Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Some 16 km (10 mi.) west of Highway 2 North, by the unmade-up Highway 785, lies the area known as Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981. A band of rock some 300 m (984 ft) long in the lush, undulating grassland ends in a steep precipice, and for more than 5000 years the prairie Indians in the course of their organized buffalo hunts used to drive the panic-stricken beasts over the precipice to their death. It was not until the Indians obtained horses and firearms from the white man in the 18th c. that they finally gave up this traditional method of hunting. The name "Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump" originates from a hunting accident in the 18th c. A man watching the hunt from below the cliff was killed when the Indians drove some fleeing animals over the precipice on top of him. In 1987 a modern Interpretive Center was established. As well as displaying archaeological finds, the Center gives an insight into the way of life and traditional hunting methods of the region's indigenous Blackfoot Indians and demonstrates how rapidly Indian life changed after contact was made with the white man.

In the interesting museum local topography is described, and the life of the prairie Indians and their hunting techniques are explained. Emphasis is also laid on the rapid changes in the lives of the Indians after they came into contact with the white man.