For the first time since the 1970s, a university-led archaeological dighas been conducted at a historically significant site in the NorthCentral Interior. Over the past several weeks, 23 UNBC anthropologystudents have participated in an archaeological field school at a sitewest of Prince George near the confluence of the Chilako and NechakoRivers. More than 100 stone artifacts were discovered following theexcavation of several square units, in two archaeological sites.

“We worked with the Lheidli T’enneh and Nazko First Nations to selectthis site, which was originally identified by archaeologists a fewyears ago as part of an impact assessment for a forest cut block,” saysDr. Farid Rahemtulla, an Anthropology professor at UNBC and the fieldschool director. “We recovered a number of stone tools, items used forhunting, and some remnants of stones that were likely sourced fromhundreds of kilometres away. Beyond that, we don’t know much yet.Unlike the Coast and Southern Interior of BC, the Northern Interiorremains virtually unknown to archaeologists. For UNBC, this representsthe start of a long-term project to explore the history of this regiontogether with First Nations communities.”

In addition to exploring the history of the region, the field school ispart of UNBC coursework designed to provide training in archaeologicalmethods. It is the largest university archaeology field schooloperating in BC this summer.

Link: UNBC Anthropology program

“We don’t know exactly how old the artifacts are that we found, butlikely more than 400 years old and possibly much older,” says Dr.Rahemtulla, who has conducted archaeology work in Africa, along the BCCoast and the southern Interior of the province. “There is strongevidence to suggest that First Nations have been in this area for atleast 10,000 years and there are a number of potential archaeologicalsites around central BC that could provide clues about their lives.”

The field school wraps up on Thursday. It’s expected that the artifactsrecovered during the excavation will be displayed in the AnthropologyTeaching Lab within the coming weeks. The last major archaeological digin north central BC took place at Punchaw Lake and was led by SimonFraser 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 

 Media Downloads

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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.