Stories From the Trails: Murals Showcase Emerging Indigenous Artists
The lands surrounding the Cave and Basin have drawn people to gather, heal, trade, exchange stories and build connections for centuries. That spirit of sharing and connecting to the land continues today – and every day – for locals and visitors alike.
Now in its third year, the Cave and Basin Mural Project showcases ten mural boxes, including four new ones being painted this year. Each created by an emerging Indigenous artist. The program is led by Banff’s celebrated Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies and is in partnership with Parks Canada.
For 2024, the four emerging artists from Îyârhe (Goodstoney, Bearspaw) are Cheyenne Bearspaw, Giona Smalleyes, Jarron Poucette and Kyle Kaquitts. Two Blackfoot (Siksika, Piikani) artists are Kristy North Peigan and Brenon Many Bears. They received mentorship from renowned Indigenous artists Joseph Sanchez, AJA Louden, Bruno Canadien, and Dawn Saunders Dahl as they have created colourful and meaningful murals exploring stories of this place to share with any who wish to visit.
“Relationships are being developed and stories shared through art making,” says Dawn Saunders Dahl, Manager of Indigenous programs and relationships at the Whyte. “The spirit of the project is about sharing.”
Supporting Young Indigenous Artists
Dawn says the program offers visitors and residents alike, an accessible way to learn about Indigenous connections to and histories of Banff National Park. Art becomes a tool to connect to the land and the ancestors that walked here. And it offers Indigenous youth opportunities to pursue art as an avenue both professionally and personally.
“In my learnings from Elders within communities, I’ve been taught how important it is to encourage youth to know what’s out there for them, in terms of opportunities,” she says. “That’s a very positive component of this program.”
Besides the ten murals at Cave and Basin, there are also two murals and picnic tables in the Whyte’s grounds that were painted by emerging Indigenous artists in 2023, and new Indigenous-led tours coming this summer, also with support from BLLT.
A Long History of Righting Relations
The Whyte Museum has been at the forefront of decolonizing programs and process in Banff for many decades. Peter and Catharine Robb Whyte, the museum’s founders, shared a unique friendship with the Iyârhe people, who have called the Bow Valley home for centuries. The museum is deeply committed to maintaining these relationships, Dawn says.
“Catharine and Peter left a legacy of supportive and positive relationships with many Indigenous artists and local community artists and athletes,” Dawn says. “There are so many stories to share here, both outside in public art and within our collections.”
Learn, Listen, and Offer Your Support
Dawn encourages locals to come experience the museum. If you’ve come before, come back! There’s always something new to explore, and every visit is an act of learning about the heritage and Indigenous cultures in the Bow Valley. It’s as enriching for people who live here as much as it is for a visitor, she says.
“Encourage your staff to come, book a mural tour or Indigenous program museum tour led by our Indigenous staff, and then send your guests over to experience it too,” Dawn suggests. Admission to the Whyte Museum is free to all participants in the Ambassador Program.
Local businesses can also simply support the important work of the Whyte through financial contributions, bringing tour groups in, by hosting events at their facilities, or by simply taking in these opportunities to engage with Indigenous-led public art, she says.
As for Banff locals keen to develop deeper learnings about Truth and Reconciliation, Dawn encourages attending powwows, signing up for sports and clubs that draw Indigenous participants, and reading some of the excellent books available at the Whyte’s gift shop.
“There are ways to develop your own relationships,” she says. “Do things you know Indigenous people are interested in – join a sports group that popular with Indigenous communities like hockey or a club. Just get comfortable getting to know one another.”
And don’t miss an opportunity to explore the murals at the Cave and Basin this summer.
Find out more about Indigenous Programming and Events at the Whyte Museum.
Indigenous Programming
Dawn Saunders Dahl is a passionate advocate for Artists and Indigenous arts communities in Alberta. Since 2008, through various public art initiatives, exhibitions, projects, and events, Dawn is influenced by her deep connection to the land, her ancestral heritage, and her commitment to learning. In addition to being a practicing artist, Dawn holds positions at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Galerie Cite at La Cite Francophone in Edmonton, and serves as the Curator of Indigenous Public Art for the Ottawa Public Library and National Library and Archives Joint Facility (opening in 2026). Her dedication to the craft community is evident through her involvement as a board member at the Alberta Craft Council and the Canadian Crafts Federation, where she proudly represents Alberta. Dawn is a member of the Metis Nation of Alberta.
Stories from the Trails is a series sharing learning, success, and insights, from our members and partners as we journey together towards the 10-Year Vision for Tourism. This story embodies the Indigenous Connections Trail.
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