The discovery of approximately 240,000 artifacts at an archaeological site in Moose Jaw, Sask., sheds light on the extensive human history within the Wakamow Valley.
Recently, archaeologists presented their latest findings at the Moose Jaw library.
Bill Strongarm, a senator representing the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations from the Touchwood Agency Tribal Council, expressed satisfaction over the unearthing of the site and its artifacts.
Describing the site as a sacred traditional location, Strongarm mentioned that it served as a camping ground for the Saulteaux and Assiniboine tribes en route to the Cypress Hills in southwest Saskatchewan.
According to Strongarm, these artifacts represent only a fraction of the narratives surrounding Indigenous communities, emphasizing the need for further research and the establishment of a heritage center to protect the area.
Bill Strongarm, a member of the Touchwood Agency Tribal Council, emphasizes the sacred significance of the site. (Kaitlyn Schropp/CBC)
Strongarm envisions that the discovery of these artifacts will help unveil additional narratives about how Indigenous communities adapted to their surroundings.
Alan Kojejbo, a senior archaeologist at Respect Heritage Consulting, explained that archaeologists intervened due to an upcoming highway construction project that would impact the site.
Korejbo revealed that he commenced work on the site in 2024, while the former landowners, Paul and Bill Davies, initiated excavations in the 1950s.
The artifacts discovered encompass both pre- and post-European contact periods, with pre-contact items indicating human activity in the region for over 12,000 years.
Korejbo expressed astonishment at the significant turnout during the library presentation, highlighting public interest in understanding the excavation’s implications.
The unearthed artifacts include various stone and bone tools, such as projectile points, scrapers, awls, knives, and tools crafted from bison bones.
Korejbo emphasized the significance of plant and pottery evidence at the site.
Alan Korejbo, senior archaeologist at Respect Heritage Consulting, joins The 306 to talk about a recent archaeological excavation in Moose Jaw that has found more than 200,000 artifacts.
Notably, pottery discovered at the