Friday, January 14 - August 09, 2026 | Down in the Valley | Lower-level Exhibition

The Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa is proud to unveil its newest temporary exhibition Down in the Valley. On display in the lower-level hallway gallery until August 9, 2026, this project highlights the human connections and dependence upon the Oldman River for life on the prairies.

“It can be easy to take the river for granted if you don’t look at it everyday,” says Museum Curator Tyler Stewart. “The truth is that without it, none of us would be here.”

The exhibition shows how—from the Rocky Mountain headwaters all the way to Hudson’s Bay—the Oldman River is vital for life on the prairies. Known as Napi-tahtaa (Napi’s River) to the Nitsitapii (Blackfoot), humans, animals, and plants all rely on it for existence.

Archival images and artifacts from the museum’s collections highlight different developments through recent history. From bridges and boats, to the whiskey-trader Forts and protected parklands, there are many stories on display. One important aspect of the exhibition highlights the history of the Oldman River Dam construction project.

The exhibition also continues the museum’s focus on helping visitors expand their Blackfoot vocabulary. Visitors will learn Blackfoot words relevant to the Oldman River and its long-winding history.