Bowstrings is animated by heritage sites and stories. In particular, we are excited by how much we have to learn from Indigenous elders, memory-holders whose knowledge of the Bow Valley predates the creation of Banff National Park. For example, did you know there was a treaty between First Nations that governed land use in the mountains on both sides of Canada’s Continental Divide?
Elders still gather in Banff to discuss constructive ways of working together for the greater good of First Nation communities. Photographer Craig Richards has made it his work to capture their portraits. Now, with support from Bowstrings, Craig is creating a full exhibit. Each work in the exhibit portrays an Elder with one or more artifacts they feel reflect their cultural tradition. This opens the door to contemplation, the opportunity to consider why.
Meanwhile another Bowstring’s team member ponders “Why” when it comes to plants native to the Bow Valley. Chris Braisby’s experimental, trial-and error-approach, has allowed him move beyond friendly, fine-seed species like asters and wild blue flax to more challenging plants, like bristly black currants and high bush cranberry. He is a driving force behind Bowstrings’ commitment to using and sharing native plants and seeds.
Another initiative that has us engaged in making history relevant to daily experience is a new walking and cycling map. A living document, the first edition highlights 15 sites that tell the story of Banff from an Indigenous perspective.
Photo Credit
Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain by Craig Richards