First Nations history revealed in archeological map project

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A new resource is now available for people looking for information about the history of Aboriginal people in Saskatchewan, thanks to a project undertaken by the Heritage Resources Branch of the department of Culture, Youth and Recreation.

A Map of Saskatchewan's Archeology is essentially a history of Aboriginal people in Saskatchewan. The map details the location of archeological sites in the province, 95 per cent of which are Aboriginal.

"The map includes the history of the province in terms of archeology for the last 12,000 years,"

said Kim Weinbender, an archeologist with the province who headed up the map project.

"Given that First Nations people were the only ones here for most of that time the map is about their sites," said Weinbender.

The map project was commissioned as part of Saskatchewan's 2005 centennial celebrations

Brian Scribe is a professional archeologist who is Cree/Nakoda from Norway House, Man. Scribe contributed to the map project and said it is important for First Nations to combine oral tradition and history with modern archeology.

Scribe said there are about 20,000 archeological sites listed on the map and that about 600 are sites that are of a special nature, including medicine wheels, wall paintings, burial sites, and altars for ceremonies.

"We can use (the map) as a tool to look at our history and our past," said Scribe.

Kim Weinbender said that not all sites included on the map are open to the public but the map does includes sites and interpretive centres in every region of the province.

"We wanted people to be able to use the map and take it with them and say 'I'm going to spend my Sunday and visit this place,'" said Weinbender.

The purpose of the map is to both educate and inform, Weinbender added.

"We want people to know that Saskatchewan has archeological sites, and has lots of them, and people can go and visit them."

The map is essentially full of dots that represent archeological sites as well as interpretive centres and museums. It is two feet by three feet in size but folds up to the size of a road map. On the back of the map is information such as frequently asked questions about archeology and how to get involved with archeology. The information also includes a First Nation's perspective on archeology that was contributed by Scribe.

Copies of the map will be distributed to schools across the province. Members of the public will also be able to buy the map for $2.50 a copy.