According to First Nation oral traditions, people have camped along the Milk River for thousands of years. This is supported by the archaeological evidence.
Since the 1960s, most of Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai'pi has been surveyed for archaeological sites. A number of sites have been excavated. More than eighty archaeological sites have been identified
Archaeological studies from the prairies around Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai'pi show that people have lived here for at least 10,000 years. The earliest archaeological evidence from Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai'pi itself is 3,500 to 4,500 years old. The majority of archaeological evidence here dates from 1,750 years ago until the recent past.
Archaeological artifacts reveal information about Blackfoot history, relationships with neighbours and development of new ways of life.
Recent research projects at Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai'pi include
Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai'pi is found in the centre of Nitawahsin - known as original land. For more Blackfoot terms, please refer to the Blackfoot glossary.
The Blackfoot People (or Niitsítapi) inhabit Nitawahsin. The four Blackfoot tribes are the
People from many other First Nations have visited Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai'pi but the Blackfoot know this place best.
Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai'pi was an important destination on the Blackfoot seasonal round - the annual movement of people across the land. The Blackfoot were intimately familiar with the land and the seasons. Small groups frequently moved their camps to
The Blackfoot often camped along the Milk River. Wood, water and shelter were found in the deep coulees. Game and berries were plentiful.
