peyak mikwan — One Feather

The peyak mikwan — One Feather exhibit tells the story of the Sucker Creek First Nation, Driftpile Cree Nation, Kapawe’no First Nation, Whitefish Lake First Nation, and the neighbouring Métis Settlements of Peavine, East Prairie, and Gift Lake.

Located within the High Prairie & District Museum’s Truth and Reconciliation Gallery, the exhibit recognizes the deep and continuing Indigenous presence in this region and honours the histories, cultures, stories, and experiences of the people and communities who have shaped this place.

The exhibit grew out of work that began in 2014, when the museum, in partnership with Elders, community members, the local Native Friendship Centre, and the Children’s Resource Centre, began developing a local truth and reconciliation project. Situated near the sites of former residential schools, the gallery shares Indigenous histories, artifacts, and the stories of residential school Survivors from the region. It was created as a space for learning, reflection, truth-telling, and healing, helping visitors better understand both the harms of colonial systems and the strength, resilience, and continuity of Indigenous communities.

Opened as part of the museum’s permanent Truth and Reconciliation Gallery on September 30, 2022, peyak mikwan — One Feather is intended to be a living exhibit: one that can change, grow, and respond to community voices over time. With space for gathering, reflection, and conversation, the exhibit invites visitors to listen with respect, acknowledge difficult histories, and consider the responsibilities we share in building stronger relationships rooted in truth, healing, and reconciliation.

High Prairie and District Museum was the recipient of the Alberta Museum Association’s 2023 Leadership Award for Engagement, in recognition for their work to engage local settler and Indigenous communities in truth-telling and healing through the development of their Truth and Reconciliation Gallery and the peyak mikwan – One Feather exhibit.