Member Statement (22 November 2021)

From Hansard (22 November 2021)

 

Petroglyphs Uncovered at Wanuskewin Heritage Park

Mr. Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to acknowledge a recently announced archeological discovery at Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Archeologist Dr. Ernie Walker uncovered petroglyphs that were more than 1,000 years old. It’s been said many times that Wanuskewin is a direct link to our past, but as we know, it’s also a window into a part of Canada’s history that remains largely undiscovered.

Mr. Speaker, the area contains some of the most exciting archeological finds in North America, some that even predate the Egyptian pyramids. For more than 6,000 years, Indigenous people have gathered at this place to hunt bison, for trade, and to hold ceremony. Mr. Speaker, while boulder petroglyphs have been unearthed in this area before, finding four petroglyphs and an accompanying carving tool is extremely rare and very exciting.

How they were found is even more incredible. The fact that they were literally uncovered by the hooves of bison that were recently reintroduced to the area after more than a century and a half is very fitting.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park never fails to create a sense of awe and wonderment. Mr. Speaker, this find is of great cultural, historical, and archeological significance, and we want to congratulate and thank the leadership and staff of Wanuskewin Heritage Park for the excellent work they do and for this new addition to the park. Thank you.

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