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Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

The stunning views from the Jump
When I was in third grade, I first learned about Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and ever since, I have been hoping to one day see it in person. Now, you make think that after roughly two decades of anticipation, finally seeing this UNESCO World Heritage Site would be a disappointment. But honestly, I loved it and hope to make it back soon.

Exhibit focusing on the
 daily life of the local First Nations.
Located in the southern corner of the province, at the hilly roots of the Rockies, this site offers views of the most incredible landscapes. From here, you can see the snow-capped peaks, pieces of the southern Badlands, the rolling foothills, and even desert. (Yes, we have cacti in Alberta!). This portion of the province is often called "The World's Film Double" because so many different terrains are within an hour's drive. The jump itself is accessible by foot, and if memory serves, is accessible for those with limited mobility thanks to a shuttle bus and ample ramps.

The museum serves as to emerge guests in both the history and geography of the area, with the unique intent of beginning the narrative at the back of the museum, and working its way down the hill to the front. As you walk through, or in this case down, the museum you are struck with not only the richness of Indigenous histories and their ingenuity but also the natural beauty of Alberta. It's this beauty that the Indigenous peoples moulded to their favour, using the astounding natural landscapes to propagate life.

The Husband always finds a map. Always.
As always, I recommend people take time for the film portion. For some reason, the majority of guests don't bother to wait for film times or find films unimportant. Yet museum films can be incredibly powerful and grant visual orientation that artefacts and signs simply cannot. This film was rather moving as it follows a young man on his first buffalo hunt, which may sound cliche I admit, but it was fantastic, if not unfortunately rare, look into a visual history of Canada's Indigenous Peoples.

After some disappointment over patches on my trip, HSIBJ finally granted me a patch. It's pretty tacky and very "80's tourist", but I kinda dig it. I'm finding that patches are definitely more of a rarity than pins are, so I'm attempting to opt for a patch, no matter how tacky, whenever it's an option.

The slightly tacky HSIBJ Patch 
sits across my left shoulder.
Recommended Time: 1.5 Hours

 Highlights: The immersive experience and narrative were really well done. Despite the age of the museum and some exhibits, it was still really engaging and well done.

Missed: I do really wish we had been able to participate in a tour, but as we were road tripping, it was, unfortunately, going to take to long to participate in a tour. I also should have worn some better shoes so that we could have gone on one of the many hiking trails, which also provide a narrative to the site.

Ratings
Family Friendly: 5/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
Staff Knowledge: 5/5
Content: 5/5
Experience: 5/5
Overall Experience: 5/5

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