Near Spring Valley in Terrell No. 101, Saskatchewan — The Prairie Region (North America)

Old Wives Massacre

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, July 19, 2022

1. Old Wives Massacre Marker

Inscription. An Indian legend from the 1800s reveals how Old Wives Lake, to the west, was named. One winter a Cree party went beyond their traditional area in search of buffalo. They ventured into territory claimed by both the Cree and Blackfoot. The Cree were rewarded by a successful hunt. At their lakeside camp they were surprised by a Blackfoot war party. After a brief skirmish, the Blackfoot went back into the hills to wait for dawn. The Cree fires burned into the night as they decided what to do.

The old Cree women suggested that they stay and tend the fires, allowing the rest of the Cree to get away.

At sunrise the Blackfoot were enraged to find only the grandmothers tending the fires. It is unlikely any women survived. The Cree called the lake Notukeu for old women.

On windy nights you may hear the old wives' laughter mocking their Blackfoot enemies.

Erected by Government of Saskatchewan.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Women.

Location. 50° 2.676′ N, 105° 37.315′ W. Marker is near Spring Valley, Saskatchewan, in Terrell No. 101. It is on Snowbird Highway (National Highway 2), on the left when traveling

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south. Marker is at a local landmark, the Salt Shaker. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Spring Valley SK S0H 3X0, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Saskatchewan.

It is also in the Prairies.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony

and also Rupert’s Land.

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, July 19, 2022

2. Old Wives Massacre Marker

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, July 19, 2022

3. Old Wives Massacre Marker

marker is located on the driveway of the "Salt Shaker"

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, July 19, 2022

4. Old Wives Massacre Marker

sign on Rt2 pointing out the marker

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, July 15, 2022

5. Old Wives Massacre Marker

the "Salk Shaker" a local landmark, visible for many miles. The marker is to the right of the base, on the driveway The surrounding lakes produce a saline substance known as "Glauber's Salts". The Salt Shaker is the ONLY reference to the location of this site.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2022, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 844 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 26, 2022, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.