David Munro adjusts his Tilley hat as he points to a turtle carved on the ancient rock face at the St. Victor Petroglyphs in Saskatchewan. A group of curious onlookers gathers around him as dusk falls over the site. Munro leads a special tour of the Indigenous rock art site, revealing hundreds of mysterious lines and symbols etched into the weathered rock.
Recent carbon dating results from archaeological deposits collected beneath the site suggest human activity at the location dates back over 2,000 years. Archaeologist Tim Jones, who conducted the original excavation in 1990, explains that the carbon dating of bone samples from the site indicates human use as far back as 2,100 years ago.
The St. Victor Petroglyphs boast the largest collection of rock art in Saskatchewan, with over 360 carvings adorning the rock face. Jones emphasizes the significance of the site in preserving the province’s heritage.
As president of the Friends of the St. Victor Petroglyphs Cooperative Ltd., Munro has been instrumental in protecting and promoting the site for decades. Surprised by the carbon dating results dating human activity to 900 AD and 120 BC, Munro plans to continue exploring the site’s history with further testing.
Munro highlights the nomadic lifestyle of the Indigenous people who frequented the area, following seasonal patterns and hunting bison. While thrilled with the recent findings, he expresses concerns about the site’s deterioration due to environmental factors.
Karin Steuber, executive director of the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society, lauds the research at the St. Victor site as a significant milestone in understanding the region’s history. She commends the efforts of the Friends of St. Victor Petroglyphs in uncovering the province’s rich human history.
The St. Victor Petroglyphs serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring connection between Indigenous communities and the landscapes of southern Saskatchewan. Understanding the past, Steuber notes, offers valuable insights into present-day living and emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship for the future.