A partnership that was struck to honour the Indigenous roots of the community has been nominated for an Indigenous Tourism Alberta Award, (ITA).
Dry Canyon Collectables is nominated for the ITA Partnership Award, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Drumheller and Travel Drumheller.
This was the first time Dry Canyon Collectables had been nominated for an ITA award.
Owner of Dry Canyon Collectables Lynn Fabrick says it is an honour to be nominated.
“It’s an Alberta award, so to be a finalist is pretty cool,” said Fabrick.
These awards celebrate excellence in leadership, innovation, and collaboration, while showcasing the rich diversity and cultural vibrancy of Indigenous tourism, according to ITA website.
The award is for the tipi installation at Centennial Park behind the Badlands Community Facility (BCF).
It was installed last fall.
Fabrick explains they have been working on the project for two years. The sculpture is an aluminum tipi frame constructed by Dean Mahoney of Garry’s Welding and Supply and was supported by the Rotary Club, Travel Drumheller and the Town of Drumheller. The installation is near a natural low water area which has been used to ford the river for years, and is near the site where the annual Canada Day Dancing with Dinosaurs pow-wow takes place.
“What it comes down to is the need for more visibility of the Indigenous culture and history here. This is a sacred space. Along the river behind the BCF is our gathering space,” she explains. “So it is to let not only locals but visitors that come from all over see that as a permanent attraction, but also an educational display of our culture.”
She adds it plays into the goals of Truth and Reconciliation.
Other nominees in the category include the Athabasca Tribal Council and Girth Hitch and Zucmin Guiding.
The award will be presented on January 23 at the ITA Regional Gathering at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino.
