Archaeological Resources

Are you curious about artifacts and archaeological sites in the province of Saskatchewan?  Do you have questions about what to do if you think you have found a site or an artifact?  The following may be of use. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us or check out our FAQs!

  • Archaeological Resource Management at the Heritage Conservation Branch — This is the official repository for archaeological heritage in the province of Saskatchewan. It has the legal mandate to manage the province’s archaeological and historical sites and resources. For information concerning the law as it pertains to Saskatchewan archaeology and heritage view the Heritage Property Act.

  • Archaeological Society of AlbertaThe Archaeological Society of Alberta enhances the public’s understanding of Alberta’s archaeological resources and instills an appreciation of our collective past.

  • Canadian Archaeological AssociationThe Canadian Archaeological Association is the national archaeological organization in Canada. It promotes the dissemination of archaeological knowledge in Canada through publications, a website, and an annual conference. The Association collaborates with federal, provincial/territorial, and First Nations governments, as well as other relevant organizations.

  • Canadian Museum of HistoryWith roots stretching back to 1856, the Canadian Museum of History is one of Canada’s oldest public institutions and a respected centre of museological excellence, sharing its expertise in history, archaeology, ethnology and cultural studies both within Canada and abroad.

  • Canadian Parks and Wilderness SocietyThe goal of CPAWS is to protect the ecological health of Canada’s biodiversity and wilderness.
    Click for information specific to Saskatchewan

  • Gabriel Dumont InstituteSaskatchewan Institute assisting in Metis Training, Education and Employment. GDI is a Saskatchewan-based educational, employment and cultural institute serving Métis across the province.

  • Heritage SaskatchewanHeritage Saskatchewan is the collective voice of all those who value heritage in Saskatchewan. As knowledge-brokers and pathfinders, we seek to raise awareness of Living Heritage.

  • Ancient Echoes Interpretive CentreLocated three kilometres west of Herschel, the centre has displays of archaeology and natural history of the area. With prior contact with the Centre, you may arrange a tour to view a number of tipi circles and 3 boulders bearing petroglyphs. While in the area you may also wish to view a paleontology site of two plesiosaurs in Coal Mine Ravine. The latter tour is often offered only in June. Call (306) 377-2045.

  • Looking for AiktowA Facebook page for Joan Soggie’s book about the history of the Elbow region in Saskatchewan. Includes a discussion on Mistaseni.

  • Manitoba Archaeological SocietyThe Manitoba Archaeological Society was established in 1961 by a group of individuals concerned with the preservation of Manitoba’s archaeological resources.

  • Museums Association of SaskatchewanThe Museums Association of Saskatchewan (MAS) is a non-profit, collective organization of over 250 member museums and a total membership of over 400, including individuals and associates. MAS strengthens Saskatchewan museums through community leadership, building capacity, and acting as the collective voice for our members.

  • Nature SaskatchewanThis organization has, like the SAS, the capacity to enter into Conservation Easements with landowners to protect sites of natural or heritage significance. This link takes you to their page dealing with Conservation Easements.
  • Notukeu Heritage MuseumHouses very extensive displays of prehistoric artifacts from the region. Explanations and descriptions of experimental archaeological techniques carried out by the late Henri Liboiron. Phone (306) 625-3340

  • Ontario Archaeological SocietyThe Ontario Archaeological Society promotes the ethical practice of archaeology in the Province of Ontario and beyond.

  • Royal Saskatchewan Museum, First Nations Gallery Houses the most comprehensive chronologically assembled display of Aboriginal prehistoric and contact-period artifacts and cultural heritage in Saskatchewan. Phone (306) 787-2815

  • Saskatchewan Association of Professional ArchaeologistsSAPA is the professional archaeologists chapter of the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society.

  • Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural CentreThe Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre has served First Nations people since 1972.  It was the first First Nations controlled educational institution serving at the provincial level.  The Centre strives to maintain the cultural identity of First Nations cultures who inhabit what is now known as Saskatchewan: Plains Cree, Swampy Cree, Woodlands Cree, Dene, Nahkawe (Saulteaux), Dakota, Nakota and Lakota.

  • Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation — The Saskatchewan Archaeological Society receives the majority of its funding from the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund. Click to learn more about the lotteries system and the financial support that they provide.

  • SaskCultureThe umbrella organization for 30 Saskatchewan Provincial Cultural Organizations receiving financial support from the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation, and other organizations and individuals involved in cultural activities.

  • St. Victor Petroglyphs Provincial Historic ParkLocated near the village of  St. Victor village, the largest petroglyph (rock carving) site in Saskatchewan may be viewed from behind chain-link fence. Phone (306) 642-4386 or 642-4016 for tour schedule.
  • Tourism SaskatchewanThe official website for tourism in Saskatchewan. Provides a complete online searchable database of Saskatchewan attractions, historical sites, accommodations, events, parks and much more.

  • University of Saskatchewan, Department of Anthropology — The province’s post-secondary educational institution which presents training up to and including the Master of Arts in Archaeology or Anthropology. Useful links to other archaeology-content sites are accessed through this site.

  • Virtual SaskatchewanAn online magazine containing many interesting articles on various aspects of Saskatchewan natural history, history and archaeology. The site has articles on northern Saskatchewan rock paintings, the St. Victor Petroglyphs, and Saskatchewan boulder configurations.

  • Wanuskewin Heritage ParkSeven kilometres north of Saskatoon. This ‘flagship’ First Nations’ Museum offers interactive displays, audio-visual interpretation, and celebration of the seven First Nations of the Northern Plains. Archaeology displays, and walking tours in a natural setting bring prehistory to you. Archaeological excavations give visitors a view into the past. Phone (306) 931-6767

  • Archaeology of TeethThis link talks about dental bioarchaeology from Dental One Associates.  Includes additional bioarchaeology and dental archaeology links to recent research.  Thanks to Peyton E. for suggesting this link!

  • Ancient CraftLearn about how tools were made in the past.

  • Pueblo Indian History for KidsFrom the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in Colorado.

  • A Journey to a New LandFrom Simon Fraser University, a site dedicated to the peopling of the Americas.

  • ICOMOS Heritage AlertsWebsite that lists alerts to heritage sites around the globe.

  • Canada’s History for YouthCanada’s History page for kids and for those interested in Kayak magazine.

  • BBC History for KidsEnter ancient worlds, meet famous people and discover fascinating facts by exploring a wide selection of historical games and activities.

  • Saskatchewan Heritage FairsWebsite by Heritage Saskatchewan with information on provincial and regional heritage fairs held annually across the province.

Provincial Resources

  • Archaeological Resource Management at the Heritage Conservation Branch — This is the official repository for archaeological heritage in the province of Saskatchewan. It has the legal mandate to manage the province’s archaeological and historical sites and resources. For information concerning the law as it pertains to Saskatchewan archaeology and heritage view the Heritage Property Act.
  • Archaeological Society of Alberta
  • Canadian Archaeological Association
  • Canadian Museum of History
  • Canadian Parks and Wilderness SocietyThe goal of CPAWS is to protect the ecological health of Canada’s biodiversity and wilderness. Click for information specific to Saskatchewan Click for information specific to Manitoba
  • Gabriel Dumont InstituteSaskatchewan Institute assisting in Metis Training, Education and Employment. GDI is a Saskatchewan-based educational, employment and cultural institute serving Métis across the province.
  • Heritage SaskatchewanHeritage Saskatchewan is the collective voice of all those who value heritage in Saskatchewan. As knowledge-brokers and pathfinders, we seek to raise awareness of Living Heritage.
  • Herschel Petroglyphs Municipal Heritage Site Located three kilometres west of Herschel, Ancient Echoes Interpretive Centre has displays of archaeology and natural history of the area. With prior contact with the Centre, you may arrange a tour to view a number of tipi circles and 3 boulders bearing petroglyphs. While in the area you may also wish to view a paleontology site of two plesiosaurs in Coal Mine Ravine. The latter tour is often offered only in June. Call (306) 377-2045.
  • Looking for AiktowA Facebook page for Joan Soggie’s new book about the history of the Elbow region in Saskatchewan. Includes a discussion on Mistaseni.
  • Manitoba Archaeological Society
  • Museums Association of Saskatchewan
  • Nature SaskatchewanThis organization has, like the SAS, the capacity to enter into Conservation Easements with landowners to protect sites of natural or heritage significance. This link takes you to their page dealing with Conservation Easements.
  • Notukeu Heritage MuseumHouses very extensive displays of prehistoric artifacts from the region. Explanations and descriptions of experimental archaeological techniques carried out by the late Henri Liboiron. Phone (306) 625-3340
  • Ontario Archaeological Society
  • Royal Saskatchewan Museum, First Nations Gallery, Regina. Houses the most comprehensive chronologically assembled display of Aboriginal prehistoric and contact-period artifacts and cultural heritage in Saskatchewan. Phone (306) 787-2815
  • Saskatchewan Association of Professional ArchaeologistsSAPA is the professional archaeologists chapter of the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society.
  • Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural CentreThe Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre has served First Nations people since 1972.  It was the first First Nations controlled educational institution serving at the provincial level.  The Centre strives to maintain the cultural identity of First Nations cultures who inhabit what is now known as Saskatchewan: Plains Cree, Swampy Cree, Woodlands Cree, Dene, Nahkawe (Saulteaux), Dakota, Nakota and Lakota.
  • Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation — The Saskatchewan Archaeological Society receives the majority of its funding from the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund. Click to learn more about the lotteries system and the financial support that they provide.
  • Saskatoon Archaeological Society – Established in 1935, this chapter of the SAS is one of the oldest continually operating societies of its kind in North America.
  • SaskCulture, Inc.The umbrella organization for 30 Saskatchewan Provincial Cultural Organizations receiving financial support from the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation, and other organizations and individuals involved in cultural activities.
  • St. Victor Petroglyphs Provincial Historic ParkLocated near the village of  St. Victor village, the largest petroglyph (rock carving) site in Saskatchewan may be viewed from behind chain-link fence. Phone (306) 642-4386 or 642-4016 for tour schedule.
  • Tourism SaskatchewanThe official website for tourism in Saskatchewan. Provides a complete online searchable database of Saskatchewan attractions, historical sites, accommodations, events, parks and much more.
  • University of Saskatchewan, Department of Archaeology and AnthropologyThe province’s post-secondary educational institution which presents training up to and including the Master of Arts level in physical anthropology and archaeology. Useful links to other archaeology-content sites are accessed through this site.
  • Virtual SaskatchewanAn online magazine containing many interesting articles on various aspects of Saskatchewan natural history, history and archaeology. The site has articles on northern Saskatchewan rock paintings, the St. Victor Petroglyphs, and Saskatchewan boulder configurations.
  • Wanuskewin Heritage ParkSeven kilometres north of Saskatoon. This ‘flagship’ First Nations’ Museum offers interactive displays, audio-visual interpretation, and celebration of the seven First Nations of the Northern Plains. Archaeology displays, and walking tours in a natural setting bring prehistory to you. Archaeological excavations give visitors a view into the past. Phone (306) 931-6767

Youth Resources

  • Archaeology of TeethThis link talks about dental bioarchaeology from Dental One Associates.  Includes additional bioarchaeology and dental archaeology links to recent research.  Thanks to Peyton E. for suggesting this link!
  • SFU Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology Young Adventurers  — The young adventurers’ page is hosted by the Simon Fraser University’s Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. This site contains links to ancient Egypt, virtual museum exhibits and more.
  • Ancient Craft Learn about how tools were made in the past.
  • Pueblo Indian History for KidsFrom the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in Colorado.
  • A Journey to a New Land — From Simon Fraser University, a site dedicated to the peopling of the Americas.
  • SunWatch Village GameFrom  SunWatch Archaeological Park in Ohio.
  • Dig into HistoryA magazine for children aged 9-14 who are interested in archaeology and history.
  • World Heritage AlertWebsite that lists alerts to heritage sites around the globe.
  • Canada’s History for KidsCanada’s History page for kids and for those interested in Kayak magazine.
  • BBC History for KidsEnter ancient worlds, meet famous people and discover fascinating facts by exploring a wide selection of historical games and activities.
  • Saskatchewan Heritage FairsWebsite by Heritage Saskatchewan with information on provincial and regional heritage fairs held annually across the province.