Powwow Country: Kipahigan Lake, northeast Saskatchewan

Kipahigan Lake, northeast Saskatchewan

On the bedrock cliffs of Kipahigan Lake in the far northeast corner of Saskatchewan are Aboriginal pictographs that date back at least two thousand years. “They are a reflection of some aspects of the culture of the people who lived hundreds of years ago in that area,” said Tim Jones, retired executive director of the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society, who studied the ancient Cree rock paintings. The art work is sketched on the Canadian Shield in red paint made by people who likely travelled by birchbark canoe to Kipahigan Lake. Jones spent many years learning about the images. He studied and compared the paintings to other northern pictographs.

He also spoke with Elders from nearby communities. Many told him that the art work is likely based on spiritual visions. Some of the images are of animals and humans, but some are more fantastical such as a horned snake. Kipahigan Lake can only be accessed by boat. Jones said although the trip is difficult because of a number of portages, seeing the images is worth it.
“When you travel by and see markings on these rocks they make people stop and witness just how amazing it is,” he said.

Photo Caption: The art work along the Kipahigan Lake is most likely based on spiritual visions.

Photo: Tim Jones