Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
Photo: Matthias Süßen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park protects one of the largest concentrations of First Nations rock art on the North American Great Plains, with thousands of petroglyphs and pictographs scattered across dramatic sandstone formations along the Milk River. The park encompasses approximately 1,781 hectares of protected prairie landscape, featuring towering hoodoos and coulees carved from soft sandstone that provided ideal canvases for indigenous artists. Located about 100 kilometres southeast of Lethbridge, Alberta, this sacred site contains rock art created by the Blackfoot and other Plains peoples over thousands of years. The name Áísínai'pi in Blackfoot literally means 'it is pictured' or 'written,' reflecting the deep spiritual significance of these carved and painted images. Some interpretations of the rock art—particularly depictions featuring circular motifs and distinctive human figures—have been suggested as possible evidence of extraterrestrial contact, though these images align with well-documented Blackfoot spiritual traditions and artistic conventions found across many indigenous cultures. Archaeologists point to the site's extensive corpus of rock art, spanning at least 9,000 years and depicting recognizable animals, hunting scenes, and ceremonial figures, as evidence of a continuous cultural record rather than isolated anomalous imagery. The Blackfoot themselves identify these sacred carvings as representations of their own spiritual and historical narratives, documented through oral traditions that predate modern archaeological analysis.
Timeline
Earliest estimated rock art creation begins as indigenous peoples start documenting spiritual visions and cultural traditions
First documented European observations of the rock art by early settlers and researchers
Establishment as Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park to protect the archaeological treasures
Designated UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name Áísínai'pi, recognizing its outstanding universal value
What the Show Claims
- ›Petroglyphs depicting the Blackfoot creator god Napi inside a disc with four fingers and elongated skull represent evidence of ancient extraterrestrial contactS14E02
- ›The thousands of rock art images document encounters between indigenous peoples and sky beings from other worlds
From the Transcripts
“Here, less than a hundred miles away from the Badlands Guardian, is an incredible record of local Native American traditions. Thousands of ancient petroglyphs, images carved into stone, depict every aspect of life for the people who lived here centuries ago.”
What Archaeology Says
Archaeological investigations at Writing-on-Stone have revealed a continuous record of indigenous occupation spanning approximately 9,000 years, making it one of the most important cultural sites on the Great Plains. The rock art includes both petroglyphs (carved images) and pictographs (painted images), with subjects ranging from human figures and animals to geometric patterns and spiritual beings. Research has documented hunting scenes, warrior societies, vision quests, and ceremonial activities that provide invaluable insight into Plains indigenous cultures.
Scientific analysis of the imagery shows clear connections to Blackfoot oral traditions and spiritual practices, with many figures representing known cultural and religious concepts. The soft sandstone formations provided an ideal medium for carving, while natural pigments created lasting painted images. Modern conservation efforts focus on protecting these fragile artworks from weathering and human impact.
While mainstream archaeology interprets the rock art as a rich cultural and spiritual record, some images remain enigmatic and open to interpretation. The site continues to be sacred to the Blackfoot and other indigenous peoples, who maintain traditional knowledge about many of the images' meanings and ceremonial significance.
Mysteries & Fun Facts
The site contains one of the largest concentrations of rock art on the North American Great Plains
The Blackfoot name Áísínai'pi literally translates to 'it is pictured' or 'written'
The park straddles the Milk River and serves as one of Alberta's largest protected prairie areas
Many of the rock art images are still considered sacred by Blackfoot and other indigenous peoples today
Planning a Visit
The park offers guided tours and interpretive programs to protect the sensitive rock art while allowing public access to selected areas. A visitor center provides context about Blackfoot culture and the significance of the rock art, while designated trails lead to viewing areas where visitors can observe the petroglyphs and pictographs.
Lethbridge, Alberta (approximately 100 kilometres northwest)
Late spring through early fall offers the most comfortable weather conditions, with summer providing the fullest range of interpretive programs and guided tours.
Related Sites
Utah Petroglyphs
Features extensive indigenous rock art with similar mysterious imagery that some interpret as depicting otherworldly beings
Northumberland Neolithic petroglyphs
Contains ancient carved symbols and figures that ancient astronaut theorists compare to extraterrestrial contact scenarios
Chavín de Huántar
Displays sophisticated stone carvings and imagery that some researchers suggest show evidence of advanced ancient knowledge
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Historical data sourced from Wikipedia