Wahkpa Chu'gn Buffalo Jump Nestled in the shadow of the Bear Paw Mountains The most extensive and best preserved Native American hunting ground buffalo bone deposit in the northern Great Plains. A t the western edge of Havre along U.S. Highway 2 lies the Wahkpa Chu’gn bison kill site. The site has been listed among the top 10 tourist attractions in the state. The entrance to the site is just outside the back of the Holiday Village Mall. Wahkpa Chu’gn consists of a cliff and the surrounding areas that were used starting at least 2,000 years ago by ancient Indians to harvest bison. The site now serves as an attraction for Hi-Line residents and tourists to learn about the history of Native Americans who lived in the area. Archeological deposits up to 20 feet deep can be seen from five large display houses on the site. Fire pits, arrowheads and primitive tools are also on display. Artifacts that have lost their scientific value can be touched by curious visitors. The site offers restroom facilities and a paved trail. People with disabilities can enlist the help of a golf cart to tour Wahkpa Chu’gn. The site is operated by local archeolo gist John Brumley and his wife, Anna. The couple offers tours by request year-round and have regularly scheduled tours and events during the summer. John Brumley discovered the site when he was a child and has identified three cultures of prehistoric Indians that used the bison kill site. The bison were killed or disabled by being driven over the bluffs. The Indians employed a spear-throwing weapon called the atlatl to kill the surviving beasts at the base of the cliffs. The bison provided a source of food, clothing, weapons and tools for the people who killed them. The Indians would devote several days to harvesting the bison. On the tour, visitors will see the wonders of ancient life unearthed, learn how the Indians harvested and used the different parts of the animals, and receive hands-on instruction in the ways of the Indians from 2,000 years ago. An atlatl competition is held at the site, and tourists also get a chance to try their hand with the weapon. Fans of the site also have a chance to become part of the history. A mural is planned to be erected this summer by Canadian artist Jim Marshall by U.S. Highway 2 on the west edge of town, on the Boothill Plaza development. People can purchase bricks to be engraved with names to be part of the wall that will contain the mural. The bricks — actually black polished granite tiles — are available in four prices depending on the number of characters, with spaces between words counting as characters: • $50, 2”x8”, 1 line, 18 characters/line • $100, 4”x8”, 3 lines, 18 characters/line • $250, 8”x8”, 4 lines, 18 characters/line • $500, 8”x16”, 5 lines, 32 characters/line For more information contact: Anna Brumley, (406) 265-6417; Lynda Taplin, (406) 265-7670; Judi Dritshulas, (406) 265-9516; or the H. Earl Clack Museum, (406) 265-4000. Summer tour hours at Wahkpa Chu’gn are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week. The cost of admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $4 for students. Group rates are available for 10 or more. People can call (406) 265-6417 to schedule group tours or off-season tours, weather permitting.