Saamis Teepee
Staff writer
The world's tallest tepee, the Saamis Teepee (built for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics), stands more than 20 stories high and has a base diameter of 50m. Native artwork depicting the colourful native history of Southern Alberta has been incorporated on 12 ft. diameter storyboards. Located in Medicine Hat, just west of the Tourist Information Centre on the Trans-Canada Highway, this tepee had more engineering challenges in its construction than the did Eiffel Tower, and is built to withstand extreme temperatures and 150 mph winds. Its colors are white for purity, red for the rising and setting sun, and blue for flowing waters.
Saamis (SA-AH-UMP-SIN) is the Blackfoot word for eagle tail feather headdress (hat worn by a Medicine Man – or Medicine Hat). During a January 2007 windstorm, a portion of the tepee was damaged. Upon further inspection, it was discovered that extensive weathering was partially to blame. After repairs were complete, the Saamis Tepee stood approximately 15 feet (4.6 m) shorter.
The Saamis site, located in the Seven Persons Creek Coulee, is considered one of the most exceptional and richest archaeological finds of that time period on the Northern Plains.
By far, Medicine Hat’s most visible landmark is the Saamis Tepee!
The Saamis Tepee is a tribute to Canada’s native heritage. Built entirely of steel with a concrete foundation, the tepee is ringed with 10 large circular story-boards depicting aspects of native culture and history. Below the Saamis Tepee in scenic Seven Persons coulee, lays one of the Northern Plains archaeological sites - the Saamis Archaeological Site. This self-guided walking tour will reveal one of the foremost important archaeological sites of the Northern Plains. The area was once a buffalo camp and meat processing site. Experts believe over 83 million artefacts are buried at the site.
The Saamis Tepee is located on the Trans-Canada Highway next to Tourism Medicine Hat.
8 Gehring Road
Medicine Hat, Alberta
CANADA, T1B 4W1
Phone: 1-800-481-2822