Saskatchewan Archaeological Society
The Saskatchewan Archaeological Society (SAS), founded in 1963, is one of the most active and effective volunteer-based archaeological organizations on the continent. We educate the public, promote research and advocate for heritage preservation and protection. Our members include professional archaeologists, avocational archaeologists and members of the general public that are curious about our province's first peoples and other cultures.
What does the SAS do?
- Offers all ages fieldschools, hands-on workshops, annual meeting and conference, annual bus tour, special tours and regional chapters across the province.
- Offers teaching and educational resources such as artefact replicas, "archaeo-kits", "Kiwetinohk"
- travelling rock art exhibit, videos, an extensive library of books, journals, theses, maps and photos, a quaterly newsletter on archaeology, history, natural history, geology and palaeontology news and publications for sale.
- Provides funding to individuals or groups for research projects and the annual Zenon Pohorecky Memorial Bursary to university students.
How do I join?
Contact the SAS!
#1-1730 Quebec Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9
Ph: (306) 664-4124
Fax: (306) 665-1928
Email: saskarchsoc@sasktel.net
Web: www.saskarchsoc.ca
During 2013, the SAS celebrated its 50th Anniversary of the Annual Gathering and are placing a number of geocaches at archaeological and historically significant sites throughout the province.
SAS #27: Wood Mountain – Fort Qu’Appelle Trail
The Wood Mountain-Fort Qu’Appelle trail was over 250km long, beginning in Wood Mountain, it ran east to Willow Bunch, over the Dirt Hills to the northeast towards Moose Jaw and over the Moose Jaw and Wascana Creeks and finally ended at Fort Qu’Appelle.
The trail linked Métis settlements at both ends along with providing the North West Mounted Police a route into the territory around Wood Mountain from the depot in Regina. The trail also acted as a provisional supply route linking Hudson’s Bay Company posts along it and was used by Lebret missionaries to access Métis settlements. Perhaps its best claim to fame is that it was purportedly used by Chief Sitting Bull and his followers as they sought refuge from the United States after the Battle of Little Big Horn during the late 19th Century.
NWMP Lancer c. 1870s by Henri Julien
Reference:
Weber, Bob
1998 Saskatchewan History Along the Highway: A Traveler’s Guide to the Fascinating Facts, Intriguing Incidents and Lively Legends in Saskatchewan’s Past. Red Deer College Press: Red Deer, AB.