At Head-Smashed-In, the Blackfoot people share thousands of years of cultural heritage with the rest of the world. For the Blackfoot people, the buffalo was a vital component in sustaining life. To assure victory, the hunters devised a complex system of herding buffalo to a pre-destined place where they would be tricked into stampeding over a cliff. Developed more than eight thousand years ago, the “buffalo jump” was still in use as recently as the 1870's.
Wanuskewin represents the ancient story of man living in harmony with nature. For thousands of years, hunter-gatherers roamed this river valley in Central Saskatchewan. The area contains 19 prehistoric archaeological sites representing some 250 generations of the Northern Plains Indians.
Village of Nan Sdins, BC: The decaying mortuary poles of the Village of Nan Sdins are a poignant reminder of the once rich and thriving sea-faring culture of the Haida people. The best-preserved poles were removed and taken to museums early in this century. The remaining poles are located on a secluded, storm swept island in the Queen Charlotte Islands, and are gradually being reclaimed by the elements.