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Back to The Cairn "I have been trying to forge that bridge between humanity and nature for most of my creative life.” (Sid Marty) On Thursday, November 7, Sid Marty joined Chic Scott for a Fireside Chat. Poet, prose writer and musician, at 80 years of age Sid has become an iconic member of our mountain community. Born in England in 1944, he grew up in Southern Alberta where his family had resided for four generations. In 1966 he went east to Sir George Williams (now Concordia) University in Montreal to study English literature. Drawn to the beauty and wildness of the Rocky Mountains he began working as a seasonal warden with Parks Canada that same year. He published his first poems in 1966 but soon he abandoned his career in English literature to pursue the National Park Warden path. Although it has been a challenging path at times, over the last fifty years Sid has managed to combine his passion for wild places and his love for words. His career with Parks ended in 1978 with publication of “Men for the Mountains”, but he has continued to write about the mountains he loves so well. His website says, “His books are about family, rangers, cowboys, homesteaders, forest fires, grizzly bears, love, death, mountaineers and wildlife conservation.” Sid has published five books of poetry and five books of non fiction. He has twice been short listed for the Governor General’s Award and has won the Grand Prize at the Banff Mountain Book Festival. His latest book, Oldman’s River, New and Collected Poems (2023) was awarded the inaugural Al and Eurithe Purdy Poetry Prize. A fine musician with a beautiful singing voice he has also recorded two CDs of original music. Perhaps he will sing a song or two for us on Thursday evening. Since 1981 Sid and his wife Myrna have lived on a small ranch in the Livingstone Range in south west Alberta. He is a powerful advocate for wilderness conservation and is still writing poetry. Sid Marty is a story teller par excellence with a full life of experience to draw on and this chat will be a very special evening. Back to The Cairn

Back to The Cairn On Thursday, December 5th, 2024, Cori Brewster joined Chic Scott for a Fireside Chat. Cori Brewster was born and raised in Banff, where her family has resided for over 136 years. She began singing with her mom and sisters on Rocky Mountain trail rides. When she left home to experience life outside this small town, she carried with her a profound ‘sense of place' wherever she went. Brewster graduated from the University of Alberta, with a Bachelor of Physical Education in 1985, but the pull of music tugged at her soul. Cori’s music career now spans over thirty years. She has released five CDs, performed across Canada, Germany, and New Zealand, taught songwriting workshops, and co-written songs with some masterful songwriters. Her lyrics appear in a poetry anthology and several books. In 2009, the Canada Council awarded Cori a grant to produce Buffalo Street: Historic Characters of the Canadian Rockies. This superb collection of songs, written and performed by Brewster, tells many of the stories we know so well — of Pearl Brewster, Bill Peyto and Emily, Peter and Catharine and of William Twin. Perhaps Cori will sing a song or two for us. Since the release of her fifth CD, Four Horses, in 2016, Cori has been writing creative nonfiction and is putting the finishing touches on a project called 55 ~ 5 Songs 5 Stories. In 2024, Cori was awarded a month-long writer-in-residency at the Wallace Stegner House in Eastend, Saskatchewan. Bob Sandford said of Cori that she is “a woman of extraordinary and diverse talent and boundless energy. In the tradition of all true artists, she is also very brave and willing to pursue her authenticity at whatever cost on her terms.” Cori is a mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and Buddhist practitioner and loves to travel and experience other cultures. After many years away, she moved back to the Bow Valley in 2000 to raise her son, River, and still lives happily in Canmore with her wife, Lori. Back to The Cairn

Back to The Cairn The Whyte is proud to present The Ancestors Are Talking: Paintings by the Indigenous Seven , a landmark exhibition running from May 2 to October 19, 2025. Curated by acclaimed artist and the last living member of the Indigenous Group of Seven, Joseph M. Sánchez, alongside The Whyte's curators Dawn Saunders Dahl and Christina Cuthbertson, this exhibition celebrates the groundbreaking artwork of the Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. (PNIAI), colloquially known as the Indigenous Group of Seven. Norval Morrisseau , Attitude and Attention, Punk Rockers , Circa 1991. The Norval Morrisseau Estate, OfficialMorrisseau.com . “The Ancestors Are Talking will highlight the artistic progression of each member, exploring key developments in their careers, from early sketches to masterworks and public art commissions,” explains Joseph Sánchez. “This exhibition will emphasize the revolutionary colour, style, and vision that continue to inspire generations of Indigenous artists.” This highly anticipated exhibition will feature iconic works by all members of the Indigenous Group of Seven: Daphne Odjig (1919–2016), Alex Janvier (1935–2024), Norval Morrisseau (1932–2007), Carl Ray (1943–1978), Jackson Beardy (1944–1984), Eddy Cobiness (1933–1996), and Joseph M. Sánchez (b. 1948). These visionary artists broke barriers in Canadian art history, resisting systemic exclusion and redefining Indigenous art within Canada and beyond. The exhibition offers a journey through decades of their artistic evolution, featuring pieces inspired by the mountains of Jasper, the Boreal Forest, and images of strength, family, resistance, nature, and ceremony. Imagination and abstraction are shared ideas in the journey of seven artists who, with their inspiration and wisdom, changed the canon of art in Canada. Art colour, culture and spirituality filled the early conversations of the Indigenous Group of Seven followed by decades of painting and activism. They created art to awaken a troubled world and to build a foundation for those who have followed in their footsteps. As Sánchez eloquently states, “This art is revolutionary and remains deeply relevant to the history of Canadian art. These works not only reflect the past but continue to resonate with the present and inspire future art practices.” Norval Morriseau , Woman and Child in the Rocky Mountains , 1985. Photo copyright EA Studios (Jasper), Ltd, 2025. Mentorship Program The exhibition will also lay the groundwork for an Indigenous mentorship program, led by Joseph Sánchez and Dawn Saunders Dahl. Seventeen local Indigenous artists have been invited to create new works inspired by The Ancestors are Talking . In this program, artists will have an unprecedented opportunity to work with Sánchez to further develop their artistic practices. The artists will be encouraged to research historic works and material culture in The Whyte’s collection, while exploring personal narrative, traditional storytelling, and various artistic mediums and styles. This mentorship program honours the original intentions of the Indigenous Group of Seven to amply the voices of Indigenous artists. New artworks created through this program will be exhibited at The Whyte in 2026. A Continued Commitment to Reconciliation The Whyte is uniquely positioned to host this exhibition, with its commitment to preserving art and heritage in the Canadian Rockies. The museum holds the largest art collection dedicated to the Canadian Rockies, encompassing over 10,000 pieces from the early 1800s to the present day. The Ancestors Are Talking is one of many reconciliation efforts of The Whyte. Museum founders Peter Whyte and Catharine Robb Whyte deeply valued their relationships with Indigenous communities, recognizing the importance of preserving and sharing the cultural knowledge and heritage of the Indigenous Peoples of the region. This exhibition is a continued effort to share and protect the rich cultural history of Indigenous art and identity, and to strengthen cross-cultural relationships. Join us this summer in celebrating the enduring legacy of the Indigenous Group of Seven—a collective whose artistry, advocacy, and vision continue to shape the cultural and artistic landscapes of Canada and the world. The Norval Morrisseau Estate, The Rimrock Banff, and EA Studios (Jasper) Ltd. support the exhibition. Back to The Cairn

Back to The Cairn In honour of the 2025 United Nations International Year of Glaciers' Preservation, we are pleased to share the Have You Met: Bob Sandford in Conversation with Pamela Knott , an interview which was recorded at The Whyte on July 7, 2022. Robert William (Bob) Sandford is the EPCOR Chair for Water and Climate Security at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health. He is the co-author of the UN’s  Water in the World We Want  report on post-2015 global sustainable development goals relating to water. He is also the author of some 30 books on the history, heritage, and landscape of the Canadian Rockies, including  Cold Matters: The State & Fate of Canada’s Snow and Ice; The Columbia River Treaty: A Primer ; and  Our Vanishing Glaciers: The Snows of Yesteryear and the Future Climate of the Mountain West . He began his work with UN-linked initiatives as chair of the United Nations International Year of Mountains  in 2002. He also chaired the United Nations International Year of Fresh Water and Wonder of Water Initiative  in Canada in 2003/04. These celebrations focused on the growing importance of water to ecological and cultural heritage in Canada. The Whyte has enjoyed a long history of working with Bob over the years,  through his research in the Archives and participation in various exhibitions. The Archives Library is proud to hold a significant number of his publications in its collection. The Have You Met oral history series was created by Digital Content Manager Ciara Linteau as part of the Oral History Program of the Peter and Catharine Whyte Foundation. Since 1967 the Whyte has had a tradition of producing oral histories of local personalities by various staff members. This expanded to the live audience Fireside Chat  series in 2012, hosted by Chic Scott. In 2022, the Have You Met Series , hosted by Pamela Knott was created for interviewees who were unable to do an interview with a live audience.   Back to The Cairn

Back to The Cairn Friends of the Whyte is a series celebrating community, featuring Whyte Museum members, donors, staff, and friends, to get to know them a little bit better. During the summer of 2024, the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies had a team of interpreters sharing the history of Banff, engaging with visitors and sharing what The Whyte has to offer. Let's get to know summer interpreter Brendon Timmins! In this Q&A, we learn more about his experience as an Interpreter. 1. Tell me a little bit about yourself! What brought you to the Whyte Museum interpreter team? My name is Brendon Timmins and I am from Australia, I originally came to the Rocky Mountains in October 2023 to work as a ski instructor at Norquay. Over time I’ve fallen in love with these mountains and the experiences you can have on them, so I decided to stay and work towards starting a career as a mountain guide with Timberline Alpine Academy. I decided to apply to the Whyte Museum as it can help with learning how to communicate and interpret information for your tour guests. The Whyte Museum has an abundance of history and knowledge to help supplement my interpretive guiding skills so I decided to learn more about the Bow Valley, its stories and how I can share that with people to help them to have an incredible experience. I’m here until December 2025, climbing, skiing, and learning as much as I can to help people who visit these mountains to fall in love the same way I did. This learning also involves understanding the Indigenous communities who were long present on this landscape far before white people. Their stories and their relationship to this land is important to recognize and the Whyte Museum provides opportunities to do so. Overall, I decided to join the Whyte Museum as it has helped me to develop important skills and knowledge that I can take forward into guiding later in my life. 2. What new skills, techniques, or knowledge did you gain while working for The Whyte? I’ve gained a lot of social skills, communication skills and public speaking skills as well as historical knowledge about this area and how to interpret this information for the modern day. Social/communication skills such as knowing when to approach someone to talk vs when to not, how to speak professionally and with a clear voice, group management skills. I’ve learnt a lot about the history and culture of this area, from books such as EJ Hart’s T he Place of Bows to Chic Scott’s Pushing the Limits . As well as individual stories about people who have come from somewhere else and made it work here, which struck a chord with me as I’m in a very similar situation. Also, I’ve gained a lot of knowledge talking to people and hearing their life stories, it has helped me to gain some perspective about my own life, as well as what this history means for each individual person. 3. Describe a time that you felt proud during your employment. I felt proud when I had just finished delivering a walking tour and people were genuinely appreciative of the way I talked and how I presented the information, it made me proud to think I had done the justice of telling the story of these historical people. Mainly I feel proud at the end of day having talked to as many people as I can, showed as much enthusiasm as I can and just learnt something new that day. 4. What is one of your favourite memories of working at The Whyte? It’s hard to choose one memory out of so many, for me it was when I had memorized all the tours and finally did my first one. I had built up all this anxiety about doing it correctly, speaking clearly and maintaining eye contact but as soon as it was done my first thought was, "That wasn’t so bad." It showed me that all that fear about public speaking, about being afraid to be yourself, was all just in my head. It’s only when I put myself out there, exposing myself to my fears that I could finally come to terms with them. That’s probably my favourite memory, although it happens every time I do a tour. 5. If you could have dinner with one historical Banff figure, who would it be and why? This is a good question; I could think of some enigmatic figures like Bill Peyto but I think I would go with the Dominion Parks Branch Commissioner J.B Harkin. Mainly because I like his philosophies on parks management which was a line of thinking that to me seemed ahead of its time. I would love to talk about animals, how he would manage the parks and his view on how conservation is being approached now, as well as what kind of struggles he faced, or his personal philosophies on life and nature. Thanks, Brendon, for your time with the Whyte Museum! Want to learn more about Canadian Rockies history? Discover our private and public tours at the Whyte Museum this summer. For summer 2025, four public tours will be offered: Heritage Homes Tour - a 25-minute guided tour of the historic homes of museum founders Peter and Catharine Whyte and notable locals Philip and Pearl (Brewster) Moore. Gateway to the Rockies Tour - a 25-minute guided museum tour. Learn how the mountains were opened up to all through stories of some of those drawn to these peaks. Historic Banff Walking Tour - get off the beaten path with a 60-minute guided tour through the Banff townsite, learning about the men and women who helped build and shape the town. Summer Exhibition Tour - learn more about our upcoming summer exhibition at this guided gallery tour in the Whyte Museum. Check out our tours page for the most up to date information! Back to The Cairn

Back to The Cairn Saturday, October 26th, 2024 was an inspiring evening at The Whyte as "Bison Legacy: The Artistic Vision of Dwayne Harty" and "Capturing the Wild: Works by Carl Rungius" opened to an enthusiastic crowd. Harty's presence at the opening added a special touch as he shared insights into his process and vision with guests in attendance, there to celebrate and enjoy his work. His paintings are a powerful tribute to the bison, capturing their spirit, strength, and enduring legacy in the wild and in cultural memory. Visitors stepped back in history to enjoy works by Carl Rungius, an influential wildlife painter who was first brought to Banff on invitation of Jimmy Simpson in 1910, sparking his lifelong connection to the Rockies. Enjoy highlights of the evening fall exhibition opening in photos below. Gallery 1 About the Exhibitions Bison Legacy: The Artistic Vision of Dwayne Harty Dwayne Harty, Plains Bison Near the Bull Mountains, Montana (detail). 18” x 30”. Oil on linen. The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies proudly presents Bison Legacy: The Artistic Vision of Dwayne Harty , an exhibition that explores the profound connection between humans and one of North America's most iconic wildlife species. Through the expressive works of Dwayne Harty, Bison Legacy chronicles the extraordinary journey of the bison from near extinction to cultural and ecological revival. Evident in each canvas is Harty’s deep connection to these majestic creatures that he has captured over years of dedicated study and artistic exploration. From the plains of North America to the forests of Europe, Harty captures the resilience and significance of bison in various landscapes. This exhibition not only celebrates the bison's remarkable comeback but also honors the collaborative efforts in conservation and the vital role of Indigenous cultural restoration. Harty’s art reflects his deep respect and love for the bison, portraying its resilience and grandeur. Each piece is a testament to his hope that these artworks will inspire a renewed appreciation for today’s bison conservation success stories, from historical significance to contemporary efforts. Bison Legacy is more than an exhibition; it is a celebration of the bison’s epic story, which unites us in a shared vision of hope and restoration. Harty envisions these exhibitions, along with Indigenous cultural celebrations and symposiums, as opportunities for communities to come together to reflect on the bison’s unique importance to the spirit of wilderness and to our collective imagination. The bison’s story is a reminder of our capacity to revitalize what was almost lost—a rebirth that touches us deeply and makes us more fully human. Capturing the Wild: Works by Carl Rungius Carl Clemens Moritz Rungius, (1869 – 1959, American). Moose, Upper Ram River Valley (detail). 1935. oil on canvas. 76.2 x 101.6 cm. RuC.02.05. Whyte Museum Collection. The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies invites you to explore Capturing the Wild, an exhibition celebrating the remarkable work of Carl Clemens Moritz Rungius (1869–1959). Born in Germany and trained at the Berlin Kunstschule and Kunstakademie, Rungius developed his artistic skills through intensive studies of animal anatomy and his passion for the outdoors. His early experience sketching live animals and carcasses led to a realistic painting style that earned him recognition as North America's most important big-game naturalist painter. In 1896, Rungius emigrated to the United States, where he gained prominence as an illustrator for sporting books and magazines. His artistic journey brought him to Banff in 1910, where he was invited by local guide and outfitter Jimmy Simpson. This trip marked the beginning of Rungius’s lifelong connection to the Rockies, where he spent nearly five decades capturing the rugged beauty of the region. Capturing the Wild showcases a selection of Rungius’s paintings and sketches from our collection, offering a glimpse into the evolution of his work. From dynamic depictions of wildlife to majestic landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, Rungius’s art reflects his deep understanding of nature. His innovative approach of situating animals in their natural environments set a new standard in wildlife art. Join us as we celebrate Rungius’s legacy and his enduring influence on the art of the Canadian Rockies. Be sure to visit The Whyte this winter to enjoy these exhibitions - on until January 19th! Want to learn more about our exhibitions? Visit our website and stop by this winter to view them in person! Gallery 1: Photos from the fall exhibition opening of "Bison Legacy: The Artistic Vision of Dwayne Harty" at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. Photos by Katie Goldie. Back to The Cairn

Back to The Cairn By Tera Swanson, Marketing and Communications Manager After 12 transformative years and an extensive portfolio of art and heritage exhibitions at The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Anne Ewen, Director and Chief Curator of Art and Heritage, is concluding her time at the museum. She is looking forward to starting the next life chapter, clarifying, "This is not a retirement, it's on to new adventures." And we'd expect nothing less - Anne doesn't sit around waiting for the paint to dry. Having curated over 200 exhibitions (and counting) at a myriad of institutions - including the Glenbow Museum, the Art Gallery of Calgary, the Military Museums of Calgary, the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation, the Triangle Art Gallery, Calgary, Fort Calgary Historic Park, and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies - it's safe to say she has no intention of kicking back and relaxing any time soon. Anne's personal history at The Whyte runs deep and rich, having first worked at the museum from 1976 to 1980 as Curator, first working with Director Maryalice Harvey Stewart and later on Director E.J. (Ted) Hart, while museum co-founder Catharine Robb Whyte was Chair of the Board. During this time, Anne had the privilege of accompanying Catharine as her only guest to the Order of Canada ceremony in Ottawa. Catharine Robb Whyte and Anne Ewen greeting Governor General Jules Leger and his wife Gabrielle at Catharine's Order of Canada ceremony on January 11, 1978. Catharine Robb Whyte & Anne Ewen. 1978. Archives General File Collection. V8 / 2024.77. Archives and Library, Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. "In the image of Catharine at her Order of Canada ceremony, the Governor General is Jules Léger with his wife Gabrielle. She was a dynamic woman who really supported her husband while in office. Six months after his appointment, he had a stroke paralyzing his left arm and making it difficult to speak. Gabrielle carried the weight of the role and stood in for him on numerous occasions during his five-year term as Governor General." Anne Ewen Anne reflects on both her first years at the museum and her recent time as Director and Chief Curator fondly. As a young Curator, she recalls having supportive conversations with Catharine and other Whyte family members and friends like Roy Andersen, discussing new ideas in the community, art and history, and new exhibitions to bring to the museum. "It was an open and congenial atmosphere that supported new ideas and creativity," she said. "This provided an immeasurable component to my success as a new Curator." This period at the museum was an integral timeframe in securing many donations that are now the bedrock of the institution, such as the Byron Harmon photograph collection in 1976, the Alpine Club of Canada collections in 1979, and the relocation of Windy Cabin - the oldest existing warden cabin in Banff National Park - to the Whyte Museum Grounds in 1977. Since then, Anne has paid tribute to Peter and Catharine's vision for the museum - to be a place where people could gather and appreciate the culture and beauty of the area - through every exhibition she has curated, every new colleague and student she has mentored, and every artist whose career she helped elevate.  On the invitation of the Board, Anne returned to the museum in November 2012, bringing a wealth of Canadian Rockies art and culture to life, drawing national and international visitors, and maintaining integral support, connections, and interest from local Bow Valley communities. She promptly initiated key exhibitions of importance to the museum, including Indigenous Ingenuity  in 2014, which highlighted the immense depth and diversity of contemporary Indigenous art. Historic artifacts from the Whyte Museum collections were displayed alongside this art, as a way to highlight materials, techniques, and motifs used by Indigenous peoples. Well known artists featured in the exhibition were members of the Indigenous Group of Seven, including Daphne Odjig, (1919-2016), Norval Morrisseau CM (1932-2007), Jackson Beardy (1944-1984), Eddy Cabiness (1933-1996), Carl Ray (1943-1978), Joseph Sanchez (1948-) and Alex Janvier (1935-2024). Reflecting on her time at The Whyte, Anne mentioned several exhibitions that she considered highlights of her career. One such exhibition was  Artistry Revealed  in 2018, commemorating 50 years of the artistic contribution and legacy of Peter Whyte and Catharine Robb Whyte. It featured many of the Whytes' artistic academic accomplishments, including paintings and drawings by Peter and Catharine, and paintings by other artists who touched their lives and influenced their careers. All of the selected works in Artistry Revealed  were from the Whyte Museum collection, the majority of which were gifted by Peter and Catharine. Complementing the many images and painting in this exhibition were multimedia interpretive materials, numerous community engagement and public outreach programs, educational resources, didactic texts, extended labels and a virtual tour of the Whytes' beloved log home. Another highlight was the exhibition On the Fringe of the Bow in 2017/18, which celebrate local artists whose art form, once considered subversive, is now on the fringe of mainstream society – such as skateboard design, tattoo art, chain mail, and other mediums. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the museum faced the challenge of adapting to limitations with in-person visits for exhibitions, events, and programs. In response, through a collaborative staff effort, offerings were brought entirely online. Exhibitions, such as those by Michael Corner and Julya Hajnoczky, were reimagined in multimedia formats, featuring virtual openings, artist talks, online exhibitions, and more. This transition not only provided much-needed arts and culture to our audiences during a challenging time but also greatly improved accessibility to The Whyte for years to come. This summer 2024 exhibition J.E.H. MacDonald: The O'Hara Era is a wrap up of her career at The Whyte, where loans were secured from public and private collections highlighting the work of Group of Seven artist J.E.H. MacDonald during his trips to Lake O’Hara. Anne and the curatorial team worked alongside Patricia Cucman, implementing her and her late husband Stanley Munn’s 20-years of research on MacDonald and the O’Hara area into a comprehensive and detailed exhibition. Whyte Museum Board Member Rod Green speaks fondly of Anne, saying, “Anne is leaving the museum ‘at the top of her game.’ The just completed J.E.H. MacDonald exhibition curated by Anne set records in attendance, shop sales, sponsorships and marketing opportunities. It also provided the Whyte with new enthusiasm to do it again.” The Whyte thanks Anne for securing several integral donations to the collection, most recently a painting from John Arthur Fraser, R.C.A. (BRITISH, 1838-1898), gifted from Grit and Scott McCreath in gratitude of both her and former CEO Donna Livingstone's contributions to the museum. Over the years, there have been numerous generous contributions to the Whyte through individuals and estates, in part thanks to Anne’s ability to nurture integral relationships to the museum. Her time at the museum is just one chapter of a well-rounded career in the arts. As a Consultant, Anne worked with nationwide clients from art galleries, museums, historic properties, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, municipalities, and private industries, teaching and providing Board and operational manuals, long-range plans and collections management. She is the author of numerous publications, including Artistry Revealed: Peter Whyte, Catharine Robb Whyte and Their Contemporaries , From Morse to Whyte: A Dynastic Bequest of Japanese Treasures , and several others. Though not one to seek accolades, Anne is also the recipient of several prestigious awards and honours, including Honourary Member of the Alberta Society of Artists, the Government of Alberta Centennial Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, and the Award of Merit and Outstanding Service Award from the Alberta Museums Association. Along with her responsibilities as Director and Chief Curator at the Whyte Museum, she is currently chair of the Town of Banff Heritage Corporation and a recently retired member of the boards of Easter Seals Canada and Easter Seals Alberta, as well as past Chair of the Banff Art Committee. Anne has been an integral pillar in the success of The Whyte over the years. We will miss her wealth of knowledge and candid perspective, and wish her all the best with her future endeavours. Former CEO of the Whyte Museum Donna Livingstone paints her picture perfectly: Anne is a cultural force. When she leaves a room, pictures hang straighter, the lighting is better, and everyone is talking about the Modernist influence of colour in mid-century bathroom towels. Fortunately, Anne Ewen’s character and force don’t end with a job title. She’s a force for life and we can’t wait to see what she’ll do next. Back to The Cairn

The Whyte is proud to announce the appointment of Cherith Mark to its Board of Directors. A distinguished member of the Stoney Nation, Cherith brings a wealth of cultural knowledge, artistic talent, and educational expertise to the Board. "Catharine and Peter Whyte have had a long-standing relationship with my community, the Stoney Nation,” said Cherith. “I am excited to lend my experience not only as an artist but also as a Stoney language educator and as a member of the local community to this newly appointed role on the Board of Directors for The Whyte.” Her extensive experience in Indigenous arts and her commitment to cultural preservation make her a valuable addition to The Whyte’s Board. She has served on the Mînî Thnî Charity Foundation’s board since 2014 and held leadership roles at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, where she was Vice Chair of the Board of Governors from 2020 to 2023. "We are honoured to welcome Cherith Mark to our Board of Directors," said Don Watkins, Chair of the Boards of Directors. "Her dedication to cultural preservation and her deep connections to Indigenous communities and the arts will enrich The Whyte’s goal to celebrate elevated artistry and inclusivity in the Canadian Rockies." Currently residing in her home community of Mînî Thnî, Morley, Alberta, located in Treaty 7 Territory, Cherith is a passionate advocate for the Stoney Nakoda language and culture. Through her work with the Stoney Education Authority, she has led the Stoney Language Resource Development Project, helping to create Îethka language picture books, textbooks, and curriculum resources to support the teaching of the language in schools. Cherith is also a highly skilled dancer and performer whose artistic practice spans Indigenous pow wow dance, contemporary dance, theatre, and aerial performance. She has toured with prominent Indigenous dance companies such as Red Thunder Native Dance Theatre, Raven Spirit Dance, Dancing Earth, and Kaha Dance Theatre. A graduate of Grant MacEwan College’s Dance Program, Cherith also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Simon Fraser University’s School for the Contemporary Arts. Museum founders Peter Whyte and Catharine Robb Whyte deeply valued their relationships with Indigenous communities, recognizing the importance of preserving and sharing the cultural knowledge and heritage of the Stoney Nation and many Indigenous Peoples of the region. Cherith’s appointment to The Whyte’s Board marks an exciting chapter in continued efforts to share and protect the rich cultural history of Indigenous communities and strengthen cross-cultural relationships.

Back to The Cairn By the Whyte Museum Summer 2024 Interpreters, Alisa Serebrianaia, Brendon Timmons, Gia Fillipone, Helen Belcher, and John Fitzsimmons Working as interpreters at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies has taught us a lot this summer: from how a museum operates and how historical artifacts should be handled, to how historical information can be transformed into engaging experiences for the public. Ultimately, though, the heart of our role as interpreters has been about sharing stories – so here are a few brief reflections on what we’ll be taking away from our experience this summer. One of the most central things we’ve learned during our time here is that local history runs deep. Just because Banff is a small town that has existed for less than 200 years doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a rich history. In fact, delving into the many resources within the galleries and archives has taught us that the more localized your focus is, the more you’re likely to find. We were amazed to see just how dedicated local writers and historians have been in documenting everything from the history of the mountains and wildlife here to the historic buildings and businesses in town. Of course, we have also learned that there’s no one definitive version of this town’s history. This is another key point that has informed the work we do as interpreters: even though it’s our job to memorize the facts and provide the same information to whoever visits the Whyte Museum, each visitor comes in with their own fascinations and their own focus, which in turn affect how they receive the material we share with them. For some, this story is about the sweeping changes that rapidly impacted the way of life that was already known to the Indigenous people in this valley for thousands of years. Others may see it as a story of booming tourism and commerce. For others still, the focus is on the inner lives of a few well-known families. There are countless angles that people bring to this town’s history, and we’ve come to realize that it isn't about one being right while others are wrong. Rather, each of these perspectives is part of an interconnected web that can help bring the bigger picture into view. Because there are so many ways for people to take an interest in these stories, we’ve also learned there are many ways to deliver a good tour. In many cases, this realization has come as a welcome surprise to us. After all, when you have delivered the same tour script a hundred times, you naturally look for ways to keep things fresh and entertaining for your audience. Luckily, our visitors often end up doing most of the work for us. Because each visitor is unique, the information lands a little differently each time and often leads to questions and conversations we couldn’t have anticipated beforehand. By taking the time to get to know people, where they’re coming from, and what sparks their curiosity the most, we have all become increasingly confident in our ability to make the museum a memorable experience for all who visit. As our employment here wrapped up, it’s hard for us to believe that we’ll no longer have a daily use for all the detailed information that has taken up residence in our heads this summer. That said, I think we’re all pretty confident that if anyone brings up Banff in the future, we’ll have a lot to say. Interested in learning more about captivating Canadian Rockies history? Inquire about booking a private tour today! Back to The Cairn

Back to The Cairn By Emma De Sousa, Coordinator of Events and Indigenous Relationships In 2024 I had the privilege of working with The Whyte on the third year of the Cave and Basin Mural Project. Having recently completed my Master of Art, specializing in Curatorial Studies, I left my second degree solidly aware of the art world, artists, and artworks themselves but feeling a sense of tiredness about it all. There are many ways to consider art and art projects. They give us new ways to think about the world, diffuse political thought and present a variety of interpretations about the world around us. But after studying art for a few years, I started to believe art couldn’t do all it said it could and couldn’t truly make large-scale change in our communities. As an Indigenous person studying any Western-centered discipline, it can be easy to get into these ruts. However, projects like the Cave and Basin Mural Project revitalized the way I understand the importance of art. Demonstrating in real time the way art can change the world around you in significant ways. This summer, six Indigenous artists came to stay, visit, and create artwork on this land, the land their ancestors and relatives have stewarded since time immemorial. Jarron Poucette (Stoney), Kyle Kaquitts (Stoney), Kristy North Peigan (Blackfoot), Cheyenne Bearspaw (Stoney), Giona Smalleyes (Stoney), and Brendon Many Bears (Blackfoot) came together to create large scale murals on boxes installed at the Cave and Basin National Heritage Site in Banff National Park. It was my job as the Project Assistant at the time, to ensure all the little aspects of the project came together. Attempting to create the perfect conditions for the artists to be able to create the art they want to make. The key word there is “want." In the post-Truth and Reconciliation era in Canada, there has been a major uptick in the desire to support Indigenous-centered art and to have Indigenous programming at schools, galleries, businesses, heritage sites, etc. However, not everyone begins thinking about reconciliation and Indigenization from a good place. Often institutions come into projects with preconceived notions of what Indigenous art should be, often focusing on what they believe non-Indigenous guests would prefer to see and less of what Indigenous artists envision creating. Unlike most of these projects, the artists invited were welcome to paint whatever they wished around the theme of Stories of this Place. This could be rooted in their personal, familial, community, or nations history, culture, spirituality, or involvement on this land and sacred site. The only influence on their work came from the mentors invited to support them in this endeavor, AJA Louden, Bruno Canadien, Joseph Sanchez, and Dawn Saunders Dahl (also project lead) who taught new techniques, and helped artists enact their own concepts and ideas. Projects developed and run by Indigenous arts administrators such as this one tend to consider the process as much as the product of “art”. In spaces like these, we can focus as much on the meals we will share, workshop development, and opportunities for learning and visiting for artists as much as the painting process and product of the murals. In my understandings as a Métis scholar, I recognize we are building capacity for community building and relationship making through the project itself. There are two ways in which I witnessed this occur, firstly through reinstating community access to land and sovereignty through the art itself. When visitors come to visit the Cave and Basin site and view the murals, or attend an Indigenous Mural Walking Tour, they see art that outlines in detail the Indigenous lived experiences and continued use of this place since time immemorial. The stories of the artists and their communities tell visitors we were and continue to be here, this is what we were/are doing, how we lived then and today, what relationships we had with the land and other communities, and how those relationships have changed. This is important as so many of these stories have been deprioritized with the inception of the Parks system and with processes of colonization. They remind policymakers, visitors, employees, and residents in the Bow Valley of the origins of this place and its importance. The second way in which I witnessed community building was through working with the artists and mentors themselves. Outside of politics, what other opportunities do we have to engage between nations? Projects like these build relationships between Indigenous artists and arts administrators. Increasing not only a professional network but a different kind of relationality between Indigenous community members from multiple different communities. Working with others outside of my own nation and territory was such an experience and lesson in understanding. Showing that many of us experienced the same issues, came from similar backgrounds and areas, and had similar insecurities and interests. All while learning about the uniquely vibrant diversity of each other's cultures, over simple conversations in the car or the lunchroom between painting sessions. Indigenous-centered art projects like the Cave and Basin Murals sit at the intersection of everything we do in the heritage/cultural sector. In working on the project, I realized art like this affects policy, legal cases, how we view history, environmental work, activism, education, academics, healthcare, and the list goes on. These murals, these artists, and their art changed the way I view the art world away from the tired and skeptical feelings after studying an inherently colonial discipline's worldview. It teaches the tourist and visitor what it means to be a good guest in this place. As a result, with more Indigenous-centered and led projects like this one, we change this place and make it inherent to consider Indigenous communities, people, and their perspectives before anything we do on this land. With enough effort towards these forms of relation building, we as guests and stewards of this land can develop thriving and truly inclusive spaces throughout the valley. Want to discover more about Indigenous-led art initiatives supported at The Whyte? View our Indigenous Programming . Back to The Cairn

Back to The Cairn The Whyte is pleased to announce the appointment of Christina Cuthbertson as the Director of Curatorial Initiatives. Christina assumed her new role in November 2024, succeeding Anne Ewen, who commenced her time at the museum after 12 years of dedicated service. Christina brings an impressive career in cultural leadership and curatorial expertise. Since 2021, she has served as the Executive Director of the Leighton Art Centre, where she championed a refreshed strategic vision. Her accomplishments include overseeing a re-imagining of the Centre’s permanent museum exhibitions, building relationships with diverse audiences and stakeholders, and facilitating community partnerships. Christina also secured funding for a Truth and Reconciliation Advisor position, ensuring that vital reconciliation work remains central to the Centre’s mission. "It’s an honour to join the team at The Whyte at this pivotal moment, with renewed attention on our responsibilities toward Truth and Reconciliation," said Christina. "Throughout my career, I have been driven by a desire to connect art with audiences, grounded in my own experience of being transformed in the presence of art. I look forward to advancing the museum's goals of inclusion and accessibility, creating new approaches to exhibitions and programs that invite all to engage deeply with the diverse stories and histories we preserve and share." Prior to her role at the Leighton Art Centre, Christina was a curator at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, where she curated, co-curated, and managed over fifty exhibitions and public art projects.. She has collaborated extensively with curators nationwide, consulted on  public art projects, and written extensively on contemporary art, including exhibition texts for Trianon Gallery, Stride, Latitude 53, and OBORO, reviews for Galleries West and MOMUS and, and essays for the artist monographs, Brendan Fernandes: Still Move , and Mary Kavanagh: Daughters of Uranium.    Christina’s contributions to the field of arts and culture extend to her participation in curatorial residencies at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and the International Studio and Curatorial Program in Brooklyn, New York. With a strong focus on community engagement, Christina’s curatorial practice goes beyond traditional institutional frameworks. Her projects span exhibitions, interdisciplinary collaborations, performances, workshops, sensory experiences, and artistic interventions. In her new role at The Whyte, Christina builds on her experience to enhance the museum’s curatorial impact, nurture dynamic community relationships, and explore innovative ways to engage diverse audiences. Back to The Cairn

Back to The Cairn By Mollie Riley, Manager, Donor and Business Records In September 2024, a unique artistic journey unfolded as 20 talented Western Canadian artists and a team of staff from The Whyte gathered at Lake O'Hara for a weekend of En Plein Air painting. This event, held as part of the summer 2024 exhibition J.E.H. MacDonald: The O’Hara Era , gave participants an extraordinary opportunity to paint, connect, and immerse themselves in one of Canada's most stunning alpine settings. Open to both emerging and professional artists, this open-call event attracted participants from across the country. Inspired by the legacy of renowned artists like J.E.H. MacDonald, our founders Peter Whyte and Catharine Robb Whyte, and John Singer Sargent, the artists were captivated by the same breathtaking landscapes that had once inspired these trailblazers a century ago. With its pristine wilderness, Lake O’Hara has long been a source of inspiration for many, and events like this help honour the rich tradition of En Plein Air painting while paying tribute to the museum's founders and artists who inspired them, all who made their own mark on Western Canadian art. Peter Whyte and Catharine Robb Whyte, avid hikers and En Plein Air painters themselves, spent much of their time capturing the beauty of the Bow Valley region. As we stood by the shores of Lake O’Hara, we couldn’t help but think of them and the lasting influence they had on the artistic community. A Snapshot of the Weekend Day 1: On Friday morning, artists from around Western Canada headed to the Elizabeth Parker Hut, where we would find comfort for the next three days. Participants dropped off their bags and headed out on their first day of adventure! Rewarded with blue skies, painters took advantage of the lovely environment. Day 2: Saturday brought a change in the weather with rain and cloud cover enveloping the valley. Undeterred and eager for the day ahead, the artists donned their rain gear and set out for another day of painting, while others found solace and comfort in the warmth of the hut. By mid-afternoon, the weather cleared, offering the artists a brief but beautiful moment of sunshine. During this break, a grizzly was spotted grazing in the nearby meadow, adding a sense of excitement to the day. As evening approached, we discovered that the Elizabeth Parker Hut was without lights. Yet, this only added to the charm of the experience. Artists illuminated their works with headlamps, flashlights, and lanterns, and took turns presenting their creations. Gathered around a dimly lit picnic table, I was struck by the incredible talent, resilience, and passion of the group. It was a joy to witness their creative process unfold in real time. Day 3: On the final day, another rainy morning greeted us, but the spirit of the artists remained high. After packing up their belongings, participants ventured out once again to absorb the mountain’s beauty before heading home. Each artist, with their unique perspective, captured the essence of the landscape in their own way. The Lake O’Hara En Plein Air event was a true celebration of art, tradition, and community. It was a privilege to attend alongside such passionate and talented artists, to learn from their process, and to witness the magic of painting in the great outdoors. This weekend was a living tribute to the artists who have shaped the history of Western Canadian art, and an inspiring reminder of the power of nature to ignite the creative spirit. To learn more about our exciting programming, events, and exhibition at The Whyte, be sure to subscribe to our e-mail communication and become a member to be the first to receive updates, as well as other exciting membership benefits. Back to The Cairn