Kleskun Hills park in the County of Grande Prairie (Photo: County of Grande Prairie)

By Shaun Penner

In My Backyard

Project looking to bring Indigenous history to Grande Prairie area outdoor spaces

Jul 19, 2021 | 5:30 AM

A local group is hoping to bring teachings of local Indigenous history to outdoor parks and trails in the Grande Prairie area.

The In My Backyard Project is looking to bring signage and educational programming focusing on local history and traditional teachings, starting in Kleskun Hills and Pipestone Creek areas.

The project is being spearheaded by locals Joselyn Dueck and Kate Weber.

Dueck, a Metis artist who will be providing the artwork for the signage, says they are looking to place the signs along the trails and outdoor spaces in these locations.

“(The signage) will include land acknowledgements, Indigenous history, stories and teachings that are shared and approved by other community members,” said Dueck.

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County of Grande Prairie Council approved grant funding in the amount of $5,000 to help get the signage completed at the two parks, after Weber and Dueck presented details of the project during a recent meeting.

“I was very encouraged to hear it, because a lot of people that live here may have some understanding of the significance of Kleskun Park and Pipestone,” said Reeve Leanne Beaupre. “As we get more and more people moving here, they may not know the significance or the history and teachings.

“To have that available to everyone, is really a good news story for the region.”

Dueck, who says she and Weber have been working on the idea for the project for close to a year, adds she hopes the signage will act as a catalyst for education and open dialogue about Indigenous history.

“I am hoping that with that, we will be able to create entry points for people to come and learn, and unlearn, and to move towards reconciliation and community connection.”

While creating signage and educational programming at these and other parks in the area is the first step, Dueck would also like to see those teachings brought into a virtual space.

“We want to have a website and QR codes so people can scan those and learn not only in those spaces, but other spaces,” said Dueck. “And bring them to classrooms.”

Dueck says they hope to have the signage, website, and social media channels up soon.