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In July 2024, an Edmonton landmark underwent a transformation that was far more than a name change. What was once known as the Pioneers Cabin—originally the Old Timers Cabin—has now been reborn as Bison Lodge. More than a rebrand, this shift reflects a broader cultural awakening and a deliberate step toward inclusivity, reconciliation, and community engagement.
From its origins as a gathering place for settlers to its new identity as a shared space for diverse stories and voices, Bison Lodge represents the evolution of both a building and the society it serves.
Constructed in 1959 by master log craftsman Hobart Dowler, the facility was originally named the Old Timers Cabin, serving as the social hub for members of the Northern Alberta Pioneers and Descendants Association (NAPDA). Over the decades, both the association and its headquarters evolved—through various renaming's and shifts in purpose—eventually settling on the name Pioneers Cabin in 2020.
However, the name "Pioneers Cabin" didn’t resonate as expected. Even within the membership, many preferred the nostalgic “Old Timers Cabin.” For others, the term “pioneer” carried colonial implications and created confusion—was this a museum? A municipal site? A public exhibit?
From brides seeking a wedding venue to businesses planning events, the branding felt outdated and unclear. It became evident that the name no longer captured the essence—or the aspirations—of the organization.
Recognizing the disconnect, the board embarked on a deep historical dive and community consultation process. Revisiting the original 1894 mission—"to preserve the early history of the settlement and promote the social and friendly relations of the pioneers of the district"—they found a timeless truth: at its heart, the organization was always about community storytelling.
That mission was rephrased with a modern lens: "To preserve the history of our region and promote the social and friendly relations of all its people."
This single change unlocked new possibilities for engagement with Indigenous communities, newcomers, and underrepresented voices—all of whom share histories intertwined with the region.
The path to the new name began with an unlikely but powerful symbol: a mounted bison head, gifted to the facility in the 1930s by the Department of the Interior. The bison, revered in many Indigenous cultures, sparked a crucial question: was it appropriate to keep it on display?
With guidance from Lewis Cardinal, a respected Indigenous educator and international rights advocate, the answer became clear: the bison should stay, but it deserved honor and story.
Thus was born Bison Lodge—a name rooted in heritage, location (Scona Road was once a bison trail), and respect.
The rebranding process was collaborative from the start.
An Indigenous Elders Council, representing eight communities, was engaged to guide culturally appropriate changes.
MacEwan University offered business assessments and visual identity design.
The organization modernized operations with a new logo, website, and social media strategy.
In tandem, NAPDA adjusted its organizational structure. Bison Lodge now operates independently as a social enterprise, freeing NAPDA to focus more on nonprofit initiatives and heritage programming.
Three new volunteer committees—Membership, Culture and Events, and Fundraising—are already helping chart a more inclusive, sustainable future.
Bison Lodge is no longer just a rental space—it’s a community hub. New programming reflects the organization’s refreshed values and vibrant direction:
Penny University: Monthly social engagement sessions fostering civic conversation.
Empowerment gatherings: Community-building events with diverse leaders.
Latin Night and other cultural programs that showcase the richness of Edmonton’s population.
Projects are already in development to highlight and merge settler and Indigenous narratives:
A heritage garden using traditional and Indigenous planting methods.
An information board on the back deck overlooking Rossdale Flats, a site of deep Indigenous history.
A timeline wall capturing both settler family archives and Indigenous histories, offering a holistic view of the region’s past.
The social enterprise model is showing promise. Corporate bookings have increased significantly, and support from organizations like Edmonton Community Foundation, Edmonton Heritage Council, and the City of Edmonton’s Heritage Maintenance Program is helping secure vital infrastructure and program support.
The most important outcome of the rebrand isn’t the signage—it’s the openness to new stories. Bison Lodge is no longer a settler-only space; it is a community lodge, embracing complexity, healing, and collaboration.
Bison Lodge stands today as a powerful symbol of transformation—not just for an organization, but for a city. It is a space where old log walls shelter new ideas, where a bison watches over a future built on mutual respect, and where every community member is invited to take part in the ongoing story.
Whether you’re a long-time member, a curious newcomer, or someone seeking a place that reflects Edmonton’s layered history and inclusive future—Bison Lodge welcomes you.
Q: Why did Pioneers Cabin change its name? To better reflect inclusive values, engage broader communities, and align with modern identity and reconciliation efforts.
Q: What is the significance of the bison at Bison Lodge? The bison symbolizes history, cultural respect, and was blessed by Indigenous advisors as a meaningful part of the facility’s legacy.
Q: Is Bison Lodge open for public and private events? Yes! It hosts weddings, corporate gatherings, community events, and cultural programs year-round.
Q: How does Bison Lodge support reconciliation? Through inclusive programming, Indigenous partnerships, shared history initiatives, and ongoing community dialogue.
Q: Can I contribute stories or history to Bison Lodge’s archive? Yes, the organization welcomes contributions that expand and deepen the shared history of the region.
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