The Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Calgary, Alberta, is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of Indigenous people. For thousands of years, this site served as an early abattoir, a place where buffalo herds were herded over an 11-metre-high cliff to be killed and harvested. It's a brutal yet fascinating process, and one that has captivated the mind of renowned Alberta archeologist Bob Dawe.
Dawe, who has visited the site thousands of times during his career, estimates that the Buffalo Jump has been used by Indigenous people for about 7,500 years and maybe longer. He calls it 'the perfect trap' for killing buffalo, an architect's dream. The location provided by Mother Nature couldn't have been better to direct buffalo herds from a valley from the west down toward the cliff. As the buffalo are pushed along by their peers, they can't see the edge of the cliff, and the next thing they know, they're airborne and dead.
Dawe's fascination with the site goes beyond its historical significance. He imagines the valley as a bustling hub of activity thousands of years ago. He envisions hides being staked out on the ground, people scraping them to make clothing or teepee covers, and kids running around with toy bows and arrows. He sees old people sitting around, having ceremonies and sharing the joy of the event. It's a vivid picture that brings the past to life.
However, the past is not without its dark moments. The annual hunt, which began in late summer and early fall, was a brutal and dangerous process. Full-grown buffalo could weigh up to 900 kilograms and be dangerous. The dirt, the screaming of the animals, the exhilaration of the people, the dust, and the mayhem would have been a sight to behold. Yet, for the people who relied on the buffalo for survival, the success of the jump would have brought joy and ensured the survival of their group for at least another year.
The Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump has gained some attention in recent years, thanks to a shout-out on the Golden Globe-winning TV medical drama The Pitt. The site has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has brought a slight tourism boost. But for Dawe, the site's significance goes beyond its historical and tourist value. It's a place that connects him to the past, a place that he calls 'a second home'.
Dawe's dedication to uncovering Alberta's rich history is commendable. His work has not only helped us understand the past but has also opened a window into history and emboldened Indigenous voices to embrace the interpretive process. It's a reminder that the past is not just a collection of artifacts and stories but a living, breathing entity that continues to shape our present and future.
