Bannock Point Petroforms - Whiteshell Provincial Park

The Bannock Point Petroforms are figures laid out on bedrock in the forms of turtles, snakes and humans, and also in abstract patterns. Anishinabe and other First Nations people believe that they were left here long ago for the benefit of all people that might visit this site to receive their teachings and healing.

There are no fixed interpretations of the figures. There are many levels of understanding, therefore, many ways to interpret the teachings. With each visit they can become more and more meaningful. An introduction to petroforms is available in the publication Petroforms of Manitoba, which is distributed at Whiteshell park offices and at Public Information Services in Winnipeg.

The petroforms sites are sacred places used from time to time by First Nations people for ceremonial purposes. If ceremonies are in progress we suggest that you postpone your visit. Please respect this place as you would your church, synagogue, mosque or other place of worship.

Photo Credit: Photograph from: Tim Hauf http://timhaufphotography.photoshelter.com/image/I0000g91BWM99vQM

Text Credit: Site description from: http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/popular_parks/eastern/whiteshell_petro.html