Leather Pass Chronicles

News Views and little known truths from the Canadian Rockies... 

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MAY 2006
Centennial Dollars well spent...

On MountainTop Rock

JUNE 2006

Bikeology and Caribou

JULY 2006

From Fiddler on the Roof to Fiddler on the Rails

Traditions made new again, First Nations art

AUGUST 2006

Heritage Month

UNESCO's Indigenous Peoples Day

Neufeld Watchel and Watchel

SEPTEMBER 2006

Tom Thomson and the Pine Beetle

Is that a Mexican Flag on the Banff Springs?

Green Party on the right track

OCTOBER 2006

Community museums are key to culture 

The Who, Trailer Park Boys and Mel Hurtig

NOVEMBER 2006

Ah, November - its all about the weather

DECEMBER 2006

Victorias Secret, Caribou and Indian Giving

JANUARY 2007

A year to bond and Juan Helluva Night

FEBRUARY 2007

JULY 2006

From Fiddler on the Roof to Fiddler on the Rails

Jasper musicians Monika and Heidi Schaefer bring it home!

Updated: July 6, 2006

JASPER, Alberta - I'm sure the last thing folks from Halifax were expecting on the 4th day of their train ride was to hear fiddle music as they neared the Rockies.  But that is exactly what they found when Jasper musicians Monika and Heidi Schaefer boarded the Canadian in Edmonton this morning. 

Monika is also an instructor in Jasper National Park and seldom travels without some instruments to share.  It was only a matter of time before the dome car came alive with the sounds of rattles spoons and applause.

Click here for more information on Artists on Rails.

Traditions made new again

First Nations artwork looks at historic relationships

Updated: July 20, 2006

JASPER, Alberta - Every summer families from the Piikani, Kainai, Siksika, T’suu Tina, and the Nakoda Nations camp together at a village on the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede grounds. They come together to reestablish their friendships and traditions with one another and to share their culture and history with Stampede visitors. Within the teepee circle, games are played, drums are beat and songs are sung for the Pow Wow dancers. Family artifacts are proudly on display. Food and stories also nourish friendships between one another and visitors.

This relationship building has become exceedingly important over the years as the language and culture of many First Nation and Metis peoples are in danger of being lost to future generations.  Technology now provides new ways to preserve and share language and culture that honors traditional ways.

As August 9th, UNESCO's World Heritage Day for Indigenous Peoples, approaches - the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre in Jasper has put up a display of art by these aboriginal youth.  A Grade 1/2 class from Prince of Wales School and a Grade 4 class from Piitoayis School worked together at the Stampede School classroom (more info at www.galileo.org) on these stunning images. Traditions were made new again as children listened to the teachings of elders, built a teepee, cooked bannock and played handgames as part of cultural celebrations. 

This initiative, to support the next generation of First Nations artists, is in keeping with the Sawridge's cultural programming.  As well as evolving displays like the artwork the Sawridge offers a look at Indigenous Culture on Aug 9th, and a celebration of First Nations art, music, food and dance every November with the annual Heritage Gala.   

These artworks have been created by First Nation students and are for sale on behalf of the artists, through the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre as part of their ongoing support of cultural programming.