City of Medicine Hat, Alberta

Saamis Teepee Designer: Steve Illes

When Built: 1991 (put on site) Dimensions: Height: 215 Feet (65.5 Metres) Diameter: 160 Feet at base (48.8 Metres) - 20,000 sq ft Structure weight: 440,800 pounds (200 tonnes) Foundation weight: 1,760,000 pounds (800 tonnes) Construction Materials: Steel with Concrete Foundation Location:

Reason for Building:

Built for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, as a symbol of Canada's native heritage. It towered above the Olympic caldron during the opening and closing ceremonies. After the Olympics, it was moved to the City of Medicine Hat.

Additional Information:

Built to withstand extreme temperatures and 150 mph winds.

"Its colors are white for purity, red for the rising and setting sun, and blue for flowing waters."

Saamis (SA-AH-UMP-SIN) is the Blackfoot word for eagle tail feather headress (hat worn by Medicine Man - or Medicine Hat)

Medicine Hat also has a giant Teepee:

Information Source: Medicine Hat Economic Development Department

Pictures Sources: Len Suchan of Mr. Lens Photography (Saskatoon)