Saamis Tepee undergoing dance floor resurfacing

Construction has begun on the Saamis Tepee Dance Floor Resurfacing Project. The collaborative project replaces the existing shale dancefloor with synthetic turf; a surface that better supports Indigenous cultural use. Additional project elements will further enhance the functionality and beauty of the Saamis Tepee site.

The Saamis Tepee Dance Floor Resurfacing Project has been a partnership between the Miywasin Friendship Centre and the City of Medicine Hat. Celebrating and showcasing Indigenous history, peoples and cultures emerged as a priority through the Truth and Reconciliation Recommendations Committee. The project has been grounded in extensive engagement and collaboration with Indigenous Elders, cultural leaders, and dancers.

Local Indigenous groups who use the Tepee for traditional ceremonies and dancing events have reported that the current shale dancefloor surface is rutted, abrasive, and hard on moccasins and traditional regalia. Creating a more suitable dance area helps protect those important cultural items. Through a series of gatherings, site visits, and design engagements, the project has been shaped directly by the Indigenous community who use this space, ensuring the final design reflects cultural practices, safety, and long-term community use.

The final design includes the synthetic turf dance floor, as well as a new and expanded gathering area (including picnic areas, bleachers, and benches), a firepit, a concrete entrance, and accessible features. All project elements provide the necessary durability to ensure they can also hold up for the high number of tourists and residents who visit the site annually.

Weather permitting, construction is anticipated to be complete by early August. An opening ceremony and Miywasin Demo Pow Wow are set for September 19. More details will be announced at a later date.

Overflow parking is also being expanded to be shared between the Tepee and the Moose recreation area. This new gravel parking lot will have space for approximately 220 vehicles once complete. Construction on this upgrade will begin after the Demo Pow Wow in September. The construction timeline will be determined once a contract has been awarded.

Visit the Shape Your City project page to learn more about the Saamis Tepee Dance Floor Resurfacing Project.

Quotes

This project is about more than replacing red shale with turf. It's about honouring the dancers, Elders and families who gather here. When we welcome dancers and visitors from other Nations and communities, we want to be good hosts and ensure they have a safe, respectful place to celebrate culture. Strengthening relationships and providing a welcoming space for future pow wows and cultural events reflects the spirit of hospitality, inclusion and community that defines our city and helps ensure these important cultural traditions continue to thrive for generations to come.

–  Carol Syrette, Acting Executive Director, Miywasin Friendship Centre 

This project is the culmination of a willingness to listen, learn, and truly collaborate with the vital Indigenous voices of Medicine Hat and surrounding area. The Saamis Tepee is the premier landmark of our community. We’re committed to ensuring the necessary functionality to better support Indigenous cultural use and enhancing the beauty of the site. And we’re excited to continue focusing on cultural utilization, tourism engagement, and community involvement as we explore culturally respectful opportunities to broaden the ways – and months of the year – this space is used.

–  Jeremy Patton, Project Manager, Parks and Recreation, City of Medicine Hat

For media inquiries, please contact:
media@medicinehat.ca