Spring brought renewal and awakening of Mother Earth in April. There was a three-hour interpretive walk to connect with cultural landscapes through the ages in Nose Hill Park where attendees could be closer to the stars.
The group at the John Laurie Blvd parking lot began the 2.2 km route on pathway and gravel trail. The leaders were Crystal Many Fingers, a Blackfoot member of the Kainai First Nation of Treaty 7, and Laureen Bryant, a professional archaeologist who focused on human occupation.
Legends and sharing stories are an integral part of an oral culture. The importance of Nose Hill to pre-contact indigenous people is highlighted by sites such as the buffalo rubbing stone for ceremonies, vision questing, and fasting.
A natural area is a City-owned park with a natural/native plant community. Our primary role is to preserve the natural significance. Conservation protects these (relatively) undisturbed parcels of land. Damage can be repaired while loss can be restored.
Public engagement and feedback from tourists will contribute to Calgary’s 20-year Park Plan. After a draft proposal, there comes a final version by spring 2024, before presentation to City Council. For more information, visit https://engage.calgary.ca/parksplan.
