'This site has other stories to tell': Sask. man finds ancient bison bone
A community-focused historian has found several potential ancient artifacts along the Saskatchewan River, including a bison bone that is over 8,000 years old.
Dave Rondeau has visited the site north of Prince Albert for years. It piqued his interest as he often saw bones protrude from the land. Recently, he sent one for carbon testing in Ottawa. Results showed it was the shoulder blade of a bison from 8,200 years ago.
Dave Rondeau had this bone carbon tested and found out it was dated back 8,200 years. (Stacey Hein/CTV News)
"That bone sample wasn't even taken from the very bottom paleosol, so this site has other stories to tell," Rondeau told CTV News.
Paleosols - the dark lines in the land - are a strong sign of human habitation, according to Rondeau. He believes the site may have been a bison jump.
The site is also home to many pieces of debitage - the leftover matter from making stone tools and weapons. Rondeau said, after finding numerous traditional Indigenous tools, the next step is involving First Nation peoples.
Sturgeon Lake First Nation band councillor Anita Parenteau is excited to share the history with her community.
"This is proof that we were here, and I can't wait to see what they find," she said.
A spring flood or rain can erode part of the land, and reveal more artifacts, according to archaeologist Gabriel Lamarche.
"Even if there's not an active excavation, there will be ongoing opportunities to see what was going on at that site over time," Lamarche told CTV News.
Rondeau said studying and preserving this site is crucial.
"It could easily be lost, or destroyed. We have to re-examine where we live because once this history is lost, it's gone forever," he said.
A geoarchaeologist from the University of Calgary is expected to assess the site in spring to learn more about the unique landscape.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.