Fans of The Pitt… you might be familiar with this one.
Throughout the popular TV show, the main character, Michael ‘Robby’ Robinavitch, makes multiple mentions of a trip to Alberta he’s planning. After his terrible, no-good, ER shift, he’s planning to hop on his bike and travel up from Pittsburgh to a well-known Alberta area for his sabbatical. This trip is to a historical UNESCO heritage site, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
The history of this UNESCO site
This museum of Blackfoot culture is over 6,000 years old. It’s now considered a UNESCO-designated world heritage site to preserve its history.
If you aren’t familiar, the Blackfoot were fierce and successful warriors, controlling a vast region stretching from the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta to the Yellowstone River of Montana, as well as the Rocky Mountains to the Cypress Hills on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border.
Curious about the name? Well, it’s more straightforward than you’d think. Blackfoot people would use a buffalo jump, which is a certain cliff formation used to kill bison by running them off a cliff and finishing them off at the bottom. This technique was used for over 4,000 years.
There is no question why Robby would want to visit the incredible site. Here, the foothills of the Rocky Mountains begin to rise from the prairies. It allows for the most gorgeous view of the unending valley.
Although it was used for over hundreds of years, this site wasn’t actually named a national historical site until 1968. Then, in 1979, it was named a provincial heritage site, before finally having its now UNESCO designation in 1981.
Now, we don’t know if Robby will actually be making it to Alberta for his sabbatical. We can only hope he makes it safely on his motorcycle after the season. Stay tuned for the rest of the episodes that drop on Thursday nights.
Address: Secondary Highway #785, 275068 AB-785, Fort MacLeod, Alta.
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