Writing On Stone Provincial Park
Range Rd 130A Milk River T0K 1M0 Milk River, AB, Canada

Reaching lengths of 5-6 feet, the bull snake is the largest species of snakes found at Writing-on-Stone/ Áísínai’pi. It is a non-venomous constrictor, meaning it kills its prey by giving them a ‘big hug.’ Snakes play an essential role in the health of our eco-systems, as they control rodent populations and are a food source to other animals.

Have you ever seen the unique clay mounds at Writing-on-Stone/ Áísínai’pi? Known as Spirit Lodges, these are considered to be the sacred homes of the spirits that inhabit the area. This depicts two Blackfoot members and their visit to this site in 1924.

To survive the harsh conditions of winter, snakes hibernate in dens called hibernaculas. Snakes are cold-blooded or ectotherms, meaning their body temperature is regulated by the environment. As fall temperatures cause the snakes to have low mobility, they begin their migration back to their hibernaculas where they den communally with many other rattlesnakes. Please don’t run over snakes when they’re sunning themselves on the roads this September this is one of the best ways we can help our snakes thrive!

Attention Canoeists, Kayakers, and Milk River Users: Due to an upstream infrastructure failure in Montana, USA, river levels are not sufficient for canoeing and kayaking. Click on the link below or call 403-647-2364 for more information. https://albertaparks.ca//s/writing-on-stone-pp/advisories/

The Common Annual Sunflower can be found at our park from July to September. Traditionally, the Blackfoot ate the seeds raw, and also extracted oil from the seeds to be used as a face lubricant and a hair conditioner.

On September 14, 1924, three Blackfoot elders from Montana journeyed to Writing-on-Stone where they hadnt been able to visit for many years due to the reserve systems enacted . This day marks the anniversary of the elder Bird Rattle carving his journey back to Writing-On-Stone upon the rock face. His rock art is the newest confirmed, authentic addition to our petroglyphs in the park!

This September, our campground offers both first-come, first-served campsites AND reservable sites. If you see a post with the red R on it - it is a reservable site and you must check availability of that site on Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca or with staff at the Visitor Centre. Happy Camping!

Rats! Bushy Tailed Woodrats, or more commonly known as packrats, can be found at Writing-on-Stone/ Aisinaipi! They are nicknamed packrats as these small critters love to collect and hoard things; they are especially drawn to shiny objects! Packrat dens can be very useful to determine how the environment has changed, as their collections, called middens, can be very old!

When walking our trails, you may have wondered why there are so many holes in our hoodoo formations. These holes are called tafoni; they are created over time by wind erosion and freeze-thaw cycles. Some of the holes are also created from the erosion of iron stone out of the rock. These are pieces of iron that were created from decomposing plant matter during the inland sea that occupied this area.

Robert Nathaniel Wilson joined the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) in 1881 and was stationed at many forts throughout southern Alberta during his NWMP career. Wilson came to Writing-on-Stone in 1893 and in 1897 to take several photos of the rock art panels. These are considered some of the oldest photos of our rock art collection.

If you have visited our site recently you may have noticed the influx of wasps! This is because, by late August, wasp nests have large numbers of workers that are no longer raising larvae. Due to their constricted waistlines, wasps have a hard time digesting larger foods. The workers will bring back protein to the larvae to eat, and in return, the larvae produce sugary spit to feed to the workers. With no larvae to feed, the worker wasps are hungry! That is why they are attracted to our sugar-rich foods and drinks that they can find easily at campsites. To limit the number of wasps at your site, cover up your sugary drinks, dont dispose of drink and food waste on the camp site, and use the proper garbage and recycling receptacles available.

Did you know the Blackfoot had over 200 traditional uses for the bison? From meat, to tipi canvas, to spoons and water flasks the muscle, hide, bones and organs were all used. Bison (iin in Blackfoot) once called snaipi and the surrounding landscape home.

Silver Sagebrush/kaksimiis is a perennial aromatic shrub native to the Prairie Grasslands. It provides habitat for wildlife including the Sage Grouse. Traditionally, sage has been used by the Blackfoot people as a medicine/saaam and for ceremonial purposes.

T.A. (Thomas) Dickson was a NWMP corporal at Writing-on-Stone from 1890-1897. Dickson was most well known for his marksmanship, having won a competition in Regina in 1896. After leaving Writing-on-Stone, Dickson was stationed in the Yukon during the gold rush and became one if the first big game hunting guides in the Yukon.

Did you know that Writing-on-Stone/ snaipi is home to the Showy Milkweed plant? Monarch Butterflies lay their eggs on it. Once the eggs have hatched, the larvae feed exclusively on the Milkweed. Showy Milkweed has been used by many different cultures for medicinal purposes, however only in small amounts as large dosages can be poisonous. The Monarch Butterfly larva develops a defensive mechanism from the milkweed poison, which deters predators.

Yellow-bellied Marmots bask in the morning sun on top of the hoodoos. They retreat to their burrows to take refuge from the unforgiving Southern Albertan afternoon sun. Marmots live in colonies, where each adult maintains their own burrow. Their social status can be determined by identifying the burrow closest to the colony centre; this marks their high status in society.

Carving into or writing on the rocks at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is illegal. Names, symbols or other images created are sometimes done right overtop of indigenous rock art and damages the rocks themselves. Help us protect our precious resources by reporting acts of vandalism or graffiti.

Oki means Hello or greetings. Did you know the Blackfoot language is only spoken fluently by about 1000 people that learnt it from birth?

The prairies surrounding Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park are home to the Pronghorn (commonly, but mistakenly, called an antelope). The pronghorn is the fastest land mammal in North America reaching speeds of up to 100km/hr it is the second fastest in the world, second only to the cheetah.

#DYK? A study of the Milk River traced the largest source of fecal coliform in the river to birds. Read more about this study on the Milk River Watershed page: http://mrwcc.ca//Note_7-Fecal_Source_Tracking_Research__Sc

The Blackfoot Confederacy is made up of four tribes Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, and Amskapi Piikani south of the border. The Canada/USA border slices right through traditional Blackfoot territory. In the USA, the Blackfoot people are called Blackfeet.

Have you ever wondered why our staff ask you to stay on trail? Staying on the trail in provincial parks is essential to protect the landscape and wildlife habitats. When people go off trail, plants can be damaged and sometimes cant regrow. Another reason to stay on trail is for your safety! Cacti may be pretty but it can hurt if you step or fall on them.

River Update: River levels are very low and are not suitable for kayaking or canoeing. Because of the low river levels and high temperatures, there is a high chance of elevated fecal coliforms in the river please use at your own risk. For more information: https://albertaparks.ca//s/writing-on-stone-pp/advisories/

To the south of Writing-on-Stone/ snaipi there is a great view of Katoyissiiksi, also known as the Sweet Grass Hills. Did you know this was actually a mistranslation? In the Blackfoot language they are known as the Sweet Pine Hills, as sweet pine trees grow in the hills.

Although our camping season is limited this year, that doesnt mean our park is empty! There are many animals that call our park home year-round and often pop by our facilities, much like this mule deer family. Please be respectful of all wildlife and keep a safe distance.

Hoo-doo you love? The hoodoos! Although exploring the hoodoos may be fun, please be careful: Hoodoos are made up of sandstone and easily break apart making it dangerous for both you and our beautiful rocks. These rock formations are called Matipiks by the Blackfoot people and are considered sacred beings. Please be respectful as you explore these unique features and keep their importance in mind to protect them for future generations.

Did you know that 60-100% of the water that runs through the Milk River is actually from the St. Marys river? Or that the Milk River drains to the gulf of Mexico? The Milk River plays a very important part in the river systems of Canada and the United States and is home to a variety of species including the Stone-Cat Catfish.

Did you know pets must be on a leash at all times while in a provincial park? Your furry family members are welcome at Writing-on-Stone / snaipi but please keep them on a 6 foot leash to keep them and wildlife safe! Rattlesnakes like to hide under bushes and in tall grasses and can feel threatened when dogs start sniffing nearby. To prevent your dog from being bitten, keep them on a short leash and be aware of your surroundings.

Did you know you can spend #ParksDay in the newest UNESCO World Heritage Site?

The North West Mounted Police post was built in 1889 and in use until it burned down in 1918. The area remained untouched for many years. Archaeological excavations occurred in 1973 and a replica post was built in 1975. This post is located in a restricted access area of the park to protect it and special habitats that surround it.

Linum lewisii also known as wild blue flax is an aapistsisskitsi nin (flower in Blackfoot) that adds a splash of colour to the landscape of Writing-on-Stone / snaipi. Blooming in the late spring and early summer, this flower is named after Meriweather Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The Milk River that runs through Writing-on-Stone / snaipi was also named by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, as the explorers thought it looked like a cup of tea with milk in it.

Were running tours again at Writing-on-Stone/snaipi! Join a Park Interpreter for a 1.5 hr program in the Archaeological Preserve. This tour offers an up-close, personal look at the Rock Art (petroglyphs and pictographs) found at Writing-on-Stone/snaipi, Albertas newest UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to COVID-19 we have limited space available, so reserve your tickets here: https://albertaparks.ca//public-tours-progra/booking-info/

Writing-on-Stone/ snaipi became a Provincial Park in 1957. Parks play an important role in contributing to human health and well-being while protecting important cultural and ecological resources. This Saturday, July 18, is Parks Day; celebrate by visiting a park near you!

One year ago today, Writing-on-Stone / snaipi became a UNESCO World Heritage Site! To recognize this special day, we are sharing a few photos taken here and in Baku, Azerbaijan where the designation was conferred! As a World Heritage Site, Writing-on-Stone / snaipi commemorates the continuing connection that the Blackfoot and other Indigenous Peoples have with this sacred cultural landscape, and of the important role we all must play to protect it for future generatio...ns. Check out the following links to learn more about the outstanding universal value of Canadas 20th World Heritage Site! https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1597/ https://albertaparks.ca//park-/world-heritage-designation/ https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/culture/spm-whs/sites-canada/sec02t Many of you have formed your own special connection with this incredible place. Share this post and a memory for others to enjoy!

New job posting for Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park! Details below.

As National Indigenous Peoples Day comes to an end and the Natoosi (sun) sets, other important beings arrive in the night sky. The Kokomi-kisomm (moon), rises in the sky with the stars. There are many teachings that come from the stars, as taught by the Blackfoot elders. One of these stories is about a very unique constellation called Ihkitsikammiksi, known to many as the Big Dipper. This constellation, visible from the park year-round, represents importance of teachings and cultural traditions and the passing of them from generation to generation. If traditions are not shared, celebrated or passed on, they will eventually be lost. Its important to remember the history and share the stories of our lives and of our ancestors, to keep memories alive.

Writing-on-Stone/snaipi is a living cultural site; Indigenous Peoples continue to practice their traditional heritage here. Indigenous Peoples leave traditional offerings (Ikkitsstakkssin) when they wish to give back to the spirit beings that exist here. An offering can take many forms, but are always bio-degradable materials that will eventually return to the earth. If you encounter one of these offerings within the park, please leave it undisturbed. You are welcome to report it to staff, but we wish to preserve the living cultural heritage of the Niitsitapi who visit.

Writing-on-Stone is known as snaipi in the language of the Blackfoot people. When translated to English, it means the markings or drawings on the stone. The Blackfoot language was not a written language; they used oral traditions and drawn symbols to pass on histories and stories. snaipi holds many records of these histories in the petroglyphs (carvings) and pictographs (paintings) found within the park. Elders have passed on stories for generations to help us learn and remember the meanings of the symbols found at snaipi.

Cultures all over the world have rich traditions, customs and protocols. In the Blackfoot culture, a lodge, commonly referred to as a tipi or moo-yis, was a place of residence and of ceremony. The main structure of a traditional Blackfoot lodge has four main poles. It is protocol for the owner of the lodge or the eldest of the group to be seated opposite the door with women to the left and men to the right. What traditions or customs do you have at your home?

In recognition of the vast historical and spiritual significance of Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, the site was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site on July 6th, 2019. Writing-on-Stone/ snaipi is a living cultural landscape that represents the combined works of nature and of man. It is still used today for indigenous traditions and ceremony and remains an integral part of the Blackfoot culture.

In traditional Blackfoot culture, the entrance to a lodge or tipi faces east, to greet the rising sun at dawn. As we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, take time to reflect on lessons the Natoosi (sun/leader) shares with us. Natoosi rises everyday without fail. It rises no matter what happened the day before and starts this one anew. It warms the earth with its strong glow. It provides energy for earths inhabitants. When was the last time you watched the sun rise?

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day to celebrate First Nations, Inuit and Metis cultures. Writing-on-Stone/ snaipi, is located in the heart of traditional Blackfoot territory and is considered a very sacred site. Tune in here, tomorrow, to learn more as we share some Blackfoot cultural teachings in honour of this special day.