An archaeological site in Moose Jaw, Sask., has unearthed approximately 240,000 artifacts, shedding light on the extensive human history in the Wakamow Valley. Recently, archaeologists presented their latest discoveries at the Moose Jaw library.
Senator Bill Strongarm of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, affiliated with the Touchwood Agency Tribal Council, expressed satisfaction at the discovery of the site and artifacts, emphasizing its sacred significance. The site served as a camping ground for the Saulteaux and Assiniboine people en route to the Cypress Hills in southwest Saskatchewan, where they likely rested, replenished supplies, and even stayed through the winter.
These artifact findings represent a fraction of the stories awaiting further research on Indigenous peoples. Strongarm envisions the establishment of a heritage center to safeguard the area and hopes that the artifacts will contribute to a deeper understanding of how Indigenous communities adapted to their surroundings.
Alan Korejbo, a senior archaeologist from Respect Heritage Consulting, revealed that the excavation was initiated due to an impending highway construction project that could impact the site. The artifacts, spanning periods before and after European contact, indicate human activity in the region for over 12,000 years.
The artifacts, ranging from stone and bone tools like projectile points, scrapers, and knives, to bison bone implements, have captured the attention of the public. Particularly intriguing are the plant and pottery remnants found at the site, with the pottery likely originating from areas in southern Manitoba, Ontario, and Minnesota.
Further examination of the artifacts, including microscopic analysis of plant residues, revealed evidence of cultivation practices such as growing wild rice, beans, corn, and squash. This suggests that the site may have been a unique hub for both gathering and cultivating food, potentially making it unparalleled in Saskatchewan.
The artifacts have been transferred to the Royal Saskatchewan Museum for comprehensive study, offering a platform for deeper insights into the site’s history. Strongarm expressed pride in the significance of these findings, emphasizing their role in validating Indigenous presence and heritage on the continent.
