I wouldn’t want to fall over the edge of that cliff, especially if there were hundreds of buffalo behind me. But when you had to get through Alberta’s long cold winters, and nature provided, you did what you had to do.
On our way back from Lethbridge, we stopped at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Run, which was designated as a National Historic Site in 1968, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
The architecture in this building is pretty cool, it’s built into the side of the mountain and goes way up. Even though you enter at the lower level, our guide suggested we start at the top and work our way down. There is an elevator that takes you up five levels, then you walk up the last level to get to the Upper Trail and viewpoint.
I had heard you could probably see all the way to Saskatchewan from the top. Might be true!
We then walked down each level which was full of rich history and interesting displays. According to the brochure, there is evidence of human activity in this region for at least 11,000 years, and the buffalo jump was practised on the Great Plains for nearly 6000 years.
Unfortunately this depiction was taken through glass, so much glare! There was an incredible amount of work and co-operation needed to find the buffalo and then get them to go in the direction of the cliff edge. Once over the edge they had to be cleaned and dried. Nothing was wasted and was used for food, clothing, tools and probably more.
The displays were detailed and included much more than buffalo.
Unfortunately the buffalo disappeared in the mid 1800s. With the arrival of horses and guns large hunts were not as needed.
I think the picture to the left explains way better than I could.
Thankfully the buffalo are back, both farmed and wild. Maybe it is time for a visit to Wood Buffalo National Park in Alberta.
There was a ton of information and history at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Run. Another trip well worth it.
Cheers
Ruth
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