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Prairie Medicine Wheels
When it comes to Prairie medicine wheels, Saskatchewan has a history rich in First Nations culture. The vast, open plains of the prairies and rolling hills of the Qu’Appelle region were home to generations of First Nations people, with recorded history dating back to 800 A.D., citing the arrival of the Blackfoot to what is now Saskatchewan and Alberta.As with most ancient cultures, it is commonplace to leave behind archaeological legacies of the old ways, their origins and rightful meaning often shrouded in mystery and speculation.
One of the biggest mysteries presently unsolved is that of the First Nations “medicine wheels” scattered across the central Canadian prairies. With the main concentration of medicine wheels existing in Alberta and Saskatchewan, there are also recorded wheel locations in Manitoba, British Columbia and across the border into South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana.
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The most well known in Saskatchewan are located at Moose Mountain and the Wanuskewin Heritage Park near Saskatoon.
Although general in basic form, each medicine wheel discovered to date is unique unto itself in its construction. The constant similarity is the use of the basic shape of the circle combined with lines or spokes to resemble the shape of a wheel, not unlike a wagon wheel or a bicycle wheel. Varying in pattern and dimension, some can exceed 12 meters across.
The most common features in the medicine wheel structure are a central cairn, or pile of stones, surrounded by yet another circle of stones. The varying features from there are abundant. The number of rock lines or spokes differs from wheel to wheel, with the spokes often unevenly spaced. The length of the spokes is also unpredictable and can range from long to short throughout the pattern. Spokes may start from the center of the circle, moving outward to or beyond the outer ring or start from the outer ring, and proceed inward to the center of the circle.
Additional circles appearing completely disconnected may surround the main outer circle of the formation. The most intriguing feature of some is that of a pathway or passageway outlined in stones leading out from the circle, as if an imaginary doorway or threshold required crossing to enter or exit the wheel. Photos and additional links can be found at medicine wheels.
The actual function and purpose of the prairie medicine wheels are conflicting in theory and up for debate. As there is no written documentation on their true history, the possible and probable speculations differ from professional archaeological and astronomical theories to basic spiritual beliefs of various First Nations cultures.
Many believe that each were sacred locations of either burial or fertility ceremonies or hunting rituals. Some speculate that the wheels were used as larger than life communal hunting guides or maps to assist future generations of Nomadic First Nations people. Site excavations have produced evidence of spear points and arrowheads layered with the rocks.
Astronomical theories explore the potential representation of the stars and the Heavens in the formation of the medicine wheels, not unlike England’s Stonehenge. This entertains the possibility that the wheels were used as a rudimentary form of calendar system, enabling its creators to track the changing of the seasons and prepare for annual celebrations of significance.
It may be safe to assume that the function and meaning of the medicine wheel has evolved over time; its original purpose remains a mystery to this day. Despite the unique and varied designs of the existing wheels, the circle is undeniably the dominant and constant shape used throughout each design.
The representation of the circle in all First Nations cultures is a perpetual iconic symbol of the eternal continuation of life. Many modern day First Nations people believe what perhaps their ancient ancestors believed, that the medicine wheel represents harmony, peace and infinite connection to Earth and spirit. Regardless of belief, the medicine wheel is an obvious testament to the distinct historic imprint of the First Nations culture on the Saskatchewan prairies and beyond.
