Clay Banks Bison Jump

The Clay Banks Bison Jump near Cartwright is one of Manitoba’s most fascinating archaeological and cultural sites, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity and traditions of Indigenous peoples who lived on the prairies thousands of years ago. Used by Sonota and Besant First Nations peoples approximately 2,500 years ago, the site served as a strategic buffalo jump where bison were carefully guided over steep clay cliffs during organized communal hunts. These hunts required remarkable skill, teamwork, and deep knowledge of the land and animal behavior. Archaeological discoveries at the site have revealed evidence of camps, tools, and butchering areas, helping historians better understand the important relationship between Indigenous communities and the bison, which provided food, clothing, shelter, and tools essential for survival. Today, Clay Banks stands as both a scenic lookout and an important reminder of the rich Indigenous history and cultural heritage deeply rooted in Manitoba’s prairie landscape.