Search Results

THE CAIRN News about Canadian Rockies’ art, history and culture and the activities and history of the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.​ In the fall of 1976, the Whyte Museum published the first print version (click to view) of The Cairn newsletter to share what was going on at the Museum with the community. In that issue, Catharine Robb Whyte wrote in her greeting, “Pete and I always felt it was a way of telling our friends what is going on here and encouraging us all to work together.” In 2018, the 50th anniversary of the Whyte Museum, the print version of The Cairn ended and the monthly digital version began. All issues, print and digital, are below. Click on the covers to view. To receive the digital version of The Cairn by email subscribe to our E-newsletter, using the form at the bottom of this page . The Cairn — Digital Edition, from October 2018 The Cairn - Spring 2024 The Cairn - Winter 2024 The Cairn - Fall 2023 The Cairn - Summer 2023 The Cairn - Spring 2023 The Cairn - Winter 2023 The Cairn Fall 2022 The Cairn - Summer 2022 The Cairn - April 2022 The Cairn - January 2022 The Cairn - November 2021 The Cairn - September 2021 The Cairn - July 2021 The Cairn - May 2021 The Cairn - March 2021 The Cairn - January 2021 The Cairn - September/October 2020 The Cairn - August 2020 The Cairn - July 2020 The Cairn - June 2020 The Cairn - May 2020 The Cairn - March/April 2020 The Cairn - February 2020 The Cairn - January 2020 The Cairn_December_2019_Vol 2_Iss 12.jpg The Cairn — Print Edition, from Fall 1976 to Summer 2018 Click to view issues from the 1970s , 1980s , 1990s , 2000s and 2010s . 114_cairn_spring_summer_2018_front.jpg 113_cairn_fall_winter_2017_2018_front.jp 112_cairn_spring_summer_2017_front.jpg 111_cairn_fall_winter_2016_2017_front.jp 110_cairn_spring_summer_2016_front.jpg 109_cairn_fall_winter_2015_2016_front.jp 108_cairn_spring_summer_2015_front.jpg 107_cairn_fall_winter_2014_2015_front.jp 106_cairn_spring_summer_2014_front.jpg 105_cairn_fall_winter_2013_2014_front.jp 104_cairn_spring_summer_2013_front.jpg 103_cairn_fall_winter_2012_2013_front.jp 102_cairn_spring_summer_2012_front.jpg 101_cairn_fall_winter_2011_2012_front.jp 100_cairn_spring_summer_2011_front.jpg 099_cairn_fall_winter_2010_2011_front.jpg 098_cairn_spring_summer_2010_front.jpg 097_cairn_fall_winter_2009_2010_front.jpg 096_cairn_spring_summer_2009_front.jpg 095_cairn_fall_winter_2008_front.jpg 094_cairn_spring_summer_2008_front.jpg 093_cairn_fall_winter_2007_2008_front.jpg 092_cairn_spring_summer_2007_front.jpg 091_cairn_fall_winter_2006_2007_front.jpg 090_cairn_spring_summer_2006_front.jpg 2000s 2010s 1990s 1980s 1970s Footer

There’s Nothing Here... We can’t find the page you’re looking for. Check the URL, or head back home. Go Home

Meet the Interns By Kylie Fineday and Kate Skelton Back to The Cairn Kylie Fineday In January, we welcomed Kylie Fineday as a student intern from the University of Lethbridge, where she majors in Art Studio. She will be working in our Curatorial Department until April, and is excited about the opportunity to learn about the history of the Whyte Museum and gain valuable skills and experience while working with us. During her time here, Kylie is cataloguing items into the heritage collection, assisting with exhibit installations, as well as taking on a curatorial project in our heritage gallery. Kate Skelton The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies welcomes Kate Skelton to her new role as Processing Archivist, starting April 1st. Kate Skelton was hired as an Archival Assistant Intern in September 2018, through the Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage Internship program. Before her placement, Kate graduated from the University of Leicester, UK with a master’s degree in Museum Studies. Kate’s current work focuses on processing and digitizing materials which have been donated to the Whyte Museum – this includes numbering and labelling archival items, adding information to the Whyte Museum’s archival database and creating digital copies of photographs and documents from the Museum’s collection. In February, Kate also completed a digital exhibit on Nicholas Morant, a photographer for the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, which has recently been added to the Whyte Museum’s website . Back to The Cairn

There’s Nothing Here... We can’t find the page you’re looking for. Check the URL, or head back home. Go Home

Marlene Kelly My okomaw Artist Statement Tansi, I am 4th generation Cree-Metis beadwork artist. My ancestral home is Ft. Chipewyan & Ft. MacMurray AB. I am privileged to live in the unceded territory of the K’omoks First Nation. My okômâw talks to me in my dreams. She speaks of medicines, life lessons, cultural ways, ceremony and gives advice when I pray for guidance. I was only in my 20’s when my okômâw first visited me in a dream. We sat beading in front of her tipi on a warm summer evening, the golden prairie grasses blowing in a light breeze. She spoke in Cree. At that time in my life I did not understand our language. For my benefit, her words were translated through subtitles in English. A feeling of enlightenment and pure love brightened in me as I woke from what would be the first of many dreams to come. During the isolation of this pandemic, I had many quiet hours to sit and reflect on my life; my family, my achievements, my failures…. All the good things I have in my life. My mask was created through guidance from my okômâw. “Tell your story”, she said, “You are enough. Show all you are thankful for, all you have been through and have overcome”. This is my story….. The fabric for my mask was pieces of fabric I had left over from my drum bag. I drum and sing with my sacred sisters. My love for them is unconditional and I am very humbled and proud to have each one in my life. The cotton lining inside is patterned with a Metis sash design. The ribbons not only symbolize the colours given to me after my naming ceremony but also the ribbons used on the colourful skirts and shirt that are prominent in our rich Metis heritage. The fire in the middle the first spark and fire that lives within every one of us. The sun and the moon remind me that there is always something to be thankful for at the end of the day and what a blessing it is to wake with the each new dawn. The two blonde women sitting in regalia facing each other represent the young woman I was and the kokum I am today. They symbolize my earth journey through the colonial world and the aboriginal community. A Cree Metis woman with Irish ancestry searching for acceptance on a path of oppression from both worlds. There was a dark time in my life where my life light was almost extinguished voluntarily. The white swan-wing fan was gifted to me the same night my life would have been forfeited. I am humbled and blessed Creator had other plans for me and trusted me with swan medicine. The smudge bowl holds the sage and sweetgrass I use for smudging and thanking Creator for my life. My daughters are represented by the fox and the rabbit. My first born daughter, the fox, brought me the medicine of awareness. I was enlightened to the joys and tears of motherhood. I began to understand what my own mom meant when she said, “you won’t understand until you have children of your own.” She also taught me about being the protector of my family. There still isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my girls. My youngest daughter, the rabbit, taught me to turn my fearful attitude into courage as she fought and beat cancer in her teenage years. I learned not to let myself be overcome by fear over the things that were beyond my control. Cree originated from the stars; we are the Star People.The Seven Sisters star constellation acknowledges my Cree ancestry. All my relatives and ancestors watch and guide me from there. I am here to learn, lowered down on grandmother spider’s web. I will return to the Seven Sisters to sit among my relatives again. The green star in the constellation is in remembrance of my dad. He crossed over in 2018. The green represents our proud Irish ancestry on his side. The hummingbird is my mom. She taught me from a young age how to care for others and how to care for myself. She taught me that sometimes life can stop you dead in your track but you can still make the most of your circumstances by taking a step back, going forward, getting fired up or calming down. Lastly, the bottom of the mask has many semi precious stones sewn on. These represent the good red road I try to walk as humbly and softly as I can. I have always said to myself, You are going to be an ancestor someday, what will be your contribution?” This is mine. Return

Whyte Museum Update Back to The Cairn New Fall and Winter Hours Beginning on September 10, 2020, the Whyte Museum's hours are changing to: Monday – Closed Tuesday – Closed Wednesday – Closed Thursday – 12 to 6 p.m. Friday – 12 to 6 p.m. Saturday – 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday – 12 to 5 p.m. **Please note that we will be accepting private, booked tours Monday – Wednesday, more details coming soon. The Archives and Special Collections will continue to be open by appointment. Long distance reference services are available. If you require more information about our archival services please email archives [at] whyte.org. We will continue to have our exhibitions open and are proud to welcome the Breathe. exhibition in early October. Breathe. is a collection of traditionally crafted masks demonstrating resiliency through the 21st century. Co-created by Métis artists, Nathalie Bertin and Lisa Shepherd, artists were invited to create masks which reflect emotions felt during the current COVID-19 global pandemic. Realizing the entire world was being affected by the pandemic, they expanded their call to any artist that would like to create a mask that reflects their culture and art practice. Included with each mask is a story by the maker reflecting the variety of emotions currently being felt around the world. From fear, sadness, hope, and love, these stories are unique and beautiful. This exhibition will inspire and challenge visitors to consider their own resilience in the face of a pandemic. Our current feature exhibition, Drawn to the West will continue to be on display until January 17, 2021. During this time we will be working diligently behind-the-scenes on some new exciting projects – stay tuned! Back to The Cairn

File name: fonds: Title: Date: D escription: v439_pa_430 Moore family fonds Pearl and Philip Moore [ca. 193?]

Upcoming Programs at The Whyte! Back to The Cairn The Whyte Museum will be offering guided walks, workshops and more this Summer. Here is a glimpse of what we will be offering between July and August! Whyte Museum Walking Tour App This summer, explore Banff in a new way – using the Whyte Museum’s Walking Tour app. This app offers a safe, self-guided historical walking tour of Banff, taking you to key stops along paved pathways, sidewalks and a gentle gravel pathway by the river. The tour gives you access to the extensive archival collection at The Whyte Museum. That means stories, characters, secrets, and a fresh way to discover a deeper connection to this special place. The Whyte Museum Walking Tour app is available July 1st on Google Play and iPhone App Store. Image: Bow River Exploring the Art and Geology of Banff Lisa and Dave Christensen and the Whyte Museum Present: The Landscape Through Time Guests will be guided on an easy walk on paved pathways from the Whyte Museum to Bow Falls and back. The walk will include one flight of wooden stairs (with a hand railing) to be descended and climbed. A relaxed pace will be enjoyed with frequent stops for conversations about Canadian art, Canadian art history, and geology. Including a discussion on the fascinating story of the Great Extinction between the Paleozoic and Mesozoic periods. Leaping forward to more recent history, guests will learn about artists such as Walter J Phillips, Margaret Shelton, Peter and Catharine Whyte, William Brymner and F.M. Bell-Smith and their impact on the art history of Canada. Walks run every Thursday between July 8 and September 30, at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. Cost: $70 per person. Image: Walter J Philips, Bow Falls, Banff, 1936 watercolour on paper 25.4cm x 43.1cm. Private Collection, Ottawa Fireside Chat with Mountaineer, Artist and Photographer Glen Boles This is another in Chic Scott’s Fireside Chat Series. Due to Covid restrictions the live Fireside Chat Series was temporarily halted but using an old interview recorded in 1996 with Glen Boles, Chic and film-maker Glen Crawford have managed to make a film about this legend of the Rockies. Register between July 22 - August 22 for an exclusive viewing from the comfort of your home. Free Image: Glen Boles Registration is required for ALL programs. Please check whyte.org/events to register and for more information about upcoming programing! Looking forward to seeing you soon! Back to The Cairn

File name: fonds: Title: Date: D escription: V439_pd_360_008 Moore family fonds Album page showing Edmée Moore and friends. [ca. 1925 - 1935] Edmée Moore, [Georgia Engelhard] and Rudolph Aemmer.

Towanna Miller Corona Covid Artist Statement Title: Corona Covid Description: Mask created during the 2020 Corona Virus Pandemic. Beaded using flat style, peyote stitch and Iroquois raised beadwork. The inside is made of pleather, has holes underneath to breath and beak is open to place medicinal herbs inside. The middle layer is a thick felt. The outside is made of velveteen adorned with Iroquois beaded vines and purple flowers outlined in turquoise blue. The muse of inspiration was a crow which was beaded flat style in the center of the hat. The brim of the hat is peyote beaded. A pair of sunglasses were used for the tinted round eyes. The mask has three straps to secure to the head with buckles on the side for adjustment. Jingle Cone used for the tip of the beak. Artist Statement: I have to admit that I have a dark side. I enjoy horror movies and the paranormal. I wanted my mask to reflect the time. For me, I have always incorporated the past into my work. Long ago they had plague masks with medicinal herbs put inside. To me they always look like birds. The Crow was now my muse. I like that face that my mask has a darkness to it sprinkled with beauty, just like the time we are now in. Surrounded by so much darkness like death and sickness yet if you look around we do have beauty in our lives such as kindness and generosity. Return

Reopening July 1! Back to The Cairn Catharine Robb Whyte, O.C. (1906–1979, Canadian), Snow Dome, Columbia Icefield, 1940–1950, oil on canvas, WMCR, WyC.01.303 We can’t wait to see you! We are reopening on Wednesday, July 1. On Wednesday we will be offering free admission to the Museum. The first weekend from Friday, July 3 to 5 all front-line workers will receive free admission to the Museum. We want to show our appreciation for the sacrifices you’ve made during these difficult times–thank you. Please note that our hours of operation have now changed to 11 – 5. We are excited to share some major changes with you! We have refreshed many different sections of the Museum and have installed two brand new exhibitions for your enjoyment. Our Main Gallery will display the exhibition, Drawn to the West (July 1 – January 20). This exhibit features art and artifacts by adventuresome individuals including images of hieroglyphics and present-day creations. Artists have been drawn to western Canada for centuries. The vastness of the prairie and the magnitude of the mountain landscape has both captivated and challenged artists. In the Rummel Room you will find the Emergence (July 1 – September 20), an exhibition focused on new works created by local artists during their period of self-isolation. The theme considers our return to nature and highlights flora, birds, and wildlife. We have implemented Alberta Health Services COVID-19 health and safety guidelines to maintain a healthy workplace environment and to ensure visitor safety. Upon your arrival at the Museum, we ask that you adhere to the new visitor guidelines to ensure a smooth visit. If you would like to read our guidelines prior to visiting, click here . Please note that the Archives and Special Collections Library remains closed until Tuesday, July 14. Access to the Reference Room will be by appointment only. We will be unable to accommodate drop-in visits at this time. Be sure to check our website for details regarding appointment bookings. If you have any immediate inquiries please reach out to our staff at archives@whyte.org . Back to The Cairn

In Castle Mountain's Shadow: The Story of Silver City Back to the Cairn Discover the rise, fall, and tumultuous legacy of Silver City, a once-booming mining town nestled in Castle Mountain's shadow. By Kayla Cazes, Librarian/Reference Archivist Most people admire the towering fortress known as Castle Mountain along the eastern edge of the Trans-Canada Highway as they drive north towards Lake Louise. Originally named by Sir James Hector in 1858, this well-known landmark is a place with a tumultuous past. Before the railway was built through the Rocky Mountains the access to the region was either by foot or horse. In 1881, John Healy was shown a sample of copper ore collected from the base of Castle Mountain by a local Stoney Nakoda member. After having the ore tested, it was determined to contain high levels of copper and lead. In the same year, Canadian Pacific Railway surveyors were determining a route through the mountains. With the coming of the railway, the race was on to stake a prospect claim over an area. Healy returned to the area in 1882 and originally named it Copper Mine. It is uncertain how the name changed to Silver City, since no silver was ever mined there. Soon after, the railway would reach Siding 29—the original site of Banff. By November 1883, the railway had reached the site of Silver City and with it came a flood of prospectors. Shortly after, the town was booming with over 3000 residents. At its height there were at least five mines in operation. Hotels, pool halls, stores and homes seemed to spring to life overnight. The town would perish just as quickly. The beginning of the end seemed to come with the fraud of stakeholders of the Homestake Mine. It was rumoured that the owners Patton and Pettigrew planted gold dust on their prospected land in order to entice shareholders. They sold shares in the company for $5.00 per share and sold over 2000 shares. After collecting this money, the pair promptly left the country. With this drama, the town showed the first signs of slowing down and finally grinding to a halt by the end of 1885. In 1885, Silver City was officially surveyed and registered as Silverton. By 1888, there was no sign of life other than permanent resident, Joe Smith. A visiting English minister described the town as, "...[the] empty log houses were empty shells, the streets were grass grown and the station had little more than the water tower to supply locomotives. Two section men and their wives had a house they used, but of the prospectors and miners there were no signs." From 1886 to 1888 the towns structures were slowly torn down, moved or redistributed. Many were used to build C. P. R. section houses along the railway. Some of the materials also went into building hotels in Banff such as the Upper Hot Springs Hotel and the Grand Villa Hotel. During World War One those deemed enemy aliens were forced into internment camps. Near the old town site, a camp was constructed. These men were tasked to complete labour projects such as timbering, bridge building, quarrying, constructing fireguards and more. These men were responsible for the construction of the 1917 ice palace at the Banff Winter Carnival (see below). In 1924, Paramount Pictures produced and released the silent black and white adventure film, The Alaskan. Based on James Oliver Curwood's novel, the film was based heavily in the Banff area in particular at the old site of Silver City. The crew partially rebuilt the town in order to have an authentic set. The last resident, Joe Smith was forced to move into Calgary due to blindness in 1937. After Mr. Smith's death, Parks Canada burned the remaining buildings including Joe's home. Today, nothing but an informational plaque marks the spot of this boom and bust town. Over the years, there has been infrequent attention given to this old mining town. Through commemorations through local business like the Silver City Food and Beverage Company to interpretive brochures given out by Parks Canada. The history of Silver City was and continues to be a fascinating part of the local heritage of the Bow Valley. Back to the Cairn