IT TAKES some courage and devotion to your ideals to swap a chic French restaurant business in Toronto for a native Indian tepee in Alberta’s Blackfoot prairies.
But that’s the path Jack Schneider took several years ago to help set up the Eagle’s Nest Indian Village, which aims to preserve the territory’s native culture for the keen tourist.
The idea came about from his visits to the annual Calgary Stampede where he met Reg Crowshoe of Blackfoot origin.
Schneider took a deep interest in the Blackfoot heritage, and eventually set up the Eagle’s Nest encampment with Crowshoe as a joint venture with the Long Time Trail Society.
Some profits of the venture go towards educating both the young Blackfoot and the authorities of the cultural differences that exist today.
Eagle’s Nest, located on the shores of the Old Man River, has the trappings of a wilderness resort, with good food, relaxation, plenty of activities, entertainment and spectacular scenery. But it also aims to offer its guests an insight into the Blackfoot way of life without having to rough it.
Schneider said: “It is designed as an all-inclusive camp and there is a planned daily programme of interests and activities, but we can arrange for guests to do what they like.
“Most of our camp guides are trained native Blackfoot and we organise pursuits such as fishing, canoeing, horse-riding and nature hiking, as well as interpretive talks, tepee-building races and tools and weapon-making.”
Features of the camp include a log cabin trading post, a circle of tepees each of which provides accommodation for two or four people, another where meals are prepared and a huge ‘council tepee’ meeting place.
A typical meal will include prime Alberta beef, smoked and grilled salmon, wild rice and traditional berry soup – all served on Schneider’s fine china from his previous business. The feasts, some cooked in the open, are served buffet style, and beer and wine are charged ‘at cost’ – the only extra.
Schneider said: “We offer both a full seven-day inclusive programme, as well as two or three-day stays, but guests can also mix and match any of these durations.
“However, we do encourage visitors to experience the weekly Sweat Lodge Ceremony – it’s like going to church to experience the religion of the Blackfoot.”
According to the legend, the Sweat ceremony was undertaken by native North American Indians to cleanse themselves physically and spiritually within the steamy atmosphere of the lodge.
Schneider hopes visitors leave with fond memories of a back-to-nature experience on the Great Plains and an appreciation of these Blackfoot traditions.
Eagle’s nest indian village
Location: near Lethbridge in Alberta, a 2hr transfer from Calgary.
Activities: fishing, hiking, canoeing, horse riding.
Period of operation: mid June to mid September.
Packages include: return transfer from Calgary, accommodation, bedding and towels, all meals, cultural talks, demonstrations and activities.
Sample price: two nights cost just under £200. Three nights is about £300 and the week-long package costs around £750.
Contact address: 169 7629 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, Alberta T2V 1K2. Tel: 001 403 255 9700. Fax: 001 403 252 0003.
Web site:(http://www.treaty7.org/friends/eagles/nestmain.htm)
E-mail: eaglesnest@treaty7.org