Native cultural park plan unveiled

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Natives representing five Indian bands have unveiled plans to build a Native cultural park in Kananaskis Country. The proposed Buffalo Nations Cultural Park would include traditional villages, display pavilions, an interpretative center and an under ground exhibits area. The park, a project of the registered Buffalo Nations Cultural Society, would be located on about 130 hectares of land in the southeast corner of Bow Valley Provincial Park. "We're at the point now where it should happen," said Stoney Chief George Labelle, adding that the concept of a park to preserve and interpret North American Indian traditions has been discussed for more than 35 years. He said participating tribes include the Sarcee, Blood, Peigan and Blackfoot. The proposed site of the park - which was chosen because it lies on sacred Indian ground - is also being considered for a recreational vehicle park.