The Calgary Stampede’s Indian Village has been a part of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth for more than a century.
In 2016, the teepees, dancing demonstrations, craft tables and bannock booth will move to a new location on the eastern edge of Stampede Park but some First Nation members are hoping the signage and the Indian Village name will not make the trip.
“I believe (the use of the term Indian) is outdated and not politically correct,” said Calgarian Gabriel McArthur. “In the last few years, we’ve made advances with society as a whole where (Indian) is an old derogatory term.”
The Indian Village began in 1912 and includes representation from five local tribes from the Treaty Seven:
- Siksika Nation
- Tsuu T’ina Nation
- Nakoda (Stoney)
- Piikani (Peigan)
- Kainai (Blood)
The village will relocate to ENMAX Park on the banks of the Elbow River in Stampede Park for 2016.
Calgary Stampede officials say a name change could accompany the move but a new moniker would require input from Indian Village representatives.
“Because we’ll be on a new site, I could see change happening,” said Stampede spokesperson Sarah Rivest. “It really has to be consultative and we definitely have to have that feeling from our teepee owners.”
While some believe Indian Village is an outdated term, others embrace the tradition of the name and what it represented during a difficult time for Canada’s First Nations.
“That name was given at the beginning when Guy Weadick acknowledged that relationship at a time when our own people were not considered citizens of this country,” said Piikani Nation member Anita Crowshoe. “I validate and respect what Mr. Guy Weadick created here.”
Several members of the 2015 Indian Village believe the village’s name will likely change but not anytime soon. Deciding on a name that everyone can agree on is expected to be a lengthy process.
With files from CTV’s Kevin Green
