Programs & Experiences

Our Education Programs take you deeper into the traditional knowledge of the Blackfoot people. Learn what it was like to be one with the buffalo. This year, we offer a 2-part program, that includes a "Full Building Tour" plus "Living Off The Land", a sit-down session with your Blackfoot Guide. You will be able to touch, hold and learn about the traditional tools of daily life. There are lots of opportunities in this session to ask questions and listen to stories. Your Blackfoot Guide will be with you throughout your experience.  

For more information and to make a booking, email us at education.bookings@gov.ab.ca.

Guided School Programs

Our site is very busy during the spring field trip season of May-June. Weekday mornings can be crowded, with schools taking our pre-booked, guided school programs. Schools who plan to visit on their own, without any pre-booking of an education program, are advised to visit in the afternoons. Home School groups, who plan to visit without any pre-booking of an education program, are advised to visit on Fridays, when we have fewer bookings from public schools, separate schools and private charter schools. Tap/click on the headings below, for details.

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Guided School Program (All Grades)

Part 1:  "Living Off The Land", a one-hour "sit-down session" with your Blackfoot Guide. Learn how First Nations people lived in harmony with nature, by harvesting all that they needed, taking advantage of our abundant natural resources, without any lasting impact on the earth. Find out about the tools and technologies that evolved with the buffalo culture, in this hands-on program.

Part 2: "Full Building Tour" This 1.5 hour tour of the Interpretive Centre will include the history and mechanics of the buffalo jump. You will visit the cliff-top viewpoint and make your way back through the seven levels of building exhibits. Your Blackfoot Guide will be with you all the way, as you learn more about The Jump. You will have a chance to view our engaging theatre presentations and be guided through our artifact-rich exhibits.

  • Minimum 16 students per program group
  • Maximum 25-30 per program group (including chaperones), depending on program location (due to Fire Code Regulations)
  • Grades: All grades
  • Programs are available year-round, with increased capacity from October to May
  • Morning programs should arrive by 10:00 am 
  • Total time: 2.5 hours for the full 2-part program
  • All programs complement the Alberta Education curriculum.

Program Fees = $6/student, for this 2.5 hour, 2-part program

  • Students pay only the Program Fee. Students do not pay Admission Fees. 
  • Chaperone ratio is 1:8 including teachers. Admission for chaperones within the required ratio is complimentary (additional chaperones must pay the group rate admission fee of $12/adult).

 

  • Guided School Programs are booked on a first come, first serve basis — book early to ensure program availability!
  • Guided School Programs are offered for morning arrivals only, ideally arriving no later than 10:00 am. The total program time is 2.5 hours. If you arrive by 10:00 am the full program will end by 12:30 pm
  • When planning your visit, don’t forget to leave time to visit the "Napi's Creations" gift shop. Student access may be restricted to a few at a time.
  • Backpacks should be left on the bus, as we do not have any secure storage on site. Money and valuables should be kept in your pockets or waist packs.
  • Snacks should be eaten on the bus before or after your visit, as food is not permitted in the gallery. 
  • Lunches may be eaten outdoors on the bleachers near the plaza, or at the small picnic area near the overflow parking lot, weather permitting. Please be responsible for your garbage.
  • During adverse weather conditions, an indoor space may be available for eating snacks and lunches in comfort.

Education Program Bookings

Video Conference: Living Off The Land (All Grades)

Your class will speak directly with a Blackfoot Guide, located in The Lodge, at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. Each program will introduce the plains buffalo hunting culture and artifacts from everyday life. Your students will get to see and learn about each item, plus they have a chance to ask questions. This program can be adapted to suit each grade and age group.

Program Fee = $100 per Videoconference program

  • Grade: All Grades
  • Dates available: November to March 
  • Total time: 1 hour
  • Limited to one class per program - no multiple connections 
  • Microsoft Teams preferred, but available on multiple platforms (Google Meets, Zoom)
  • All programs complement the Alberta Education Curriculum
  • To book programs and for more details, email education.bookings@gov.ab.ca

Guided Youth Group Programs

Youth Groups include Cubs, Scouts, Brownies, Guides and other special groups travelling outside of any formal school program.

We kindly request that youth group programs be booked outside of our busiest school program season, which is Monday to Thursday, May to June, and September to October.

Click on the heading below for details.

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Guided Youth Group Program

Part 1: "Living Off The Land", a one-hour "sit-down session" with your Blackfoot Guide. Learn how First Nations people lived in harmony with nature, by harvesting all that they needed, taking advantage of our abundant natural resources, without any lasting impact on the earth. Find out about the tools and technologies that evolved with the buffalo culture, in this hands-on program.

Part 2: "Full Building Tour": This 1.5 hour tour of the Interpretive Centre will include the history and mechanics of the buffalo jump. You will visit the cliff-top viewpoint and make your way back through the seven levels of building exhibits. Your Blackfoot Guide will be with you all the way, as you learn more about The Jump. You will have a chance to view our engaging theatre presentations and be guided through our artifact-rich exhibits.

  • Maximum 25 - 30 participants/program group (including chaperones), depending on room location (due to fire codes)
  • Ages: 9 years and up
  • Programs are booked on a first come, first serve basis – book early to ensure program availability! Weekend bookings are best for Youth Groups.
  • When planning your visit, don’t forget to leave time to visit the "Napi's Creations" gift shop. Group access may be restricted to a few at a time. 
  • Backpacks should be left on the bus, as we do not have any secure storage on site. Money and valuables should be kept in your pockets or waist packs.
  • Snacks should be eaten on the bus before or after your visit, as food is not permitted in the gallery. 
  • Lunches may be eaten outdoors on the bleachers near the plaza, or at the small picnic area near the overflow parking lot, weather permitting. Please be responsible for your garbage.
  • During adverse weather conditions, an indoor space may be available for eating snacks and lunches in comfort.

Admission Fees

  • Pre-booked admission to the Centre is $10/youth for groups of under 15 people or $8/youth for groups of more than 15 people
  • Chaperones (ratio 1:8) are allowed to accompany the group for free, if taking a youth group program. Additional chaperones will be charged admission to the Centre, at the group rate of $12/adult, if group size is 15 or greater ($15/adult if fewer than 15 people)

Program Fee in addition to Admission Fee

  • A Guide Fee of $50/program (Part A or B) will also be applied.

To Book Your Program