The Esk’etemc Field School in conjunction with Thompson Rivers University Williams Lake Campus are offering a course that student’s are sure to “dig”.
It’s a six week land-based training in archaeology.
TRU Instructor Beth Bedard said students will be working in the field in Esk’etemc Territory conducting, testing, excavating and mapping of archaeological resources.
“There is an initial course, introduction to archaeology, prior to going out into the field and this is for students who do not have a background in archaeology.” Bedard said, “The summer field training that will run from the end of June through to August where students will learn excavation, setting up grids, excavating by levels, taking samples and identifying artifacts. An there will be another course on the complete history of the region so students will learn about other works that have taken place and understand the importance of what they found and it’s larger meaning.”
Bedard noted that this is the first time Thompson Rivers University Williams Lake Campus has offered a course like this.
“Esk’etemc is focused on training community members to steward their heritage, to steward the archaeology and to do it in a way that is respectful and honours Esk’etemc values and traditions. The Field School was the idea of Calvin Dubray at Alkali and he’s in charge of the Education Department there and he felt that there was a need to expand the educational opportunities for students.”
Bedard noted that TRU wants to make this Archaeological Field School a regular offering.
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