Introduction
The Wiggins Fork Bison Jumps Complex, nestled within the majestic Absaroka Mountains at a breathtaking elevation, serves as a testament to the ingenuity and collaborative spirit of various Indigenous tribes. These tribes ingeniously manipulated the natural landscape to facilitate the hunting of bison, demonstrating an advanced understanding of the terrain. Unlike any other in Wyoming, this site, located just outside Dubois, reveals a rich tapestry of history with its elaborate stone-circle campsites and numerous bison jump locations, some dating back at least 2,000 years.
Collaborative Exploration
Academic and Tribal Synergy with CWC
Central Wyoming College (CWC) has taken a pioneering step by incorporating both academic research and tribal knowledge in studying the Wiggins Fork Bison Jumps Complex. Crystal Reynolds, a tribal archaeologist for the Northern Arapaho Tribe and an instructor at CWC, alongside Todd Guenther, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology and History at CWC, exemplify this blend of perspectives. Their work not only seeks to uncover more about the site’s history but also to foster a deeper connection and respect between academic pursuits and Indigenous wisdom.
A Sacred Connection
The site is not merely a point of academic interest; it represents a profound spiritual and cultural significance for the Indigenous tribes. Tribal ceremonies and consultations with elders and cultural specialists underline this project, emphasizing the importance of oral histories and the living presence of ancestors in these landscapes. This sacred connection offers enriching insights that academic methodologies alone might overlook, infusing the exploration with a sense of reverence and holistic understanding.
Methodologies and Insights
Interdisciplinary Approaches
Investigation into the Wiggins Fork Bison Jumps Complex utilizes a variety of methodologies, from stable isotope analysis and optically stimulated luminescence to scrutinizing soil stratigraphies. These scientific methods, while crucial, gain depth and meaning when paired with tribal narratives and observations. Such a comprehensive approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the site, including insights into migration patterns, landscape navigation, and sustainable hunting practices that have been maintained over millennia.
Educating Future Generations
The involvement of CWC students in this explorative project opens up unique educational opportunities. Under the guidance of Reynolds and Guenther, students are not only learning about archaeological practices but also the importance of integrating tribal perspectives. This experience prepares them to approach their future work with cultural sensitivity and a deeper respect for Indigenous knowledge, bridging the gap between academic research and tribal wisdom.
As the Wiggins Fork Bison Jumps Complex continues to reveal its secrets, it symbolizes a meeting point of differing paths: between the past and the present, academic research and traditional knowledge, and between different cultures and communities. This collaborative effort not only enriches our understanding of the site itself but also shows a way forward in how we approach the study of our shared heritage. In doing so, it reaffirms the importance of respect, dialogue, and mutual learning in the pursuit of knowledge.
