Gary Gairdner holds some photos that will inspire the proposed trading post
A Metis elder in St. Albert is looking to promote Indigenous tourism and culture through a unique approach.
Gary Gairdner is aiming to build an old school trading post in St. Alberta that would highlight Indigenous heritage and promote Indigenous made goods.
Gairdner said he and others initially came up with the idea of a giant Red River cart – a symbol highlighting the history of the Metis in the area but later settled on a trading post.
He said a consignment store will be created for artists to sell their good until the trading post is built.
Along with arts, crafts and anything else Indigenous people make, Gairdner said the plan is to sell medicine and traditional plants used in a variety of traditional ceremonies.
While some of the other elders hesitated at the idea of selling such important and culturally significant plants, a solution was found using old school techniques.
Community members have shown plenty of interest in the project and Gairdner said people from outside the community have also offered to help out with the building of the project.
The next step is finding people to fill six different committees needed to get the project off the ground and also flesh out a seven member board that will cooperate with one another overseeing the project.
Those interested in supporting the project or wanting more information can reach out to Gairdner by email at garyprkello@gmail.com.
Comments