Bison – A Travelling Exhibit

“Bison” offers a deep dive into the rich history and significance of this iconic North American mammal. Through immersive displays and captivating stories, visitors will journey through the bison’s pivotal role in Indigenous cultures, their near-extinction due to overhunting, and the ongoing efforts to restore their populations. The exhibit connects closely with local Albertan communities, showcasing native grasses like Blue Gama, historically significant to both bison and the region. It also highlights initiatives such as the Blackfoot Confederacy of Southern Alberta’s Buffalo Treaty, which reinforces the cultural and environmental importance of bison, and Parks Canada’s “Bison Belong” campaign, focused on restoring bison to their historic range in Banff National Park. This exhibit is a chance to engage with history in a way that is both educational and deeply tied to our surroundings.

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OPENING: Sept. 16, 2024

Exclusive Exhibit Viewing on Sept. 19, 2024

Bison is included with your Heritage Park Admission

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Join Us For an Exclusive Exhibit Viewing of Bison

Sept. 19, 2024 | 7 – 9 p.m.

An evening of programming, refreshments and exhibit-inspired hors d’oeuvres.

• Doors Open: 6:30 p.m.
• Programming Begins: 7 p.m.
• Location: Gasoline Alley Museum

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Bison is a travelling exhibit toured by Kauffman Museum on behalf of the National Buffalo Foundation

The exhibit explores the evolution of the bison from being central to the lives of Indigenous peoples to its near extinction in the 19th century. With thoughtful curation, the exhibit weaves together Indigenous knowledge, the impact of European settlers and modern conservation efforts, providing a comprehensive view of the bison’s enduring legacy.

Exhibit Highlights

• Interactive Displays: Learn about bison size, diet and habitat, along with their immense cultural and practical significance to Indigenous peoples, who utilized every part of the animal.
• Historical Journey: Discover the impact of European settlers on bison populations and the industrial factors that led to their dramatic decline, leaving just 300 bison in North America by the late 1880s.
• Conservation Efforts: Learn about how organizations like the National Buffalo Foundation and Canadian Parks are reintroducing bison to their natural habitats. Banff National Park plays a significant role in this restoration. The International Buffalo Relations Institute has provided additional information about how buffalo are being protected in Southern Alberta.
• Hands-on Experiences: We are excited to work with Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump to bring additional artifacts and hands-on experiences, and our own interpreters offering hands-on learning opportunities to connect the exhibit to local communities.

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