Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains near Fort Macleod in Alberta, Canada. It is a 'buffalo jump' that was used by the Blackfoot peoples up until contact with the Europeans. In case you are not familiar with a buffalo jump, it is a cliff that the people would hear buffalo over in order to process their bodies. This particular jump is no higher than 10 meters at any point. However, it has been reported that up to ten meters of bones have been found at the bottom of the cliff. The buffalo bodies would then be taken and processed after their fall. This particular buffalo jump was used more than 5,500 years ago.

At this particular spot, there is a museum that visitors can explore. It is built into a sandstone wall near the site. Using authentic artifacts, it explains the life and times of the aboriginal population. Many find the interpretative exhibits and information fascinating. It can also help some grasp the breadth of the cultures that have existed in the areas they now live or visit.

It is located in Alberta somewhat near the US and Canada border. Several rock bands have popularized the name in recent songs.