Research on Jade Artifacts Reveals Indigenous Trade Networks Across the Rockies
New research has uncovered the extensive trade networks of Indigenous communities in pre-colonial Western Canada through the study of jade artifacts. The Archaeological Survey of Alberta led a study analyzing nephrite jade celts found east of the Rocky Mountains, revealing that these artifacts traveled from the Fraser River region in British Columbia to Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The study suggests that these celts were not just functional tools but also prestige items used to cement social alliances. The research highlights the complex trade routes and relationships between Salish, Dene, and Cree communities, challenging the notion of isolated Indigenous groups. 
