Tipis stand at the Elbow River Camp at the Calgary Stampede. Photo by Ryan Hunt.
With the Calgary Stampede well underway, the Elbow River Camp is offering something a little different.
Located on the northeast side of Stampede Grounds, Elbow River Camp features a circle of tipis with families living in them for the duration of Stampede. There are also historical artifacts, Indigenous cuisine, as well as local Indigenous businesses showing off their talents by displaying art and many more things.
Alanna Bluebird Onespot, a content creator for Elbow River Camp, says that the purpose of the camp is to “showcase Indigenous culture” to the wider audience of the Calgary Stampede.
The flags of Treaty 7 wave in the wind at the Elbow River Camp. Photo by Ryan Hunt.
Elbow River Camp has been around since 1912, according to Onespot.
“I feel like it’s been a success for many years, because it’s like an attraction for people that don’t realize that Indigenous people are still here… [Elbow River Camp] is a demonstration of how we used to live,” she said, when talking about the impact of the camp.
Onespot has been visiting the Elbow River Camp since she was a baby, which led her to become involved with more things related to Stampede, like the annual Stampede Parade. She later ventured into production and started working alongside the Calgary Stampede Showband, as well as directing many different shows at Stampede. She credits all her passions for, and her deep ties with, the Stampede to Elbow River Camp.
“I really grew up here, so it really means a lot to be a part of it still, to get my way into the door of production and creating art,” Onespot added.
A row of dignitaries as well as tipi owners gather for the opening ceremony of Elbow River Camp on July 7, the first day of the Calgary Stampede. Photo by Ryan Hunt.
Elbow River Camp runs until Sunday, July 16.
Listen to the full interview with Alanna Onespot:
Do you have a story idea? Email me at ryan@windspeakermedia.com
Comments