VisitorsArchaeological BackgroundThe local Saskatoon archaeological community has known the “Wanuskewin Area” for many years. The earliest visits to the area, with intent of locating archaeological materials, were during the period 1930 - 1932 under the auspices of the Saskatoon Archaeological Society. In 1982 and 1983, Dr. Ernest Walker, Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Saskatchewan, completed a detailed assessment of the Wanuskewin area. During the course of these investigations, a total of 21 archaeological sites were identified including 19 pre-contact sites and 2 historic (recent) sites. The majority of these sites were undisturbed. Intensive research began in 1984 and continues today.
The boulder alignment (medicine wheel), habitation sites, bison kills, tipi rings, and stone cairns all contribute to give a picture of what life was like in pre-contact times. The location of such rich and diverse archaeological resources in an area of natural beauty so close to a major urban center is truly unique. |
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The archaeological findings at Wanuskewin are considered to be of international importance and certainly, the research project established is one of the largest in Canada. The findings date back 6,000 years or more. Wanuskewin Heritage Park contains virtually every type of archaeological site common to the Northern Plains, all located within walking distance of each other.