Saamis Tepee
World's tallest tepee
The Saamis Tepee was originally constructed for the Calgary 1988 Winter Olympics. Each of the 10 masts feature a large storyboard depicting aspects of native culture and history.
Below the Saamis Tepee in scenic Seven Persons coulee lays the Saamis Archaeological Site, one of the most important archaeological sites of the Northern Plains. The area was once a buffalo camp and meat processing site, and experts believe over 83 million artifacts are buried at the site.
The Saamis Tepee is located on the Trans-Canada Highway next to Tourism Medicine Hat. The main masts of the tepee measure 215 feet (the same as a 20 story building!) and the diameter is 160 feet, with a foundation weight of 800 metric tons.
Lighting For a Cause
The City of Medicine Hat's ‘Lighting for a Cause’ program is an initiative designed to bolster community spirit while shining a light on important social causes. The Saamis Tepee is one of two venues available to book to promote your event or cause.
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Saamis Archaeological Site
The Saamis Archaeological Site is a Provincial Historic Site located in the valley of Seven Persons Creek in Medicine Hat.
Encompassing an area of 36 hectares, this site has been interpreted as a winter and early spring campsite between 1390 and 1820 A.D. For thousands of years, First Nation groups traveled to the vicinity of Medicine Hat during their seasonal round of activities to take advantage of the rich resources. This included large suitable camps for processing bison meat and were rich with water, shelter and a diversity of smaller animals and plants.
The history of First Peoples and their lands is one of the fastest growing tourism and economic growth sectors in Canada.
The City is legally obligated under the Provincial Historical Resources Act to preserve and protect this site.