The Indigenous People’s Experience at Fort Edmonton Park has been recognized with an international award.
The park has received a Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement – Heritage Center for its immersive exhibit currently on display.
The Thea Award program is internationally recognized for celebrating outstanding work on educational, historical and entertainment projects.
“We are truly honoured with this award recognition, but without the support of our MOU partners none of this would have been possible. We want to express our deepest gratitude to the many Indigenous voices from the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and the Métis Nation of Alberta for their partnership and collaboration in bringing this amazing experience to life,” says president and CEO of Fort Edmonton Management Company, Darren Dalgleish. “The Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park is a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience that engages our guests in Indigenous customs, and traditions and highlights the inspirational stories of First Nations and Métis people, who have resided on these lands for hundreds and thousands of years.”
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. The exhibit explores the rich cultures of local First Nations and Métis Peoples while encouraging guests to seek out truths lived by Indigenous Peoples before and after Canada’s founding. 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.
Stantec was appointed the portfolio project manager, representing the project owner to manage the design and construction of the Fort Edmonton Park expansion project portfolio. Stantec also performed work as the local Architect of Record under Nassal-nFusion, who was the prime cnsultant for the Indigenous Peoples Experience.
“We are so excited to have played a role in such an important project, for so many reasons,” says Heidi McGurk, major projects lead, Stantec. “At the outset of this project, we focused on a collaborative approach to the creation of a space that would educate, spark conversation, and most importantly, recognize and celebrate the knowledge, culture and experience of Indigenous Peoples. We are humbled to have been provided an opportunity to listen to the stories of the Elders who contributed content to this important project.”
