Indigenous-led plan to manage site of historical battle

It was the last major conflict between First Nations in Canada. And now, an Indigenous-led initiative will provide heritage management direction to the site of the Battle of the Belly River.

The battle was fought on October 25, 1870, between the Blackfoot and the Cree. The conflict unfolded in what is now the Lethbridge (Sikóóhkotoki) river valley. It began on the prairie (now west Lethbridge) before moving down the coulees and across the Belly (now Oldman) River. It ended where Indian Battle Park sits today.

The City of Lethbridge is partnering with the Kainai, Piikani and Siksika Nations and the Lethbridge and Area Métis to develop a Heritage Site Management Plan. These perspectives will ensure the site is managed in a way that honours traditional ways of knowing.

“Building the Plan through Indigenous viewpoints continues the City’s steps toward reconciliation and mutual respect,” says Ross Kilgour, Senior Community Planner and Staff Liaison for the Historic Places Advisory Committee. “It also strengthens connections between the City and Indigenous partners, residents and neighbours, and ensures the battle site is managed in a way that respects its significance to each community.”

Each Indigenous partner community will engage with its membership. They will identify core values, conservation and management priorities, and heritage management for the battle site.

Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee (RLAC) co-chair Cyndi Bester Crane believes the endeavour will benefit the larger community.

“This project supports Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike,” says Bester Crane. “It will offer a better understanding of the collective local history and honour the diverse heritage of Sikoohkotoki (Lethbridge).”

The initiative builds upon the City’s 2023 Heritage Management Plan. The estimated cost of the project is $100,000 which is being funded in part by Planning and Design’s operating budget and contributions from the Historic Places Advisory Committee and RLAC. The Government of Alberta is also contributing $25,000 from the Heritage Preservation Partnership Program.

The final report is expected to be received in early 2025.