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

Saamis Tepee colour illumination

The City of Medicine Hat values community awareness activities as they bolster community spirit and enhance a sense of belonging to the community.

The purpose of the ‘Lighting for a Cause’ program is to:

  • reflect the spirit of City Council’s Strategic Plan
  • support one or more of the following objectives:
    • promote awareness of important social causes
    • emphasize the spirit of the community by accentuating and celebrating the spirit of living in Medicine Hat
    • promote a sense of belonging in the community

Please read the guidelines below carefully to ensure that your request fits with the criteria.

If after reading the guidelines you are still uncertain if your project is eligible, please contact the Lighting for a Cause
program administrator for clarity and assistance.

Apply now

Application process

To be considered, all requests must be:

  • received via on-line application of the ‘Lighting for a Cause’ request form
  • completed by a management representative of the official organization making the request
  • received by the Community Development Department at least 30 days in advance of lighting date requested

Eligibility

Lighting will be considered for:

  • nondenominational events/causes
  • nonpolitical events/causes
  • • registered charitable and not-for-profit events/causes

Lighting cannot be considered for:

  • personal occasions (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries)
  • political events or observances
  • religious figures, events, organizations or institutions
  • commercial requests (i.e., product launches, corporate events, advertising)

The City of Medicine Hat reserves the right to use discretion when determining if a cause is deemed eligible.

Fees and duration

Subject to approval, an administration fee is required.

  • $100 per day (minimum)
  • $250 per week

Duration of lighting

Lighting time can span a duration from one day up to one week.

Evaluation

An approval of any illumination is at the sole discretion of the City of Medicine Hat and not subject to appeals or negotiation. All requests will be evaluated based on meeting the above-mentioned guidelines as well as:

  • the nature of the cause
  • history and background of the organization, cause or event
  • how the lighting will be used to benefit the cause or event
  • marketing plan to educate the public on why Tepee is illuminated in colour

Applicants will receive an email response stating whether or not an application has been approved. Due to the high volume of applications, not all requests may be accommodated. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications may be submitted up to six months in advance.

The City of Medicine Hat wishes to stress that if an application is declined, it is not a reflection of the merits or importance of any requests.

Requests must be submitted at least 30 days before requested date. For more information, email Lighting for a Cause.

Lighting Schedule

September 18  to 24, 2022
Big Brothers Big Sisters Month
TEAL for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Medicine Hat and District. September is Big Brothers Big Sisters Month. BBBS are also hosting a Mega Bike fundraiser event on the pathways around the Teepee on Saturday, September 17. September 18 is known as Big Brothers Big Sisters day.  

September 25 to 29, 2022
Prostate Cancer Support Canada
BLUE. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month.

September 30, 2022
National Truth and Reconciliation Day
ORANGE to honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

October 1, 2022
Disability Employment Awareness Month in Alberta
RED to promote increased employment of Albertans with disabilities, and celebrating workers living with disabilities, their skills, successes and achievements.

October 10 to 17, 2022
Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness
PINK and BLUE for Infant and Pregnancy Loss. October 15 is Infant and Pregnancy Loss Remembrance Day.

October 21, 2022
Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association
BLUE & GREEN in recognition of Registered Veterinary Technologists (RVTs) who play a vital role in ensuring the wellbeing of Albertans by keeping their furry, feathered and scaled companions happy and healthy.

October 25 to 31, 2022
Rett Syndrome Society of Alberta
PURPLE to bring awareness of Rett Syndrome, a genetic neuromuscular condition that primarily affects girls. It is complex because it can impact a person's fine and gross motor skills, as well as their ability to talk but does not impact ability to understand. Rett Syndrome can be misdiagnosed as Autism or Cerebral Palsy as it can look differently based on the person.