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Path to the Buffalo Jump
As you approach the buffalo jump, observe the steep cliff and the drive lines crafted by the Blackfoot people. These natural and stone pathways were designed to guide buffalo herds toward the edge, where they would fall and be harvested. This strategic method of hunting allowed the Blackfoot to efficiently gather vital resources from the buffalo.
Buffalo jumps were central to the Blackfoot way of life, reflecting their deep knowledge of the land and animal behavior. This site was used to secure large numbers of buffalo, providing essential meat, hides, and tools. The buffalo jump stands as a testament to the Blackfoot's ingenuity and their close relationship with the natural world.
Buffalo Jump 'Piskun'
As you stand atop this buffalo jump at Blackfoot Crossing, look out over the valley where the Blackfoot once skillfully directed hundreds of buffalo over the edge. During a successful hunt, up to 1,000 buffalo might be driven off the cliff, where they would fall into the valley below. This scene was crucial for the Blackfoot, who relied on the buffalo for food, clothing, and tools.
At the bottom of the jump, hunters dispatched any surviving buffalo using bows, arrows, and spears. The remains enriched the soil, creating a fertile ecosystem where diverse plant life thrives today. This abundance of vegetation is a testament to the buffalo's lasting impact on the land and the ingenuity of the Blackfoot people.