You can symbolically walk a mile in someone else’s moccasins with the Galt Museum’s new exhibit “ Walk A Mile in my Moccasins.”

 The local museum’s new Indigenous curator Camina Weasel Moccasin asked friends, co-workers and family to share their favourite stories about their favourite pair of moccasins.

 The new exhibit opened at the Galt Museum last week and runs until the end of the calendar year. 

“We had each participant  put on their moccasins and had a  a few words of conversation about hiw  they wanted to be represented,” Weasel Moccasin said, noting all of the particiapants are from the Kainai and Piikani nations.

By placing these stories on the floor of the museum, alongside photos of the participants’ moccasins, visitors are invited to take a few moments to walk alongside their Niitsitapi neighbours and listen to their stories.

Using moccasin designs as an identifier, this exhibit highlights Niitsitapi strength and resiliency. Members of the Kainai and Piikani Nations have provided the history of their moccasin designs and their importance to multiple generations. Some outline challenges they have overcome, while others shine a spotlight on their accomplishments.

Following close behind Truth and Reconciliation week, this exhibit provides an important reminder that reconciliation is an ongoing effort that persists year-round.

There are 18 squares set on the floor in the main  floor of the Galt Museum outside the  exhibit rooms, each with a story and photo.

“Each of them are friends or family , so I can’t just pick one favourite,” she said, adding she’d like to expand the idea into a series as there are many angles to approach with the idea.

“ We’re planning on running it until the end of the calendar year,” she continued.

“These are some of the voices of the community. They’re very confessional,” she continued.

—  By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor