Paahtómahksikimi Cultural Centre

04/25/2026

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Matsiyikkapisaiki'somm (mut-see-yee-guppy-saw-ghee-soom), meaning frog moon in Niitsipowahsin (Blackfoot language).

April is the time of year when frogs emerge from hibernation. Here in Paahtómahksikimi (the area also known as Waterton Lakes National Park), we have a very special story to tell about frogs, specifically the northern leopard frog.

2025 marked a major milestone: it’s been a whole decade since northern leopard frogs returned to Paahtómahksikimi after disappearing from the area in the 1970s.

In a collaborative restoration effort, frog eggs were transferred from Grasslands National Park in 2015/2016 to wetlands here in the Waterton valley. Today, these frogs have not only survived, they’ve thrived! They’ve spread to multiple locations, and a self-sustaining population has been established.

This achievement is recognized as one of the most successful northern leopard frog restoration initiatives in Canada and serves as a model for amphibian recovery projects across the country.

A huge thank you to our valued partners, including the Blood Tribe Land Management Department, for working with us to restore populations both in the park and on the Blood Timber Reserve and to the Piikani and Kainai Knowledge Keepers, for sharing Niitsipowahsin with us.

Keep your eyes and ears open for these amazing frogs. Their return is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together for species and ecosystems.

Learn more about the reptiles and amphibians that call the park home: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton/nature/faune-wildlife/reptiles-amphibians

04/16/2026

We are looking forward to hiring our Cultural Ambassadors for the 2026 season through BTEST, Summer Employment Work Program 🙏💛⛰️

04/16/2026

We look forward to the 2026 Season at Paahtómahksikimi 💛🙏☀️🦬⛰️

A new tourism corridor takes travelers across the “medicine line” and into four different Blackfoot nations spanning the US and Canada.

08/25/2025

We would like to thank everyone who came out to our last event of the season 🙏🏽💛⛰️☀️ was a great day of horse riding, traditional foods, storytelling, singing and nature walk. The PCC would like to thank Blood Tribe Recreation for shuttling participants. We Thank our facilitators Nínaiistáko Oka, Charlie Russell, Marsha Heavy Head, Jake and Jayton Day Chief for sharing the day with us. Thank you to our caterer Billie SA for the delicious meals. Thank you Young Spirit Supplies for the great gift bags for our event. Lastly, all our gratitude and appreciation to our cultural ambassadors who organized this event and all our awesome activities throughout this season Wh Lenny and Lorne Wells thank you!

08/22/2025

We are closing at 11:00am today
In preparation for our event tomorrow
Saturday August 23. 9am-3pm
Cultural Day at Blood Tribe Timber Limits

Shuttle services available: pick up @ Standoff multipurpose 8am and return 4pm
Events will include: Blackfoot stories, songs, drumming, nature walk identifying Indigenous plants, traditional foods, horseback riding, breakfast and lunch will be provided. We look forward to seeing you ⛰️☀️🦬 You are all invited

08/20/2025

Saturday August 23
We are hosting our last event of the season.
You are all invited!!!!
Cultural Day at Blood Tribe Timber Limits
Shuttle services available: pick up @ Standoff multipurpose 8am and return 4pm
Events will include: Blackfoot stories, songs, drumming, nature walk identifying Indigenous plants, traditional foods, horseback riding, breakfast and lunch will be provided.
We look forward to seeing you ⛰️☀️🦬

08/12/2025

08/12/2025

Oki!! Come visit us Wednesday August 13

08/12/2025

We look forward to seeing you

Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) people refer to the month of August as Pakkii'pistsi otsitai'tssp: When chokecherries are ripe.

It’s pronounced: BOK-ghee-bist-see OAT-see-DAY-tisp

Chokecherries (Prunus virginiana) are resilient, native shrubs producing clusters of berries ranging in colour from bright red, to black. Chokecherries have a bold, tart, and slightly bitter flavor. This is due to their high tannin content. Tannins give your mouth a dry feeling, similar to drinking a strong black tea.

Want to know more about Blackfoot culture? Visit our friends at the Paahtómahksikimi Cultural Centre in the Waterton townsite, or attend the Niitsitapi Arts and Heritage Festival August 12 to 13.

More info: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton/activ/calendrier-calendar/10ca5e10-3433-4244-b0af-e5ed1b7e8d76

We thank the Piikani and Kainai knowledge keepers for sharing their language, translations, and pronunciations.

07/09/2025

Come join us tomorrow Wednesday July 9 Paahtómahksikimi Cultural Centre