Construction underway on Saamis Tepee dance floor to support Indigenous cultural use

Jun 29, 2026 | 9:45 AM

Construction is underway on a project to replace the Saamis Tepee dance floor with synthetic turf designed to better support Indigenous cultural ceremonies and traditional dancing.

In partnership between the Miywasin Friendship Centre and the City of Medicine Hat, the resurfacing project has been identified as a priority through the city’s Truth and Reconciliation Recommendations Committee.

The existing shale surface will be replaced after Indigenous Elders, cultural leaders and dancers said it had become rutted, abrasive and damaging to moccasins and traditional regalia.

Recognized as one of Medicine Hat’s best-known landmarks, the Saamis Tepee serves as a gathering place for dances, storytelling, ceremonies, medicine picking and tourism.

The resurfacing project was developed through consultations with Indigenous Elders, cultural leaders and community members who regularly use the site, to create a safer and more culturally appropriate space while preserving it for long-term community use.

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The final design features a synthetic turf dance floor, an expanded gathering area with picnic tables, bleachers, and benches, a fire pit, a concrete entrance, and accessibility improvements.

The upgrades are also designed to withstand the heavy use of residents and tourists who visit the site each year.

Construction is expected to wrap up by early August of 2026, weather permitting, with an opening ceremony and the Miywasin Demo Pow Wow scheduled for Sept. 19.

A separate project to expand overflow parking shared by the Saamis Tepee and Moose recreation area will begin after the powwow. The new gravel lot is expected to accommodate about 220 vehicles once complete.

by Jett Schwaier

Construction underway on Saamis Tepee dance floor to support Indigenous cultural use

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