Heritage Park Historical Village

Encampment Volunteer Role

Bring History to Life and Share the Stories of Treaty 7 Nations!

Role Overview
Under the direction of the Indigenous Programming Specialist and Indigenous Lead Hands, the Encampment Volunteer supports the paid Interpreters in sharing the culture, traditions, and history of the local Treaty 7 Nations. Volunteers will also provide general knowledge about European settlement in western Canada, the history of the exhibit, and Heritage Park as a whole. Training is provided to ensure volunteers feel confident in their role.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Welcome guests with a warm and friendly demeanor.
• Answer basic questions about the exhibit, local Indigenous culture, traditions, and historical activities.
• Support paid Interpretive staff in delivering programming, including storytelling and demonstrations.
• Ensure the proper care and handling of artifacts and other exhibit materials.
• Assist with guest flow and crowd control as needed.
• Wear a period-appropriate costume, provided by the park, to accurately represent the historical time period.
• Learn the park layout, daily activities, and general Heritage Park information to assist guests.
• Sign in and out on My Impact and check in/out at the Prep Room.
• Attend the morning meeting (for morning shifts) led by Public Programming Specialists for daily updates.
• Notify the Lead Hands in advance if unable to attend a scheduled shift.

Expectations
To thrive as an Encampment Volunteer, you should:

• Enjoy engaging with guests and sharing historical and cultural knowledge.
• Maintain a friendly, professional demeanor when interacting with guests and staff.
• Be comfortable speaking in front of groups and answering questions.
• Demonstrate respect and care when handling artifacts and exhibit materials.
• Be able to stand for extended periods and move around the exhibit space as needed.
• Have lived experience as part of an Indigenous culture from Treaty 7: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Îyârhe-Nakoda, or Tsuut’ina.

Training and Support
Heritage Park provides thorough training to ensure volunteers feel prepared and confident in their roles, including:

• Interpretation Training: Learn about the Public Interpretation Department, exhibit history, and guest engagement techniques.
• Exhibit Resources: Access to site binders, exhibit profiles, and historical research materials.
• On-Site Mentoring: Hands-on support and guidance from experienced Site Interpreters and Lead Hands.

Time Commitment
Due to the training and costuming required for this role, volunteers must commit to a minimum of 50 hours during the season (May long weekend – Thanksgiving long weekend).

Available Shifts:

• Full Day: 9:45 AM – 5:00 PM (includes a 30-minute lunch and 15-minute afternoon break).
• Half Day: 9:45 AM – 1:15 PM OR 1:15 PM – 5:00 PM.

Clothing and Equipment

• Costumes: Heritage Park provides period-appropriate costuming and footwear.
• Volunteers should wear appropriate layers for outdoor weather conditions.

Identified Risks and Hazards

• Walking on uneven ground and boardwalks, with a risk of trips, slips, and falls.
• Standing for prolonged periods.
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions.
• Exposure to wood smoke.
• Potential burns from hot metal or flames.

Why Volunteer as an Encampment Volunteer?
By volunteering in the Encampment, you become part of a team dedicated to preserving and sharing Indigenous history and traditions. You’ll gain valuable experience in guest engagement, storytelling, and historical interpretation while making meaningful connections with visitors and fellow volunteers. Volunteers also enjoy benefits such as free parking, access to historical training materials, and opportunities to earn a membership pass through accumulated hours.

Join us and help bring history to life at Heritage Park!