The Medicine Tree was an unusual cottonwood tree near High River, Alberta, which had two conjoined trunks. It was considered a sacred tree by the Blackfoot nation and came to be regarded as a symbol of the community of High River. It deteriorated and was downed by a windstorm in January 1958. In late 1959 a group connected with the business community of High River organized a banquet to honor the High River Pioneers' and Old Timers' Association and launch its book, Leaves from the Medicine Tree, in January 1960. The group named itself the Medicine Tree Pow Wow Committee, and became interested in supporting other community projects. In July 1960 it unveiled an entry arch in George Lane Memorial Park, made with wood from the original Medicine Tree. In October 1961 it opened the first High River Museum in a leased building. In 1963 it was incorporated as the Medicine Tree Pow Wow Association. In 1971 the museum moved into the former CPR Station. By 1973 the Association was inactive, but its Museum Committee continued to oversee the museum work in conjunction with the Pioneers' and Old Timers' Association. By 1975 the museum was governed by a board appointed by the Town of High River and was named the Museum of the Highwood.