The Cranbrook Archives, Museum, and Landmark Society (CAMAL) officially has the keys to Fort Steele Heritage Town ahead of the 2025 operating season.
As of April 1, 2025, CAMAL will manage Fort Steele for the next six years as part of an agreement with the B.C. government.
“We believe our organization is uniquely positioned to trade synergies with the Cranbrook History Centre and Fort Steele Heritage Town,” said Keith Powell, CAMAL Chair.
“There are so many shared values and resources that we can tap into that will strengthen the visitor experience both at the History Centre and at Fort Steele.”
The changeover also comes with new branding, featuring Fort Steele’s iconic waterwheel.
Powell says CAMAL plans to keep long-standing traditions while introducing new programming.
“One of our key goals is to maintain many of the beloved community traditions while bringing a renewed and refreshed vibrancy to Fort Steel,” said Powell.
“This will include bringing innovative programming, events and enhancing the visitor experience.”
One of the new approaches will involve more Indigenous involvement and engagement in decision-making.
“With our programming, we’ve really worked with more of the surrounding communities to have what they would like to see,” said Jared Teneese, Chief Operations Officer with the Cranbrook History Centre.
“I think Fort Steele and the Cranbrook History Centre are both sites that need more of an Indigenous footprint installed.”
Progress toward Indigenous inclusion is already underway for the Cranbrook History Centre.
“We have our new interpretation plan that has a really good Indigenous section. I think that’s going to be a great first step to that,” said Teneese.
“At Fort Steele, we’re really heavy on repatriation and working with the communities on what repatriation means to them.”
CAMAL has been working with the Provincial Heritage Branch of BC to transition the site’s management and operations.
More announcements on opening dates, events and new programming will come in the weeks ahead.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
