The unusual landforms of Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai'pi resulted from the dynamic interaction of geology, climate and time. The sedimentary rocks exposed in the Milk River valley were formed 85 million years ago at the edge of a great inland sea. Huge volumes of meltwater began eroding the soft sandstone after the last ice age. This is how the coulees and hoodoos you see today were formed. The unique habitat created is suitable to many diverse species not typically found in surrounding areas. Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai'pi is located in the heart of Traditional Blackfoot Territory, along the Milk River Valley in Southern Alberta, Canada.
In Blackfoot traditions, the world around us is the work of Náápi who gained his powers from the Creator. Náápi did a wonderful job making the land. Special places like Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai'pi are here for a reason. This is where significant things happened to the ancestors of the Blackfoot. This is where the ancient stories took place.
Prairie settlement has taken place on the lands surrounding Writing-on-Stone over the past 150 years. Today, a rural community sustained by ranching and farming exists. Many local families have close connections to the early settlers of the area, including the North-West Mounted Police. The local community was instrumental in the formation of Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park in 1957. Close working relationships between the park and community members are key to the long term protection of Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai'pi.
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