature Centre in Waskesiu features an art collection, interactive displays and live interpretation appealing to all ages. Help make a Metis sash, play the word-puzzle game and put together the six-seasons wheel. Watch the Medicine Wheel video or jig to some Metis fiddling. Smell a smoke-tanned hide and run your hand through the basket of furs. Watch for announcements about cultural presentations and new displays throughout the summer. Of note is National Aboriginal Day which takes place across Canada every June 21.

As you drive north of Waskesiu towards Kingsmere Lake, stop at the Hanging Heart Lakes and view the exhibit. Imagine yourself as a Cree child playing there long ago, a Dene woman preparing hides, a Nakoda man snowshoeing with a toboggan, a Metis family hauling freight., Those who have come before us connect to our rich and valued present.