A group of indigenous elders, archaeologists and scholars have come together to explore historically significant sites linked to indigenous ancestors.

The elders of the Touchwood Agency Tribal Council have held discussions with academics over a number of years, exchanging information about sites they would like to visit.

Robert Losey, an archaeologist at the University of Alberta, said it was an honor to accompany the elders to the sites.

“They share their knowledge of these places and we share a little bit of what we know and we both learn in the process,” he said.

In September, the group met for the first time to explore a ravine near the town of Craven.

Before European contact, the ravine was once used as a winter camping ground for indigenous groups passing through.

Since then, information about the site and its importance has been passed down through oral history in indigenous communities in the area.

Bill Strongarm, a Kawacatoose First Nation elder recalled visiting the site in the 1970s with an uncle.

“We stopped and walked a little way to the ravine. He was telling me where our ancestors lived. I felt glad and happy to be on a site that offered some connection,” he said.

In October, the group gathered on a patch of land untouched by researchers near the town of Davidson.

The owners had heard many stories about the area and wanted the group to take a look.

With winter upon us, the group has no plans to visit any other locations until next year.

Andrew Miller, a professor at Canada’s First Nations University, said they will continue to celebrate Indigenous history.

“We don’t often think about Indigenous history, but we really should. We should think about where people were 200 years ago, 400 years ago. This is a way to understand the past,” he said.