Editor’s note: The Archaeological Survey of Alberta is proud to release the complete volume of Occasional Paper Series No. 42, available for free download.
Written by: Todd Kristensen, Archaeological Survey of Alberta
Cover of the 2023 Occasional Paper Series. Artwork by Shannon Ford.
Unlike previous volumes, in which papers are published and released throughout the year, the current volume is based on an archaeology conference session dedicated to the widely respected Alberta archaeologist Jack Brink, and all articles are here released concurrently. This blog features five articles (out of 12 in the issue) that focus on archaeological work at the famous Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Alberta. The rest of the 12 articles will be published next week.
Written By: Colleen Haukaas, Archaeological Survey
This post looks at archaeological sites recorded in Alberta under 2022 archaeological permits issued by the Archaeological Survey. Part One of this post has more information about archaeological permits, field activities, and professional activities.
The majority of sites each year are recorded during CRM projects in response to potential impacts from proposed developments. Researchers in universities, museums, and other research facilities also record sites each year. Together, archaeologists record and re-record (revisit) 500-700 sites annually.
There are more than 40,000 known sites recorded in Alberta, ranging from small scatters of a few artifacts to complex sites like the Quarry of the Ancestors, Áísínai’pi, and Cluny Fortified Village sites. The infographic below shows basic categories of information about sites recorded in 2022, including site class and type.
You can explore previous Survey in Numbers to compare statistics year over year
Written By: Colleen Haukaas, Archaeological Survey
This week’s post is an update on 2022 archaeological permits from the Archaeological Survey of Alberta. All archaeological field research in Alberta must be carried out under a permit issued by the Archaeological Survey by a qualified professional archaeologist. In 2022, the Archaeological Survey issued 209 permits to 53 professional archaeologists at 19 companies.
As in previous years, the majority of permits were issued for mitigative assessments, or assessments to determine if a proposed development may impact a known of potential archaeological site. The majority of assessments were Historical Resources Impacts Assessments (HRIAs), which are generally preliminary examinations intended to determine whether a development will impact archaeological sites. More detailed site excavations are less common in mitigative archaeology, but do occur when sites cannot be avoided by a development. In 2022, mitigative archaeologists carried out 194 assessments, which included the excavation of more than more than 27,000 shovel tests and 476 square meters of formal site excavation.
The infographic below includes details about archaeological permits and assessments, based on information provided to the Archaeological Survey in permit applications, reports and other reporting materials.
Part two of this post will discuss the archaeological sites recorded in 2022.
You can explore previous Survey in Numbers to compare statistics year over year.
Editor’s note: Banner image of a Métis sash courtesy of Laura Golebiowski.
Written by: Laura Golebiowski, Indigenous Consultation Advisor
On November 16, 1885, Métis leader and Manitoba founder the Right Honourable Louis Riel was executed in Saskatchewan, after he was charged with six counts of high treason. Now, annually, Albertans are invited to mark the sombre anniversary of Riel’s death and recognize the broader histories, sacrifices and accomplishments of the Métis Peoples. This year, Métis Week takes place November 12 – 18, 2023.
Canadian Pacific Railway Survey. Fort Edmonton, from point below the Wesleyan Mission, December 1871. The York boat and red river cart, both pictured, are important historical contributions and symbols of Métis material culture. Source: Charles Horetzky/Library and Archives Canada/e011183607-v8.
Youth, educators and the general public are encouraged to further their learning through Rupertsland Centre for Teaching and Learning resources, which include live online events most days of Métis Week. The live program includes jigging, red river cart stories and Michif language learning—in addition to the interactive resources, printables and videos accessible year-round.
Visit the Métis Nation of Alberta or the Métis Settlements General Council (did you know that the eight Alberta Métis Settlements are the only collectively-held Métis land base in Canada?) websites to learn more about Métis heritage, contemporary initiatives and cultural events held throughout the year.
If your community has a Métis Week 2023 event you’d like us to know about, please leave a comment with the details.
RETROactive 