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Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
49.7494° N, -113.6250° E
About
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a buffalo jump located where the foothills of the Rocky Mountains begin to rise from the prairie 18 km (11 mi) west of Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada, on Highway 785. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of a museum of Blackfoot culture. Joe Crowshoe Sr. (1903–1999) – Aapohsoy’yiis (Weasel Tail) – a ceremonial Elder of the Piikani Nation in southern Alberta, was instrumental in the development of the site. The Joe Crow Shoe Sr. Lodge is dedicated to his memory. He dedicated his life to preserving Aboriginal culture and promoting the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people and in 1998 was awarded the National Aboriginal Achievement Award for "saving the knowledge and practices of the Blackfoot people."
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Primary period of use
used for 5,500 years
First European record
1880s
Joe Crowshoe Sr. lifespan
1903–1999
First major excavation
1938
Earliest documented use
at least 6,000 years ago
National Historic Site designation
1968
Provincial Historic Site designation
1979
UNESCO World Heritage designation
1981
Interpretive centre opening
1987
Governor General's architecture award
1990
Joe Crowshoe Sr. recognition
1998
Lost Identities exhibit first displayed
1999
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Environmental and Natural Features
Food Production and Processing Features
Transportation and Communication Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
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