Alberta is a western Canadian province with a rich and lengthy history of human habitation, which pre-dates European occupation. Many First Nations Native Canadians left traces of their culture and world view in the form of rock carvings and other art. The kind of First Nations rock carving Alberta offers to visitors is culturally and historically interesting and important, and offers an insight into the minds of people who were not literate in the way that the term is currently understood.

The pictographs and other images carved on to rocks is generally referred to by the umbrella term 'rock art' by archaeologists and anthropologists. Pictographs are those images which have been painted onto rocks using red ochre, water and animal fat. Craved or etched images are usually classified as petroglyphs; these petroglyphs were usually made by incising into the rocks with tools made from stone or bone.

The petroglyphs in Alberta depict many different aspects of Native Canadian life, and often possess a clear narrative. Some examples depict a single, simple figure, perhaps engaged in a mundane activity. But others tell the story of great battles, with a full depiction of warriors in camp.

Some petroglyphs which depict human beings are very detailed indeed, whereas other examples are simpler and have a more stylised appearance. Some are merely stick figures, perhaps with a few basic adornments, such as weapons, depicted. Other images are much more complex, with warriors sometimes seen in full hunting or raiding regalia.

Animals are also featured in many petroglyphs, with mammals such as bison, elk and bear being relatively common, as well as dogs, wolves and deer. Reptiles like snakes and many kinds of bird are also used as images. These vary in the same way as the images of people do, with some very detailed, and others less so.

As well as the depictions of humans and animals, many petroglyphs feature abstract signs and geometric shapes. Much of the meaning of these images remains opaque. Many of those who have studied these have theorised that they could be some sort of visual representation of the spirit contained in the rocks.

There are also images from different eras, made by people from different cultures, which helps to explain the kind of variation in images which is found in this part of Canada. Both Great Plains nations and tribes from the woodlands of British Columbia visited sites in Alberta at different times in history. This means that there are carvings in a variety of styles.

The kind of First Nations rock carving Alberta can offer visitors is a long way from idle doodling or simple drawing. Native Americans still visit and use many of the sites with which this art is associated, and the elders of many nations have helped with providing commentary on and interpretation of the symbols which are used. The petroglyphs form an important cultural signpost on the way to gaining a much better understanding of and appreciation for Native American culture and life ways.