Writing-on-Stone

While hiking the Hoodoo Trail, I turned to a view point above the Milk River on top of the steep cliffs above. I stopped suddenly when I heard native singing, resonating beautifully between the sandstone crevices. Not wanting to disturb the prayers, I stood silently, entranced. Eventually I retreated and continued out to the Battle Scene rock art depiction, one of the highlights of this World Heritage Site in Alberta Canada.

Later I took the guided tour of the restricted area where Blair showed and explained the rock art in this spiritual place of the Blackfoot Tribe. The tour started at 5 pm, perhaps to take advantage of the light as well as coolness. While I disagree with those who look for extraterrestrial interpretations of some of the unusual petroglyphs and pictographs, the details and 2500 years represented here are intriguing and fascinating. Still, for me, I will never forget the living voice I heard echoing among the hoodoos.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

While the view from cliff trail is impressive, the interpretive center is the best part of this Canadian World Heritage Site. There’s a graphic film depicting a bison hunt and exhibits about the Blackfoot Tribe modern and prehistoric. Tribal records were kept on Winter Count Robes, and a beautiful one is on display. The tribe got its name from walking through the burnt grasses during the hunts. Before they acquired horses from the Shoshone, the tribe used dogs to help carry their belongings (photo). Wonderful place to learn about the fascinating history of Alberta.