Mayor Murdock has mentioned the value of tourism, but not much detail was given. There is, however, a long-overdue need to chronicle the overall story of one of the most significant historic area sites in Saskatchewan.
The effort may be challenging, but the results will be valuable immediately and for years.
The historic chronicle must proceed forth because project objectives and designs come first, and the effect on the sites comes last, “to be done with as little effect as possible.” The problem is that each project's “little effect” adds up to the point where destruction becomes the norm and irreplaceable historic sites are lost forever.
With the 9th Avenue Southwest. project, we are apparently witnessing the destruction of one “historic site” to cover up another “historic site.” You cannot destroy and preserve at the same time.
This repair was designed and presented at an “open house” one-on-one format rather than having “town hall” meetings before designing the repairs so that citizens could come together to discuss their thoughts and contribute ideas. The process must ensure that all citizens can be informed about the overall reasons for the 9th Avenue Southwest repairs and the present- to long-term consequences.
Were other repair options considered? Why was the “curve” there in the first place?
Valleyview Drive slumping is much more complex to stabilize, but it was stabilized without ripping the area apart. The engineer for that project is employed by the city. Was he contacted? What are shear keys?
The archaeologist was excited by the findings at the 9th Avenue Southwest repair site. Did they check the Wakamow Master Plan, Kit Krozier’s months of findings, the public library, the conservation study, Connor Park and many other sources of information?
We must understand that First Nations Peoples found a place to live. Their dwellings were the homes of the times, and historic artifacts are part of those homes.
The location of buried First Nations children raises questions about burial sites. The 9th Avenue Southwest project’s comments state that no gravesites, despite allegations, have been found. Perhaps these allegations are correct because other roadbuilding may have destroyed gravesites.
Apparently, a First Nations-approved person is not in place as an empowered overseer to guide and keep the historical facts upfront during the repairs.
There are more projects being floated, slopes to be slumped, and historical evidence to be erased — it must be stopped.
To compile the story of this area, the following list may assist:
- Mesozoic to Paleocene, inland sea, Wyoming volcanic action, Bear Paw shale, Plesiosaurs, ammonites, cretaceans, glaciations, moraine, last glaciation runoff and results, human habitation, ancient trails, peace and trade, Little Big Horn and witness Wanbil Sunpagewin, Wood Mountain – Wakamow Lakota, Snowdy Spring and nearby occupation, tee pee rings, buffalo jump, Wakamow Master Plan, Kit Krozier, Leith Knight, Don Mitchell re: gravesites, detrimental activity, Susan Richard Study, 538.06-metre elevation, records in books and articles.
The historic facts of this area are beyond expectation; it is here, and it must be completed for all to see.
Percy Hill
