Thousands of years ago, in a valley on the edge of the prairie, the First Peoples found peace in a place they came to call Wanuskewin. Now a protected heritage park, the site contains fascinating archaeological artefacts that date back 8,000 years, making them twice as old as King Tut's tomb.
BY JEAN-PIERRE SYLVESTRE
The Wanuskewin area, just five kilometres north of Saskatoon, was first investigated in modern times by archaeologists from the University of Saskatchewan. Between 1930 and 1932, they identified a total of 21 archaeological sites at Wanuskewin, all within walking distance of each other. They turned up a wealth of artefacts, from arrowheads to habitation and hunting sites.
Intensive research continues to this day at Wanuskewin, which was officially designated a protected heritage park in 1992. Wanuskewin is a Cree word that loosely translates as "seeking peace of mind" or "living in harmony." A rich source of archeological information, the site is today a remarkable window into Canada's ancient past.
Wanuskewin was initially a wintering ground for five Northern Plains tribes of Saskatchewan - the Cree, Nakota, Saulteaux, Dene and Dakota. But it soon became known for both its medicinal plants and its bison hunting. In fact bison bones have been found at four of the 21 archaeological sites.
Like Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump in Alberta, the Wanuskewin region had cliffs over which First Nations hunters would lure their prey. Weakened and injured from the fall, the bison would then be killed, carved up, cooked and consumed right on the spot.
In addition to evidence of buffalo jumps, artefacts found at the sprawling 120-hectare site include teepee rings, stone cairns, a medicine wheel and prehistoric tools, all of which have helped paint a picture of what life was like here in pre-contact times.
The park's enormous visitor centre houses exhibits about the archaeological findings, local traditions and the central role bison played in the lives of the area’s earliest human inhabitants. The theatre at the visitor centre offers an audiovisual presentation that presents an overview of the park and Northern Plains culture, both past and present.
There is also a large amphitheatre where First Nations songs and dances are performed. Visitors can even opt to overnight in the onsite "Tipi Village," enjoying traditional foods, learning about the plains bison, listening to storytelling around a campfire and participating in other interpretive activities.
The grounds are laced with eight kilometres of walking trails that link the various archaeological attractions, where researchers are still sifting through the past. Nature lovers might want to bring along their binoculars, as more than 180 bird species and some 35 mammal species have been identified in the area.
Walking these peaceful paths of the past, viewing archaeological findings and digs along the way, you'll begin to understand why Wanuskewin has such meaning for the First Nations of North America.
source: Canadian Tourism Commision
This reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor has it been made in affiliation with or with the endorsement of the Canadian Tourism Commission.
Click here for more information on Alberta
Click here for more outdoor adventures in Canada
BY JEAN-PIERRE SYLVESTRE
The Wanuskewin area, just five kilometres north of Saskatoon, was first investigated in modern times by archaeologists from the University of Saskatchewan. Between 1930 and 1932, they identified a total of 21 archaeological sites at Wanuskewin, all within walking distance of each other. They turned up a wealth of artefacts, from arrowheads to habitation and hunting sites.
Intensive research continues to this day at Wanuskewin, which was officially designated a protected heritage park in 1992. Wanuskewin is a Cree word that loosely translates as "seeking peace of mind" or "living in harmony." A rich source of archeological information, the site is today a remarkable window into Canada's ancient past.
Wanuskewin was initially a wintering ground for five Northern Plains tribes of Saskatchewan - the Cree, Nakota, Saulteaux, Dene and Dakota. But it soon became known for both its medicinal plants and its bison hunting. In fact bison bones have been found at four of the 21 archaeological sites.
Like Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump in Alberta, the Wanuskewin region had cliffs over which First Nations hunters would lure their prey. Weakened and injured from the fall, the bison would then be killed, carved up, cooked and consumed right on the spot.
In addition to evidence of buffalo jumps, artefacts found at the sprawling 120-hectare site include teepee rings, stone cairns, a medicine wheel and prehistoric tools, all of which have helped paint a picture of what life was like here in pre-contact times.
The park's enormous visitor centre houses exhibits about the archaeological findings, local traditions and the central role bison played in the lives of the area’s earliest human inhabitants. The theatre at the visitor centre offers an audiovisual presentation that presents an overview of the park and Northern Plains culture, both past and present.
There is also a large amphitheatre where First Nations songs and dances are performed. Visitors can even opt to overnight in the onsite "Tipi Village," enjoying traditional foods, learning about the plains bison, listening to storytelling around a campfire and participating in other interpretive activities.
The grounds are laced with eight kilometres of walking trails that link the various archaeological attractions, where researchers are still sifting through the past. Nature lovers might want to bring along their binoculars, as more than 180 bird species and some 35 mammal species have been identified in the area.
Walking these peaceful paths of the past, viewing archaeological findings and digs along the way, you'll begin to understand why Wanuskewin has such meaning for the First Nations of North America.
source: Canadian Tourism Commision
This reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor has it been made in affiliation with or with the endorsement of the Canadian Tourism Commission.
Click here for more information on Alberta
Click here for more outdoor adventures in Canada
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