Buffalo roam the Galt Museum and Archives

The Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa (eternal gathering place) proudly unveils its latest exhibition, The Buffalo Treaty: Keystone to Wellness, curated in partnership with the International Buffalo Relations Institute (IBRI). Running from March 23, 2024, to September 30, 2024, this exhibition marks the tenth anniversary of the Buffalo Treaty, a pivotal framework for reconciliation emphasizing cooperation, restoration, and renewal.

With over forty nations and thousands of supporters having signed the treaty, this exhibition explores its profound impact on individual and community wellness across spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental dimensions.

For many Indigenous peoples, the Buffalo represents more than a resource; it embodies spiritual and ceremonial connections and responsibilities.

“The Buffalo Treaty offers a platform to rejuvenate this sacred bond in modern times, illuminating how the reintroduction of Buffalo to the environment catalyzes the renewal of relationships among plants, animals, and the cosmos,” says Camina Weasel Moccasin, the Indigenous Curator at the Galt Museum & Archives.

“We are the Buffalo, and the Buffalo is us,” echoes the motto of the International Buffalo Relations Institute. The exhibition aims to honour and amplify Indigenous perspectives on the vital connection between Buffalo and the rest of the world. It serves as a conduit for healing, understanding, and reconciliation.

The exhibition prominently features Niitsitapii Elders, who underscore the value of preserving Buffalo teachings and nurturing a profound connection with these powerful beings. Intergenerational wisdom on Buffalo harvesting techniques is shared with visitors, fostering a deeper appreciation for Indigenous knowledge systems.

In collaboration with the International Buffalo Relations Institute, the exhibition endeavours to raise buffalo consciousness across the Great Plains of North America.

In addition to its educational value, the exhibit serves as a platform for dialogue and reflection. “Our goal is to create a space where visitors can engage with the cultural heritage and ecological significance of the Buffalo Treaty,” says Weasel Moccasin.

“Through storytelling and interactive displays, we invite visitors to immerse themselves in what IBRI calls ‘Buffalo dialogue’.”

Katira Crow Shoe, Director of Education at IBRI, commends the exhibition’s focus saying, “The Indigenous curator did an amazing job of centering the exhibit around the Buffalo and the Buffalo Treaty. Individuals will learn and experience the collective teachings the Buffalo continues to provide.”

Visitors to the Galt Museum & Archives can anticipate an immersive and enlightening experience as they explore the Buffalo Treaty’s multifaceted impact on wellness and reconciliation.

For more information about the exhibition and related events, please visit the Galt Museum & Archives website.