Inside the Indigenous Peoples and Archaeology Building (Rachel May/northeastNOW Staff)

By northeastNOW Staff

Indigenous Culture

New building highlighting Indigenous people and artifacts celebrates grand opening in Melfort

Jun 21, 2022 | 4:00 PM

The Melfort and District Museum celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day with a new exhibit.

After roughly six years of work, the Indigenous Peoples and Archaeology Building had its grand opening on Tuesday. It did have a soft opening last year, however, they wanted to hold a bigger showcase where more people could attend.

For Gailmarie Anderson, the museum’s curator, National Indigenous Peoples Day was the perfect opportunity.

“We’re all looking forward to, not so much reconciliation per se but going forward in a positive way to appreciate the relationships of all nations and all people.”

Artifacts inside the Indigenous Peoples and Archaeology Building. (Rachel May/northeastNOW Staff)

First meeting

Interest piqued after Melfort Neighbourhood Watch program info meeting

Apr 24, 2024

Wasted fish

Fish abandoned at Deschambault Lake

Apr 23, 2024

Leadership Needed to Stop Federal Overreach

Apr 23, 2024

The building consists of the Tom Smith collection of around 2,000 individual pieces as well as the 3,500-piece Isidore Morgan collection of artifacts from the Yellow Creek and Crystal Springs area. They’ve also added a third exhibit since their soft opening last year.

It also includes a mural by Edward Stonestand which depicts the history of Indigenous people settling in the area.

Mural on Indigenous Peoples and Archaeology Building. (Rachel May/northeastNOW Staff)

“Finally, everybody will be able to really appreciate the collection and its worth in value,” said Gailmarie Anderson, museum curator.

The grand opening began with a Welcoming Drumming Song, greetings from dignitaries from across the province, and stories from the three main families who donated their archaeology collections.

—

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow