Join MJ Belcourt Moses and Anna Cousins in exploring the diversity of First Nations and Métis peoples at the Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park

Indigenous Craftspeople MJ Belcourt Moses and Anna Cousins invite you to gather and explore life through the diversity of First Nations and Métis peoples with an intimate tour of the Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park. The exhibit explores the rich and beautiful cultures of First Nations and Métis Peoples while encouraging visitors to seek out the truths as lived by Indigenous Peoples.  

After an initial tour of the space with Anna, MJ will share insight in procuring the artifacts on display and the artisans involved in the project. Guided by Anna, we will participate in a smudge ceremony and learn about the traditional medicines used. We will finish with a medicine pouch workshop lead by MJ, in which you will be guided in the making of your very own medicine bag. 

The Indigenous Peoples Experience was created through consultation with MOU Partners, the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, alongside Elders and community members. This opportunity to uplift Indigenous communities comes at a critical time in Canada’s reconciliation with Indigenous people. It is the first exhibit of its kind in Canada. Fort Edmonton Park received the Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement - Heritage Center for the new Indigenous Peoples Experience. The Thea Award program is internationally recognized for celebrating outstanding work on educational, historical and entertainment projects. 

Melissa-Jo Belcourt (MJ) comes from a rich Métis ancestry and possesses a wealth of cultural skills, acquired from Métis and First Nation Elders and Knowledge Holders throughout northern and central Alberta. Her passion lies in her cultural heritage where she continues to research to find better understanding of her ancestral legacy she follows. As a certified instructor, she has taught decorative arts and creative skills within Indigenous cultural art programs and continues to support the community both aboriginal and non-aboriginal in facilitating workshops. MJ has received extensive recognition for her work including Aboriginal Role Model of Alberta Art Award and was Edmonton’s Indigenous Artist in Residency in 2019. 

Anna Cousins (Muskego) Is a mixed blood Dene artist, she loves working with the public teaching people of all ages about our First Nations history and traditional crafts over a number of platforms. She is a Dene artisan who is passionate about creating functional traditional art pieces. Being a visible minority in Southern Alberta Anna faced discrimination and racism throughout her childhood. Now she works to change those narratives and bridge the gap of understanding as a historical interpreter and indigenous crafts person at Fort Edmonton.  

There are two workshop times available:

• 10am to 12pm

• 1pm to 3pm

Event fee includes access to the Indigenous Peoples Experience tour and workshop only, please note that the rest of the Park is not open for visiting and the streetcar will not be running.  

The Alberta Craft Council wishes to thank Fort Edmonton Park for generously waiving admission fees for this event. Can’t make it November 5? The Indigenous Peoples Experience is open weekends from 1-4pm until the December 18, and visitors will receive a free general admission for the 2023 season!