Museum History: First Nations
After the Museum's new building opened in 1955, Dan Kennedy (Carry-the-kettle First Nation) and Abel Watetch (Piapot First Nation) made several items, including a canvas tipi and a back rest, to be displayed in what was called the 'Indian-Trader' exhibit.
Old Museum 'Indian Trader' exhibit.
Beginning in 1988, the First Nations Gallery was the first in Canada to be developed in conjunction with First Nations. The Museum worked with Elders and artists to design and build a gallery that was by First Nations and not just about them.
Planning the First Nations Gallery.
The first traditionally tanned buffalo hide tipi to be made in Saskatchewan in over a century was created in 1991, commissioned by the RSM. The tipi consists of 15 bison hides which were traditionally brain-tanned by Miriam Thomas. The work of tanning one buffalo hide is equivalent to tanning four moose hides! The blessing ceremony for the tipi was held at Piapot Cree First Nation during their annual pow wow . The tipi is now installed in the opening exhibit of the First Nations Gallery.
Tipi diorama in the First Nations Gallery.
The First Nations Gallery opened on June 26, 1993. The Gallery represents 10,000 years of human history in Saskatchewan. It was at this ceremony that the Museum received Royal designation, and changed its name to the Royal Saskatchewan Museum.
First Nations Gallery Shield
For further information contact the RSM Information Desk.
Previous Archaeological Research | Next Fossil Finds