Around 240,000 artifacts discovered at a dig site in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, shed light on the rich history of the Wakamow Valley. Presentations unveiling the latest findings were recently held at the Moose Jaw library by archaeologists.
Bill Strongarm, a senator with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations from the Touchwood Agency Tribal Council, expressed his satisfaction with the discovery of the site and its artifacts. Calling it a sacred place, Strongarm mentioned that the location served as a camping ground for the Saulteaux and Assiniboine tribes on their way to the Cypress Hills in southwest Saskatchewan, with some staying through the winter.
These artifacts are just the beginning of the stories waiting to be uncovered about Indigenous communities, according to Strongarm, who hopes to see a heritage center established to preserve the area. The artifacts, which include stone and bone tools such as projectile points and knives, showcase a mix of pre- and post-European contact items, indicating human activity in the region for over 12,000 years.
Alan Korejbo, a senior archaeologist at Respect Heritage Consulting, noted the significance of the plant and pottery evidence found at the site. The presence of pottery uncommon in southern Saskatchewan led researchers to believe it originated from areas in southern Manitoba, Ontario, and Minnesota. Microscopic analysis of plant residues on the artifacts revealed traces of wild rice, beans, corn, and squash, suggesting a unique horticultural aspect to the site.
Further studies on these artifacts at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum aim to provide deeper insights into the site’s history. Strongarm expressed pride in these discoveries, emphasizing their importance in validating Indigenous presence and heritage in the region.
