the Digger

 

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

Nanaimo Branch                                Spring 2005

 

2005 President's Message:

 Welcome to the spring edition of the ASBCNB newsletter the Midden.  So far 2005 has been an eventful one in the realm of BC Archaeology and Heritage.  With the continuation of Barkerville due to increased government funding and charges laid under the Heritage Conservation Act in Poet’s Cove (see this issue of the Digger for more information), it seems that heritage issues are becoming increasingly front page news in this province.  But unfortunately, in cases such as the demolition of Crace Street School in Nanaimo, being in the headlines doesn’t always mean that people are aware of the issues.  It is up to organizations like the ASBC to be an advocate for heritage.  We must work to ensure that heritage issues are in the forefront of the public mind, not just on the second page, easily missed next to the development in Nanaimo’s downtown core.  So I implore you to make heritage conservation and awareness a priority in BC.  Make your voice heard at all governmental levels, both locally and provincially.  Once our heritage is gone it is gone forever, be it by the bulldozer or more subtly through governmental cuts. 

One way to become informed of archaeological issues and research taking place both locally and throughout Canada is to attend the 38th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Archaeological Association, which takes place in our very own Nanaimo, May 11-15, 2005.  This is an excellent opportunity to meet archaeologists from Canada and around the world.  Continue reading the newsletter for more information.                     

Also, the ASBC Nanaimo Branch Annual General meeting is coming up June 4, 2005(time and venue to be announced).  This is your opportunity to see what your executive has been doing over the last year and to partake in the wonderful, often waist-increasing, potluck lunch. Our Executive is one of the most dedicated groups around and we are always looking for new members with fresh ideas and enthusiasm.  Also, Vancouver ASBC will be proposing an amendment to the voting bylaw this year where voting will on bylaw and constitutional changes can be done via e-mail.  Currently we can vote by either being present at the Vancouver AGM or by mail in ballot.  The change to include e-mail voting makes sense in an organization where not all members can physically be at the AGM.   More information on this will be sent to you when I know more.

This year’s AGM also marks the end of my last year as President of the ASBCNB.  I have enjoyed the last two years and I look forward to continuing my role on the Executive in whatever capacity I can.  Being a part of this Executive has been a rewarding experience as all the members bring something unique and truly amazing to the ASBCNB.  A more hardworking and knowledgeable Exec cannot be found anywhere.  I thank those Exec members for supporting me so well over the last two years and now they can give a huge sigh of relief, as their inboxes will not be clogged with a million e-mails from me!  Thanks again, Ladies.

Keep in mind as well that the 4th Annual Discover Archaeology Interactive Bones Display will be taking place at the Nanaimo District Museum in August 2005.  This event saw over 200 people last year in a 5-hour span and we hope to exceed that this year.  The focus of this display will be forensic archaeology, together with our usual stone and bone tool making area (always a hit with the kids) and informational material.  I will be looking for volunteers for the display so expect an e-mail from me this summer in that regard. 

Have a great summer and we look forward to seeing you at the AGM and ASBCNB events.  ~~~Julie Cowie, President

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Bones, Totems and Middens

2004-2005 ASBC-Nanaimo Branch Lecture Series

All lectures are held at Malaspina University-College in the Educational/Social Sciences Building

(356) in Room 109 from 7-9 pm. Lectures are open to everyone. Membership for the year (includes fall lecture series and the quarterly publication The Midden) is as follows: $24 Family, $19 Individual, and $14 Student/Senior. Non-members will be asked to pay $5.00 per lecture at the door. Refreshments are available.

April 8, 2005

SPEAKER:  Nancy Greene

Topic:  Comox Harbour Fish Traps

This lecture presents preliminary results of an ongoing mapping and research project investigating previously unrecorded wood stake tidal fish traps at Comox Harbour on Vancouver Island. The features appear to be unique in both size and extent for coastal British Columbia. GPS mapping reveals an extensive distribution of stake remnants over large areas of the tidal flats, and total station mapping of more than 11,000 stakes has allowed the detailed recording of stake patterning in the estuary. Radiocarbon dating suggests a large prehistoric fishery (1230-120BP).

Nancy Greene received her B.A. in anthropology and liberal studies from Malaspina University-College in 2004. As a component of her studies Nancy initiated the mapping of tidal fish traps at Comox Harbour for a Senior Project, and she is currently preparing a paper of her results for publication. Nancy is currently working as an independent researcher and consultant, and as a field archaeologist for CPR Research and Consulting of Port Alberni while she continues to carry on the research at Comox Harbour.

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ASBC Nanaimo Branch Proposes Nanaimo Chinatown Heritage Park

 

This proposal was developed in response for the need to protect the heritage resources in the area known as Chinatown, situated between Machleary and Pine Streets, in Nanaimo, British Columbia.  Currently, the area is slated for development and looting of archaeological deposits is well documented.  Previous development of the area has impacted the site, destroying vital information and links to Nanaimo’s past.   Chinatown has played an important part in the development of Nanaimo and preserving it would allow future generations the opportunity to explore and celebrate the area’s rich history. 

 

In addition, the Cat Stream, an extremely sensitive salmon-bearing watercourse, runs through this area, which is presently overrun with invasive species, such as Himalayan Blackberry, and is threatened by garbage, the build up of silt, and water contamination.  Without restoration efforts this area of the stream may be completely overrun with non-native species, limiting its salmon habitat potential. Removal of these species and riparian vegetation replanting may serve to improve the quality of fish habitat in the Cat Stream. Other areas of the Cat Stream have been successfully restored, bringing community groups together such as the Friends of the Cat Stream, Fairview Elementary School, and the Nanaimo Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada.  

 

The Archaeological Society of British Columbia – Nanaimo Branch proposes the establishment of a heritage park in this area that would allow for protection of the archaeological deposits, as well as protecting the fragile balance of the Cat Stream.

 

 

Paths marked with plaques depicting the history and natural features of the area would allow for educational and tourism opportunities.  There is currently a proposed expansion to the Hecate Lodge (see above map, outlined in pink) to the north before the City of Nanaimo for approval.  The ASBCNB proposed that the area be transformed into the Nanaimo Chinatown Heritage Park in lieu of development.  Few parks are found in Harewood and residents would have the opportunity to enjoy this green space and learn about the history of the area in which they live.

 

The current political climate in Nanaimo supports the creation of green spaces within city limits.  The construction of this park could be linked to the adjacent Old City Quarter and would allow a space for local families, schools, and visitors to enjoy Nanaimo’s natural beauty and rich historical past.

 

Funding for this project may be raised through federal grants, such as the Cultural Spaces Canada grant offered through the Ministry of Canadian Heritage.  Other funding sources may be the City of Nanaimo, Nanaimo Area Land Trust, the Nanaimo Heritage Commission, and private sector donors.  Local groups, such as the Friends of the Cat Stream and Fairview School, may be enlisted to provide volunteer man-hours to offset costs.

 

In conclusion, the establishment of the Nanaimo Chinatown Heritage Park would serve to protect Nanaimo's rich historical and ecological uniqueness, while increasing the value of the property both visually and economically.  The Archaeological Society of BC – Nanaimo Branch is currently enlisting the support of interested parties and welcomes any comments or questions about our proposal.

 

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Hands On Heritage!

Analysis is still ongoing and there is still a wide range of volunteer opportunities available.  Currently analysis is taking place in the basement (our official lab headquarters) of the Peterson home at 55 Haliburton Street from 1 to 4 pm every Sunday.  In the next few weeks the schedule may be changing, with additional times being added. For more information contact Colleen at handsonheritage@asbcnanaimo.nisa.com.   

Colleen Parsley, our Project Director, will be doing a presentation at the CAA in May detailing public educational benefits of HOH in the session entitled “Sounding the Public Voice”.  See the CAA conference website for further details.

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ASBC Nanaimo Branch AGM

June 4, 2005

 

Lunch at the Dingy Dock and Field Trip to Newcastle and Protection Islands.  Details to follow.

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Barkerville Saved From Closure

 

 

Barkerville has been saved at last.  A 15-year agreement, including an additional $1.65 million in transition funding, was reached to manage the heritage site of Barkerville.  This agreement shows a move to community based models where the site will be managed by a cross-section of representatives from central interior communities and the heritage and tourism sectors. Together they will act as the governance board for the Barkerville Heritage Trust. Ownership of the site will remain with the Province.

 

The $1.65 million in transitional funding is in addition to the $2 million sustaining fund announced last year. In the coming weeks, the agreement will be finalized with the transfer of management responsibility to the Barkerville Heritage Trust on April 1, 2005. The Province has operated Barkerville since 1958, with over 120 buildings, live theatre, historic interpretation, demonstrations, town tours and over 20 businesses open seasonally

 

 

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BC’s Heritage Conservation Act Out of the Cobwebs at Poet’s Cove

 

Formal charges have been laid against the luxury seaside resort, Poets Cove Resort and Spa, on South Pender Island for their illegal destruction of an ancient Coast Salish village and cemetery site estimated to date up to 4000 to 5000 before present. In 2003, during the construction of the resort, the developer is alleged to have illegally excavated and removed a massive amount of archaeological deposits containing ancient human remains and artifacts from a recorded archaeological site (DeRt-004) and dumped these remains in their resort’s tennis courts, parking lots and new roadbed.  The Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group has worked diligently over the last few years to ensure that the developer be charged under the Heritage Conservation Act, which provides substantial penalties for destruction or unauthorized disturbance of archaeological sites including imprisonment for up to two years and fines of up to $1,000,000. The case will be brought before the courts soon and both archaeologists and developers alike are awaiting the outcome of the trial.

 

 

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38th Annual Canadian Archaeology Association Conference:

Archaeology At the Edge

Best Western Dorchester Hotel and the Coast Bastion Inn

Hosted by the Department of Anthropology, Malaspina University College

Nanaimo, BC

May 11 – 14, 2005

 

Information on the conference may be found at the web page http://web.mala.bc.ca/caa2005/.

Volunteers are needed for the conference.  For five hours work over the three days, you get free registration and a T-Shirt.  If you are interested, please contact Cecilia Hanson at ceciliamaria007@hotmail.com.  Volunteers are needed to work the registration desk, run A/V equipment, look after the bookroom, and so on.  A great opportunity to attend the CAA meetings and save some money!

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The 38th Annual Chacmool Conference

University of Calgary

November 10-13, 2005

TOOLS OF THE TRADE:  METHODS, TECHNIQUES AND INNOVATIVE APPROACHES IN ARCHAEOLOGY

CALL FOR PAPERS

 In recent years, some archaeologists have employed a remarkable array of new tools to better interpret the archaeological record. Others have examined the impacts of new technologies on pre-contact human groups. The objective of this conference is to bring together scholars and students who share these common research interests and who are willing to describe and discuss their innovative approaches to the analysis of archaeological materials and assemblages. We are therefore soliciting papers and symposia on topics relating to the tools of the trade including but not limited to:

1) computer modeling and space syntax as approaches to the study of architecture

2) remote sensing and GIS applications in archaeology

3) use-wear and residue analysis of tools

4) stable isotope analysis and ancient DNA

5) advances in dating techniques and their application in archaeology

6) experimental approaches to the study of tools

7) ethnoarchaeological research on the use of different types of tools

8) ethological approaches to the study of tool use

9) archaeometric studies and sourcing of raw materials

10) computer simulation and the modeling of past environments

11) innovative field recovery techniques in archaeology

12) advances in geoarchaeology, zooarchaeology, or paleoethnobotany

 

We also envision discussions on the invention and impact of technology on cultural development. Again, we are soliciting papers and symposia on topics relating to the tools of prehistory including but not limited to:

 

1) the invention of technology

2) early hominind use of tools

3) chaînes opératoires and the organization of pre-contact technologies

4) the impact of new technology on cultural development

5) development of new weapons, cooking utensils, agricultural implements, and modes of transportation

6) innovative construction techniques used in monumental architecture and earth works

7) development of unique calendrical and measurement systems

8) reservoirs and irrigation systems of the past

9) roads, bridges, and resting places in prehistory

Abstracts of approximately 150 words should be sent by fax to (403) 282-9567 or via e-mail to: chacmool@ucalgary.ca

The deadline for submissions is March 15, 2005.  For further conference information please see our website at:
http://www.arky.ucalgary.ca/arky1/Chacmool2005/Main%20'05.htm

Chacmool welcomes submissions from students as well as professional archaeologists. Undergraduate and Masters students are encouraged to submit their papers for the Bea Loveseth Memorial Award (value $200). All papers presented may be submitted for consideration for publication in the proceedings of the conference, published in a peer review volume by the University of Calgary Press.