When the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report was finally presented to Parliament, the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park immediately started thinking about an overall plan on how to revive our culture and our language. One of the things we did discuss and plan was that we want to write a history of our culture and our language, going back before the Europeans came. We want to start there and document our way of life, our territories, and then from there proceed to the residential schools and to the present day and our relationship with Canada.
Different groups on a reserve are trying to teach our language, but there's a problem. The parents don't speak the Blackfoot language, only the children do, and those who do speak it don't seem to get too enthusiastic about it. I think the reason is that they're not aware of their culture, where they came from. If they were, they would be more willing to learn their language, but it's really important that we take a lead role and be part of any overall plan.
I've been asked quite a few times, what's the difference between your museum and the Glenbow museum in Calgary, for example? The answer is very simple. Glenbow is a museum. Another culture is explaining my culture. At the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, you're hearing from the horse's mouth, so to speak. We're the ones who know the history and so on.
Thank you.