Sundance Trail

Sundance Trail is a fully accessible link to the deep canyon. The Sun Dance is a sacred ceremony for Indigenous peoples who have lived in and travelled through these mountains for many centuries. Sundance Creek got its name from the many Sun Dance sites near its mouth. A sundance usually involves the community gathering together to pray for healing. Individuals make personal sacrifices on behalf of the community. Several features are common to the ceremonies held by sun dance cultures. These include dances and songs passed down through many generations, the use of a traditional drum, a sacred fire, praying with a ceremonial pipe, fasting from food and water before participating in the dance, and, in some cases, the ceremonial piercing of skin and a trial of physical endurance. Certain plants are picked and prepared for use during the ceremony.                                                                                        Jayda Baptiste showcases the bright colours of her traditional costume during the side step dance in the mini-powwow at the Banff Indian Grounds part of the Stoney Nakoda Family Camp during Banff Culture Weekend on Saturday, August 6, 2011 in Banff. Corrie DiManno/ Crag & Canyon file photo