Experience Guide | Tourism Medicine Hat

MMIW Mural Indigenous artist Jesse Gouchey and the Miywasin Friendship Centre Youth Development Program spent a weekend in October of 2019 redesigning and painting the First Street underpass mural. The mural was constructed to show the dark and tangled times our women are facing in Canada today. The red dress flows across the mural and ends with the loose flowing fabric surrounding a jingle dress dancer. The increasing vibrancy and colours as well as details in the dancer show the resiliency and strength of our women, community, and people.

Ómahksípiitaa (Big Eagle) This gathering space at Medicine Hat College (MHC) creates a welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing environment that enhances cultural awareness and understanding for MHC students and the region. Cultural components support cross-curricular education directly aligned to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and provide a unique venue to honour and celebrate Indigenous culture and history.

Strathcona Island Park Located along the South Saskatchewan River, Strathcona Island Park was home to First Nations and Métis. On the south side of the spray park and camp kitchen, are the remains of some Métis home steads, although obscured now by time and foliage. Riverside Veterans’ Memorial Park Indigenous Military Service Thousands of Indigenous men and women have served in the Canadian Military, including all of the conflicts presented on Medicine Hat’s Cenotaph. In some cases many members of the same family went overseas to serve, sacrificing much. Four Bliss brothers; Pat, Joe, Bill, and Tassie, served in the trenches of the First World War. Tassie was injured, having his forearm ampu tated, and Bill Bliss struggled in his return to civilian life. Bill Bliss signed up in 1915 at the age of 19 with the 3rd CMR. Bill was wounded at Ypres in 1916 by shell in the trenches. He contracted influenza in 1917 and was discharged in 1919 at the age of 23.

Old Man Buffalo Stone

Police Point Park Police Point Park was known as a safe crossing place for the South Saskatchewan River. It is home to many different plants such as chokecherry bushes and buffalo berries, which have been harvested by the First Nations people for many years. Areas like Police Point Park would have offered sheltered camping with an abun dance of firewood available for the First Nations people. Police Point Park has an important sacred history, too. During the winter, an ice free part of the river was regarded as a breathing hole for the water spirits. The distinctive cottonwood trees have had ceremonial uses. Anecdotal sources have said that Police Point Park has also been used historically as a location for tree burials. The Old Man Buffalo Stone can be found while you are walking through the park. Inspired by the Manitou Stone, this two-sided sculpture was crafted to be a guardian watching over the buffalo herds.

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