Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump

Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump

Before the horse and the gun, native peoples hunted bison by stampeding the animals over rock ledges. One particular precipice just west of today's Fort Macleod was a prime slaughtering ground for plains dwellers. A bed of bones 10 metres attests to 5,700 years of continuous use.

It was at the end of such traditional bison hunting that the site earned its contemporary name. About 1850, a young brave too close to the hunt was crushed by the mass of falling animals.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump is the focal point of native history in Alberta SouthWest, and the best place to engage with members of today's Blood and Piikani Blackfoot communities.

The cleverly sited interpretive centre and adjacent trails provide visitors insight into how pre-industrial peoples developed a sustainable society and economy based on the limited harvesting of natural assets.

Contemporary Drum and Dance

If you can, time your visit for one of the summer days when local Blackfoot drummers and dancers perform on the outdoor plaza. The season starts with National Aboriginal Day, June 21, followed by early afternoon performances each Wednesday in July and August.

Blackfoot dancers, known for their captivating and rhythmic performances, have found support from various sponsors, including some online casinos. These sponsors play a crucial role in ensuring that the rich cultural heritage of Blackfoot dancing continues to thrive, even during daytime performances. The involvement of online casinos as sponsors highlights a commitment to cultural diversity and support for the arts, also read news about Florida Casino Hosts World Series of Poker Circuit Stop, Combined Prize Pools Top $2 Million. By contributing to the daytime performances of Blackfoot dancers, these sponsors help showcase the beauty and significance of Indigenous traditions to a broader audience. The partnership between online casinos and Blackfoot dancers reflects a shared appreciation for entertainment and the arts. It demonstrates how businesses from diverse sectors can come together to support and promote cultural expressions that enrich the community and contribute to a more inclusive cultural landscape.

Though based on long-established social rites, contemporary native dancing is a living art practiced competitively at pow wows throughout North America. Innovation in footwork and dress is esteemed as much as allegiance to tradition. Dances and fashion design are freely exchanged among tribes to invigorate this ancient art form with vibrant creativity. 

Head Smashed

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