An archaeological site in Moose Jaw, Sask., has revealed approximately 240,000 artifacts, shedding light on the ancient human presence in the Wakamow Valley. Presentations by archaeologists held at the Moose Jaw library unveiled the latest discoveries.
Bill Strongarm, a member of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations from the Touchwood Agency Tribal Council, expressed his satisfaction with the discovery of the site and artifacts. Describing the site as a sacred traditional place, Strongarm mentioned its historical significance as a camping ground for the Saulteaux and Assiniboine people en route to the Cypress Hills in southwest Saskatchewan. He speculated that these tribes likely halted for water, food resupply, and some might have stayed during the winter.
The artifacts found are just the beginning of a series of narratives awaiting further exploration regarding Indigenous communities. Strongarm hopes that a heritage center will be established to safeguard the area for future generations.
Alan Kojejbo, a senior archaeologist at Respect Heritage Consulting, shared that their involvement at the site was prompted by an upcoming highway construction project that would impact the area. The artifacts recovered span both pre- and post-European contact periods, suggesting human activity in the region dating back over 12,000 years.
The artifacts include a variety of stone and bone tools such as projectile points, scrapers, awls, knives, and some crafted from bison bones. Particularly intriguing are the plant and pottery remnants discovered at the site, with pottery styles indicating potential origins from southern Manitoba, Ontario, and Minnesota. Analysis of plant residue on the artifacts revealed the cultivation of food crops like wild rice, beans, corn, and squash, hinting at a unique horticultural aspect of the site.
The artifacts have been transferred to the Royal Saskatchewan Museum for further examination to deepen the understanding of this significant site. Both Strongarm and Kojejbo emphasized the importance of these discoveries in affirming the enduring Indigenous presence on the continent.
