A new interpretive trail that shares the stories of the Îyârhe Stoney people and early settlers will open June 27 at Historic Morleyville, near Morley, east of Canmore, Alberta. The grand opening, set for 11:30 a.m., will feature a traditional Pipe Ceremony at noon followed by a cultural program that wraps up around 2 p.m.
The Morleyville: Stories of the Land and People Interpretive Trail is a five-year collaboration between the McDougall Stoney Mission Society and a group of Stoney Elders. It marks the first time the 43.9-acre site has offered structured interpretation for the public.
Visitors can walk from the parking area past the restored McDougall Memorial Church and through the aspen grove to a riverside overlook. Interpretive panels along the way highlight the deep connection of the Îyârhe Stoney people to the land, which they call Mînî Thnî – clear water – as well as the history of southern Alberta’s first pioneer settlement, which once had more than 200 residents.
The 1875 church is the oldest remaining structure in the Bow Valley. It was destroyed by arson in 2017 and rebuilt using 80 percent of the original salvaged logs and nails. The restoration and trail project have been led by Brenda McQueen, president of the McDougall Stoney Mission Society and a great-great-great-granddaughter of missionary George McDougall.
The trail sits within Treaty 7 territory, home to the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney Nations of the Îyârhe Nakoda. While some Stoney Elders and leaders oppose the church restoration because of its ties to colonialism and residential schools, others see it as an act of reconciliation.
Refreshments will be served after the program. Anyone planning to attend is asked to RSVP by emailing [email protected]. More details are available on the Explore Canmore website.
