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For the first time since the 1970s, a university-led archaeological dig
has been conducted at a historically significant site in the North
Central Interior. Over the past several weeks, 23 UNBC anthropology
students have participated in an archaeological field school at a site
west of Prince George near the confluence of the Chilako and Nechako
Rivers. More than 100 stone artifacts were discovered following the
excavation of several square units, in two archaeological sites.
“We worked with the Lheidli T’enneh and Nazko First Nations to select
this site, which was originally identified by archaeologists a few
years ago as part of an impact assessment for a forest cut block,” says
Dr. Farid Rahemtulla, an Anthropology professor at UNBC and the field
school director. “We recovered a number of stone tools, items used for
hunting, and some remnants of stones that were likely sourced from
hundreds of kilometres away. Beyond that, we don’t know much yet.
Unlike the Coast and Southern Interior of BC, the Northern Interior
remains virtually unknown to archaeologists. For UNBC, this represents
the start of a long-term project to explore the history of this region
together with First Nations communities.”
In addition to exploring the history of the region, the field school is
part of UNBC coursework designed to provide training in archaeological
methods. It is the largest university archaeology field school
operating in BC this summer.
“We don’t know exactly how old the artifacts are that we found, but
likely more than 400 years old and possibly much older,” says Dr.
Rahemtulla, who has conducted archaeology work in Africa, along the BC
Coast and the southern Interior of the province. “There is strong
evidence to suggest that First Nations have been in this area for at
least 10,000 years and there are a number of potential archaeological
sites around central BC that could provide clues about their lives.”
The field school wraps up on Thursday. It’s expected that the artifacts
recovered during the excavation will be displayed in the Anthropology
Teaching Lab within the coming weeks. The last major archaeological dig
in north central BC took place at Punchaw Lake and was led by Simon
Fraser University in 1975.
Broadcast-quality video footage is available.
Contact:
Farid Rahemtulla, Anthropology professor, UNBC – 250.960.6691
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622 |
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Media Downloads
Click on a thumbnail below to download a high-resolution file.
 Ryan Unruh (left) and Adam Kantakis excavate a one-metre-square unit at the archaeological site.
 Candice Crosby screens dirt for artifacts.
 Kelli Watson takes notes from the excavation of four connected units.
 Kelli Watson
 Student Patrick Daley (left) examines an artifact found on site with professor Farid Rahemtulla.
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