The Museum of the Highwood recently opened a new exhibit called Unfair Trade which looks at the dark side of the whiskey trade after Canada became a country in 1867.

Director Irene Kerr says it is part of our history that most of us don't know about.

"Even though we say nothing was happening here back then, all of our roots were happening. It was the beginning of everything, it just wasn't a pretty story," said Kerr.

Most people know the stories about the Northwest Mounted Police coming and helping to bring law and order, but before they got here the Whiskey Traders did a lot of damage.

Volunteer Terry Quinn says the traders were aware of the Native gathering places, like the Medicine Tree, that were scared to the Blackfoot people and they built their trading posts, including Fort Spitzee, in those locations to take advantage of them.

Kerr adds she hopes this exhibit will help people learn about the history and plans on sharing the display online.

She is also hoping the site where Fort Spitzee was will become a national historic site.

The exhibit complements the museum's 1967 celebrations display.

 

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