The story of Aboriginal occupation and use of Canada's prairies, which extends thousands of years into the past, continues to unfold through rigorous archaeological research.

In 2009, TransCanada contributed once again to that important work by funding investigations along a proposed pipeline right-of-way near Hardisty, Alberta.

In Alberta, archaeological investigations are a regulatory requirement under the Province's Historical Resources Act.

The initial assessment revealed a 1400-year old buffalo pound where Aboriginal people trapped, killed and butchered bison for food, clothing, tools, trade and ceremonial purposes.

Prehistoric buffalo pounds are rare. In fact, the Hardisty site is one of very few pounds located within the aspen parkland region of central Alberta. It provided a special opportunity to gain new insight into the complex and enduring lifeways of the Aboriginal plains cultures.

"In keeping with TransCanada's Aboriginal Relations Policy, we notified the local Aboriginal groups of the discovery and worked closely with them during all of the subsequent site review, excavation, and preservation efforts," explains David Cole, Aboriginal Relations Advisor.

Representatives of the Siksika Nation, Alexander First Nation, Saddle Lake First Nation and the four communities of the Maskwacis Cree Nation were involved in the initiative's success.