Galt offering Blackfoot classes

Starting this month, the Galt Museum & Archives will be hosting a new set of introductory level classes, which will allow the public to learn the Blackfoot Language.

Instructor Julius Delaney helped develop the Blackfoot Language curricula for the Kainai Board of Education, and will now be presenting a 10-session Blackfoot Language course to members of the public.

“Over the past decade, the Galt Museum & Archives has hosted many Indigenous exhibits and programs,” says Graham Ruttan, marketing and communications officer at the Galt Museum. “These have included our past exhibit ‘Kaahsinnooniksi Ao’toksisawooyawa Our Ancestors have come to visit: Blackfoot Shirts,’ ongoing community programming for all ages with our Blackfoot cultural interpreter Blanche Bruised Head, as well as our recent Blackfoot history program launched last fall. These exhibits and programs have become increasingly popular for the Galt.”

The Galt Museum & Archives has been committed to preserving Indigenous history and addressing the truths about Reconciliation. They have seen how important preserving and teaching a traditional language is to the culture remaining alive.

“As a public historical institution, we are committed to equity in presenting the history and culture of our region for the public,” says Susan Burrows-Johnson, Galt executive director. “We are also committed to addressing the recommendations of Truth and Reconciliation Commission and to help preserve and keep alive the culture and traditions of the Blackfoot people. Language is an important part of culture. Many experts and elders have noted that language preservation is essential to cultural heritage preservation.”

The Blackfoot Language classes will be held at the Galt Museum & Archives every Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m., between Sept. 20, and Nov. 22. For more information on the language classes or exhibits the Galt has on visit their website galtmuseum.com.