Jasper National Park Shares Stage With Indigenous Partners

Published Date

July 8, 2024

Whisters Campground stage hosts free summer programming in Jasper National Park/Parks Canada, Luuk Wijk

Indigenous traditions, stories and knowledge have shaped the history of what is now known as Jasper National Park. To honor the contributions of these First Nations and to celebrate their influence on the region since time immemorial, Parks Canada has invited Indigenous partners to share the stage at Whistlers and Wabasso campgrounds this summer.

On selected evenings in July and August, visitors and community members will hear directly from Indigenous partners through meaningful and engaging interpretive programming.

These presentations will cover a range of topics that will offer insights into the history, stories and traditions of local First Nations. Programs will include the early fur trade in the Athabasca Valley, settlement in the area, and a session that will teach the traditional Red River Jig. There is no better way to learn about the human history of the park than from the First Nations people who helped to shape it.

Programs are free and include:

July 6 and Aug. 17 at 7:30 p.m.: "The People Who Shaped the History of the Athabasca Valley" at Whistlers Campground Theatre. Join Elder Ken Groat, descendant of the Moberly family, as he shares stories and histories of the people who lived in this iconic valley from the 1790s to modern times.

July 13 and Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m.: "From Our Own Voice: The Oral History of the As’in’i wachi Neyiyuk" at Whistlers Campground Theatre. Join Shelley Calliou of Kelly Lake Cree Nation as she presents the oral history of the As’in’i wachi Neyiyuk and their connections to Jasper House.

July 20 and Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m.: "The Story of the Rocky Mountain Cree" at Whistlers Campground Theatre. Join Frank Roan of the Mountain Cree as he uses stories and song to chronicle the history of the Rocky Mountain Cree in Jasper through trade, barter and kinship.

Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m.: "Métis Jigging Workshop" at Wabasso Campground Campfire Circle. Métis artist Lisa Shepherd will teach a traditional jig step, the Red River Jig and some community dances. Be ready for an uplifting and joyful experience as you engage in the original social networking.

The "Sharing the Stage" program complements Jasper’s full suite of regular summer interpretive programs, including theater shows, family presentations, interpreters on trails and more. Programs are offered Wednesday through Monday until Sept. 1.

Stories about:

Jasper National Park

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks