Abstract ID: 3.11763 | Accepted as Poster | Talk | TBA | TBA

This project brings together tribal members and archaeologists, to explore a culturally significant landscape in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, aiming to tell the history of the area through both scientific data and oral traditions. The research focuses on an enormous communal hunting complex that includes a diverse range of cultural, residential, ceremonial, and food procurement components. The primary goal is to record the material culture in the area, systematically document its history and oral histories. The project employs a variety of methods including surveys, field schools, and ongoing collaboration between tribal members and scientific researchers. OSL (Optically Stimulated Luminescence) samples have been collected around the complex and compared with other regional sites to help refine the chronology of buffalo jumping in the area. Preliminary findings suggest that this buffalo jump may challenge the generally accepted timeline of buffalo jump usage in North America. The project is still in its discovery phase, cultural guidance and scientific documentation concludes multiple tribal groups utilized this hunting complex as part of their migratory routes. Future goals include further exploration of the landscape, mapping its features, and establishing geographic boundaries, and nomination to the National Register for Historic Places to ensure its protection.