Potential strengths of the local
archaeological record
• A long and very rich record dating back almost 12,000 years
• A unique record of ancient developments including eviŽdence of
continental-wide trade networks, pre-European Native agriculture and a
deep tradition of innovation, adapŽtation, and interaction of many
groups
• One of the densest areas of archaeological sites in Manitoba
occurs south of Melita, along the Souris River near the junctures of
the Gainsborough Creek and Antler River
• Location of four sites selected for the Manitoba Archaeological
Society (MAS) poster Ancient Archaeological Heritage Sites in Manitoba,
showcasing outstanding heritage sites in the Province
A number of sites with visible surface exposure, e.g. tipi rings,
including the largest tipi ring site, medicine wheel, mounds, and bison
drive, one of only a couple of sites with bison drive lanes and the
largest cluster of stone features in the Province
• Nearby proximity to two major landforms, e.g., Turtle Mountain with
its forest resources including, until the fur trade era, the largest
concentration of the now extinct Plains Grizzly and its rich sacred
role for First Nations; and the Lauder Sand Hills with its unique
microenvironment of treed sand dunes and ponds as an animal rich
"island" in the grasslands
• Location of two of a handful of National Historic Sites in the
Province, e.g., Indian Villages National Historic Site of Canada,
Brockinton Site and the Linear Mounds National Historic Site of Canada
(LMNHSC)
• Location of one of the national historic sites in the Province
for which there is a commitment to develop a national plan
• The densest concentration of burial mound construction in Canada
• Large numbers of local collections with wide varieties of
artifacts for
interpretation and exhibits
Potential contributions of the local archaeological
record
• Provides insights into the ancient and not so ancient heritage of
First Nations, Metis, Fur Traders and Settlers
• Provides evidence of outstanding accomplishments of First Nations
before the Fur Trade
• Provides opportunity for First Nations to learn a rich part of their
heritage and to develop greater pride in their heritage
• Provides, in consultation with the First Nations and the Metis
Nation, opportunities to present insights into their rich traditional
heritage
• Provides a new perspective on history and heritage dating throughout
several thousand years rather than a record of only a few hundred years
based on European involvement
•
Provides general and locally relevant information to enhance school
curriculum development and the teaching of topics relating to ancient
history and the traditional lifeways of First Nations, e.g. Grade 5
History
• Provides a richer and much longer history of the area for the
enjoyment of local people, i.e., 11,500 years
• Provides the potential for enhanced tourism development for local
economic
development
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