Public history and the fragments of place: archaeology, history and heritage site development in southern Alberta

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Alberta, exemplifies the complexities of heritage development and the 'spirit of place.' This study reveals that while efforts to reconcile tangible and intangible heritage can enrich site narratives, they may also marginalize fragmented histories. By comparing Head-Smashed-In with Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, the research highlights divergent approaches to place-making and Aboriginal consultation in archaeological preservation. The findings underscore the need for a balanced approach that acknowledges both the wholeness and fragmentation of place, challenging conventional heritage practices and public history narratives.

Opp, J. (2011). Public history and the fragments of place: archaeology, history and heritage site development in southern Alberta. Rethinking History, 15(2), 241–267. https://doi.org/10.1080/13642529.2011.564830