RARE ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIND UNCOVERED

Released on September 26, 2002

A significant archaeological discovery has been made at the future location

of a new St. Louis Bridge southeast of Prince Albert.



Thousands of well-preserved artifacts, animal skulls and bones dating back

8,000 years have been found.



Discovered remains include two extinct species of bison that were much

larger than modern bison. Archaeologists have also found a

campfire/workshop area used by hunters and gatherers who made this site

their home. In comparison, archaeological findings at Wanuskewin Heritage

Park, a popular tourist site near Saskatoon, date back 5,300 years.



"It is a rare opportunity to be involved in such an exciting historical

discovery," Highways and Transportation Minister Mark Wartman said. "The

information gathered near the future St. Louis bridge site has provided new

clues of what life was once like on the Prairies."



Prior to the construction of a new bridge or highway, the department

conducts a heritage impact assessment, required by Saskatchewan Culture,

Youth and Recreation, to determine if any sensitive cultural or heritage

areas will be impacted. It was during this assessment that evidence of a

rare find surfaced in late June. Sufficient time will be provided for

scientists to study the site prior to bridge construction, which could

begin as early as next year.



Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation has been assisting the excavation

by providing funding and equipment.



Saskatchewan Culture, Youth and Recreation's provincial archaeology office

is responsible for identifying and protecting heritage sites. Culture,

Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford says these efforts are paying

off with the St. Louis discovery.



"Each year, through the combined efforts of industry and science, we are

able to peel back layers of time to improve our understanding and

appreciation of the remarkable history of Saskatchewan's First People,"

Crofford said. "Government celebrates this archaeological discovery with

all Saskatchewan First Nations."



Butch Amundson, Senior Archaeologist with Stantec Consulting commissioned

by Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation, calls the St. Louis site one

of the most exciting finds on the northern plains of North America and

expects it will attract attention from archaeologists across North America.



"This dig has been a great success and can be attributed to government,

industry and the academic communities working toward uncovering as much

information as we can about this relatively unknown period of history,"

Amundson said.



The bones and artifacts will be organized and studied at Stantec's

Archaeology Laboratory and the University of Saskatchewan through their

participation in the SCAPE program (Study of Cultural Adaptations in the

Prairie EcoZone).



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For more information visit the Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation

website at: www.highways.gov.sk.ca or contact:



Vanessa Gooliaff Beaupré

Highways and Transportation

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4792

Cell: (306) 536-9692