Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Interpretive Centre
Located 18 km north & west
of Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada at a location where the foothills
of the Rocky Mountains meet the great plains, one of the world's oldest,
largest, and best preserved buffalo jumps can be found. Head-Smashed-In
- a Unesco World Heritage Site - has been used continuously by aboriginal
peoples of the plains for more than 5,500 years.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump:
A World Heritage Site
Head-Smashed-In
Buffalo Jump is an archaeological site known around the world as a
remarkable testimony of prehistoric life. The Jump bears witness to a
custom practiced by native people of the North American plains for nearly
6,000 years.
Due to their excellent understanding of topography and bison
behavior, native people killed bison by chasing them over a precipice.
They then carved up the carcasses in the camp set up below the cliffs.
In 1981, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) designated the Jump as a World Heritage Site placing it among
other world attractions such as the Egyptian pyramids, Stonehenge and
the Galapagos Islands. For more information on UNESCO, go to www.unesco.org
Come and Visit
The Interpretive Centre is open year round (reduced hours from Labour
Day to May 15) and welcomes visitors from around the world. Check out
the special events during the summer for activities and performances
like "Drumming and Dancing." Educational programs are available for teachers
during the school months and there are public programs available for
everyone.
Check out the "What's New?" page for current activities, special events
and programs.
Download the Information Guide to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
