Public Archaeology Program

The Excavation Program will operate this year May 16 – June 6, 2024.

Since 2014, the University of Calgary has offered Public Archaeology Program on the Siksika Nation. Participants excavate alongside members of the Archaeological Field School at archaeological site EePf-54 on the Siksika First Nation. Participants are supervised by experienced University of Calgary graduate students. Training in archaeological excavation techniques are provided on site. All artifacts from the site are the property of the Siksika Nation and, ultimately, will be returned to the Nation for curation.

The Winter Laboratory Analysis Program is currently on hiatus. 

The University of Calgary is offering a volunteer laboratory analysis program to work primarily with material from a bison bone bed in Fish Creek Provincial Park. You will analyze artifacts in an archaeology laboratory on the University of Calgary campus. Laboratory activities will include analyzing archaeological materials and cataloging them using Excel.

You will be supervised by University of Calgary graduate students. Training in archaeological laboratory techniques will be provided as well as detailed information about artifact identification and analysis. 

There is no cost to participate. You must provide your own transportation to and from the University of Calgary campus.  

You must also provide your own computer with a working copy of Excel.

The minimum age of participation is 15. If under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. All participants will be required to complete a Volunteer Liability Waiver Form and a Photography Waiver Form. If you're under the age of 18 you must also complete an Informed Consent Form.