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The world’s largest teepee is in Alberta and it’s tied to the 1988 Olympics

Photo Via Nalidsa/Shutterstock

Standing taller than most buildings in Medicine Hat, the Saamis Tepee is one Alberta landmark that’s impossible to miss. The massive structure holds the title of the world’s largest teepee and has a fascinating story that goes far beyond its size.

Originally built for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, the landmark later made its way to Medicine Hat, where it became a symbol of Indigenous history, culture, and the stories connected to the land.

Now, let’s take a deeper dive into the story behind Saamis Tepee.

The story behind the Saamis Tepee

According to the City of Medicine Hat, the Saamis Tepee was originally built for the 1988 Canada Winter Olympics, where it was first unveiled as part of the celebrations surrounding the games. The structure was designed to represent Indigenous culture and honour the history of the Plains Indigenous Peoples.

After the Olympics wrapped up, the massive structure was relocated to Medicine Hat, where it officially became a permanent landmark in 1991. Standing at 65.5 metres tall, the Saamis Tepee is roughly the height of a 20-storey building, making it easy to spot from the Trans-Canada Highway as you approach the city.

And while the outside of the teepee might be what first catches your eye, stepping inside of it reveals another layer of history. The interior features 10 murals painted by Indigenous artists, with each section sharing stories connected to Indigenous culture and tradition. The artwork was designed to help visitors understand the meaning behind the landmark and the history it represents.

According to Tourism Medicine Hat, the name Saamis comes from the Blackfoot word “Saamis,” which refers to the traditional Medicine Hat believed to have been worn by a powerful medicine man. The name also connects the landmark to the history of the surrounding area, which has deep Indigenous roots dating back thousands of years. The nearby Saamis Archaeological Site preserves evidence of Indigenous communities who lived, hunted, and gathered in the region long before Medicine Hat became the city it is today.

While you can find plenty of big landmarks across Alberta, very few come with a story quite like the Saamis Tepee. A structure built for the Olympics, moved across the province, and now holding a world record is not exactly something you see every day!