Tsuu T’ina as "Cultureville 2011"

Tsuu T’ina First Nation Vies to Be Named Coolest Community in Alberta

By Hans TammemagiTsuu T’ina First Nation appears, well, normal. Sure it has great facilities: two championship golf courses, a casino, a sports complex, an ice rink and an indoor rodeo center. But there’s more. This First Nation, just southwest of Calgary with a population of 1,650 and an area of 109 square miles, is also a serious contender for the title of “Cultureville 2011,” the coolest, most cultured community in the province of Alberta.

The second annual Cultureville competition is being held to recognize the province’s rich cultural diversity and is part of Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s 75th anniversary celebrations as well as Alberta Arts Days. A CBC in-house panel winnowed down the approximately 50 nominees based on community spirit, originality and passion for culture, and on August 16 announced the shortlist of six communities, which included Tsuu T’ina, the only First Nation in the competition. The other shortlisted communities are Jasper, Rosebud, Peace River, Camrose and Red Deer, all featuring an array of visual art, music and theatre presented through concerts and festivals. Public voting for the finalist begins on September 6, and the winner will be announced on September 29.Comment:  For more on Native culture in western Canada, see Jasper Totem Pole Should Go and First Nations Cruise in British Columbia.

Below:  "The Redwood Meadows Golf & Country Club is one of many features that sets the Tsuu T'ina First Nation apart."