| Dates: | 3,300 to 1,850 yr BP |
| Lithics: | Projectile points are characterized by corner notching and a Christmas tree-like appearance. |
| Technology: | Tipi structures occur which are characterized by stone rings. Most of the points were hafted onto atlatl dart shafts, but some of the small points may indicate early use of the bow and arrow. Subsistence patterns were dominated by bison hunting. |
| Distribution: | Throughout Saskatchewan. |
| Sites: | The Pelican Lake Complex, now recognized throughout the northern plains, was first recognized in excavations at the Mortlach site near Moose Jaw in 1955. There are numerous excavated Pelican Lake sites including campsites, a bison pound and a cairn-covered grave. Sites at which Pelican Lake complex materials have been identified include the Sjovold site near Outlook, the Long Creek site near Estevan, and the Walter Felt site near Moose Jaw. |
| Environment: | The Sub-Atlantic Period (2890 to 1690 yr BP) begins just after the start of Pelican Lake. The environment was cooler and moister with stormier winters. Conditions were very much like the end of the last ice age. The climate slowly became warmer towards the end of the Sub-Atlantic Period. |
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