HALBERTA

\ jArchaeologicaNo. 56 ISSN 0701-1176 Spring 2013 l

Contents

Introduction Alberta Field Work 2 Provincial Society Officers 2011-2012 17 Alberta Archaeological Field Work News 2012

News Announcements/Notices 3 Editor's Note 33 Mortlatch Site Report Orders 33 List of ASA Occasional Papers Feature Articles 34 Order form for ASA Occasional Papers 5 Whose Job is it to Look After the Dead? 35 Johan Dormaar Award 9 British Block Medicine Wheel (EdOp-1) 36 ASA Annual General Meeting 11 TheLaninga Collection: An Assemblage Near Spirit River in the Peace River Region of Northwest Alberta ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ALBERTA Charter #8205, registered under the Societies Act of Alberta on February 7, 1975

The Archaeological Society gratefully acknowledges financial sponsorship from The Alberta Historical Resources Foundation and the Alberta Lottery Fund 2 r- ess 2

%c © Archaeological Society of Alberta 2013 es FO^

PROVINCIAL SOCIETY OFFICERS 2012-2013

President: Janice Andreas Provincial Coordinator Christie Grekul 133- 1st Street N.W. Phone: 780-982-9655 Medicine Hat, AB T1A 6H2 [email protected] Phone: 403-526-3346 [email protected] Alberta Archaeological Dr. Daniel Meyer Review Editor Lifeways of Canada Limited Past President: Dr. Shawn Bubel 105, 809 Manning Rd NE Department of Geography Calgary, Alberta T2E 7M9 University of Lethbridge Phone:403-730-9461 Lethbridge ABT1K3M4 [email protected] Phone:403-329-2531 [email protected] ASA Website www. arkyalberta. com

Executive Secretary Jim McMurchy Treasurer 97 Eton Road West Lethbridge, AB T1K4T9 Phone:403-381-2655 [email protected]

REGIONAL CENTRES & MEMBER SOCIETIES

BODO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY RED DEER CENTRE President: Kim Larson President: Jean Kaufmann P.O. Box 1781 5253 53rd Street Provost, AB TOB 3 SO Lacombe, AB T4L 1H8 [email protected] Phone: 403-358-0736 Provincial Rep: Christine Grekul [email protected] [email protected] Provincial Rep: Doug Shaw dshaw@oldscollege .ca CALGARY CENTRE President: Brian Vivian SOUTH EASTERN ALBERTA North Hill Postal Outlet ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY P.O. Box 65123 President: Karl Mueller Calgary, AB T2N 4T6 Medicine Hat, AB Phone:403-276-5910 [email protected] [email protected] Provincial Rep: Janice Andreas Provincial Rep: Sheila Johnston [email protected] [email protected] Provincial Rep: Pete Truch STRATHCONA CENTRE Pete.truch@ shaw.ca President: George Chalut 14716-65 Street LETHBRIDGE CENTRE Edmonton AB T5A2E1 President: Jim McMurchy Phone:780-431-2329 97 Eton Road West [email protected] Lethbridge AB T1K4T9 Provincial Rep: Kurtis Blaikie-Birkigt Phone:403-381-2655 [email protected] [email protected]

Provincial Rep: Duncan Lloyd [email protected]

2 The Alberta Archaeological Review Editor's Note By Dr. Dank I Meyer

It's late. This issue that it. Yes, very, very trip to British Block Medicine Wheel in the spring late. Personal scheduling issues have conspired of 2013, a discussion of a great artifact assemblage against Anne and I lately, and presented challenges from northwestern Alberta by Todd Kristensen and to getting this and other issues out in a timely man­ Robin Woywitka, and Alwynne Beaudoin's archae­ ner. However, please look for the Fall 2013 issue ological field work news summarizing 2012. En­ following very soon. In the meantime, please en­ joy, and please keep those submissions coming. joy the interesting articles by Amanda Dow and Nancy Saxberg on the stewardship of historic cem­ eteries in Alberta, a review of the Society's field

39th Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Society of Alberta AHCHASOlOGKflSpOETY

Hosted by the Bodo Archaeological Society in Bodo, Alberta May 9 -11, 2014

Alberta Archaeological Review

Editor: Dr. Daniel Meyer ([email protected]) Layout & Design: E. Anne English ([email protected]) Distribution: Andrea Richardson ([email protected]) Printer: JBDigital ([email protected])

Members of the Archaeological Society of Alberta of Alberta receive a copy of the Alberta Archaeological Review. Non-members and institutions may subscribe to the AAR for $15 per calendar year.

Cheques should be made payable to the Alberta Archaeological Review and sent to: Alberta Archaeological Review c/o Andrea Richardson, North Hill Postal Outlet, Box 65123, Calgary, AB T2N 4T6

The AAR welcomes submissions concerning Alberta archaeology or of special interest to practicing or avocational archaeologists in Alberta. Contributions may be submitted to the AAR Editor via e-mail in MS Word formatting. Please contact the Editor for information of formatting, etc. The Editor reserves the right to send out all submissions for review.

Views expressed in the AAR are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the Archaeological Society of Alberta. We welcome healthy debate.

Communications regarding membership in the Archaeological Society of Alberta or other Society matters should be addressed to the Executive Secretary/Treasurer at the address given on page 2.

Our Cover: Excavations at HhOv-528, see page 24 for more details.

No. 56 2013 3 FEATURE ARTICLES And FIELD WORK

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4 The Alberta Archaeological Review FEATURE ARTICLES

Whose Job is it to Look After the Dead? Amanda Dow and Nancy Saxberg, AMEC Environment & Infrastructure

Popular culture would have us believe that archaeologists are over the next few decades to commemorate loved ones as the always finding skeletons. In Alberta, human remains are rare­ cemetery fell into general disrepair. ly encountered by archaeologists; the bones of bison are far more common. Burial practices of past cultures contribute to Overgrown vegetation began taking over the plots, winter this low representation, as does the relative youth of Europe­ storms and strong winds knocked down markers and fences, an-based traditions in the Province. Most of the remains of vandals struck, and bears were known to snoop under plot interred dead are placed in cemeteries and managed by Ser­ markers and upset gravestones. Spontaneous attempts at vice Alberta, not Alberta Culture. repair were made, but it was not until the 1990s that a con­ centrated effort to improve the overall appearance of the As cemeteries age and family interest wanes, the upkeep of cemetery began. plots and monuments usually falls to the cemetery owner or community, but what happens when a community is forced to Former childhood residents of Mountain Park donated time abandon its cemetery? Who is ultimately responsible for the and money to organize a massive cleanup to remove excess dead? And when, if ever, do archaeologists enter the picture? vegetation and debris and to place commemorative signs at the cemetery. The Mountain Park Environmental Protection Mountain Park Cemetery and Heritage Association (MPEP&HA) was formed, and to A few years ago, coal-mining company Teck was faced with this day conducts ongoing upkeep at the cemetery. such a concern. Situated in the midst of their Cardinal River Operation south of Hinton is the site of the ghost town of While the community never returned to the valley, coal min­ Mountain Park. Abandoned sixty years ago, the town was ing operations took just a short break. In 1950 reduced coal once part of the bustling string of coal mining towns along operations moved down valley to other towns on the branch the foothills front ranges of the Rocky Mountains known as (Cadomin and Luscar). Luscar coal supplies lasted until the the Coal Branch. 1990s. Expansion by Elk Valley Coal (owned by Fording/ CONSOL and operated by Cardinal River Coal) brought The town of Mountain Park was established in 1911 in re­ mining back to the foot of Mount Cheviot. The Cheviot zone sponse to the need to find a large coal supply to fuel the began to be mined in 2004, but as the coal supply was mined Grand Trunk Pacific Railway's charge across the prairies out, the seam was followed to the east, closer to the aban­ (Salzsauler and Wegert 1999, Davies 2001). Situated at the doned town of Mountain Park. Teck (who took over Elk foot of Mount Cheviot and just north of the Cardinal Divide, Valley Coal in 2008) could see that by 2013, the area west of Mountain Park flourished for the next four decades and the McLeod River would be depleted. Teck began prepara­ boasted a hotel, school, churches, laundry, and both company tions for the McLeod/Harris zone phase on the east side of -owned and privately-owned housing. the river, close to the Mountain Park Cemetery.

Mining operations at Mountain Park were underground until Mary Ann Pike 1949, and many work-related deaths were tallied during the The Mountain Park Cemetery has a protective notation life of the town. The Mountain Park cemetery was the only (PN#910083) that prohibits development within 150 metres recognized cemetery on the west side of the Coal Branch. It of its perimeter fence (the original Mountain Park town site, was a consecrated, non-denominational, fenced piece of FfQh-1, will also be excluded from future mine development properly during the life of the community, but it was never due to its designation as a Provincial Historic Resource). The registered in the Province of Alberta. cemetery and townsite will, however, eventually be surround­ ed by the mine. Long-term reclamation plans will see the By 1950, the coal market was deteriorating during post-war area returned to a hill-topped vista, not unlike the reclaimed manufacturing declines and diesel locomotives were lessen­ areas where the Luscar mine used to operate to the north. ing the need for coal. As Mountain Park Collieries folded, many miners and their families moved north to Cadomin and The phased expansion will bring development closer to the Luscar, and within thirty days Mountain Park became a ghost cemetery fence. Explosives are an important tool in coal town. Only its dead remained. mining and, as expansion spreads toward the cemetery, con­ cern is growing about the state of the monuments and mark­ The Community and the Coal Mine ers within. As no standing structures remain at the Mountain The last interment in the Mountain Park Cemetery was in Park townsite, the standing cemetery monuments are the only 1949, and after 1950 it was closed to coffin burials, but it was remaining examples of built heritage. When Teck shared the not completely forgotten. A few former residents returned new expansion plans with MPEP&HA, the members

No. 56 2013 5 expressed concern about the specific effects of mine blasting on the cemetery monuments, and the monument of one grave in particular.

Dating to 1917, the Mary Ann Pike monument marks the resting place of the first female resident of Mountain Park to be buried in its cemetery. The monument is a 1.6 meter tall, footed obelisk made of terrazzo marble with a marble en­ graved plaque (Figure 1). Over time, damage, including cracks and spalling, has become evident in the Pike monu­ ment Photographs taken by the Historical Resources Man­ agement Branch in 2000 and 2007 show that some process has been eroding the integrity of the Pike monument over the past few years (Figure 2). MPEP&HA became concerned that blasting activity near the cemetery would accelerate the deg­ radation. The question then arises: who is responsible?

Figure 2: Detail of degrading name plate (south face).

caretaker is willing to do the job (Karen Carruthers, Director of Cemeteries, Services Alberta, personal communication 2013).

Service Alberta has no means of ensuring cemetery upkeep is being managed. No one has been cited under the provision of failing to maintain a closed or abandoned cemetery (Karen Carruthers, personal communication 2013). No evidence exists to show that Mountain Park Collieries Ltd. took any efforts to ensure maintenance after 1950. There was enough of a problem between the company and Provincial and Feder­ al agencies simply to clean up the lease and safely close the mines (Davies 2001).

From an archaeological perspective, Alberta Culture rarely gets involved with cemetery issues. When graves are dis­ turbed, Alberta Culture acts mainly in a facilitative role with Service Alberta, with a view towards eventual re-interment of human remains and associated grave goods. Grave materials were accessioned in the past, but this is no longer practiced and some previously collected material, especially human remains, are now being repatriated (Eric Damkjar, Acting Director of Archaeology, Alberta Culture, personal commu­ nication, 2013). Neither Service Alberta nor Alberta Culture, however, takes responsibility for grave markers or monu­ ments, regardless of antiquity. Figure 1: North face of Mary Ann Pike monument facing south over rest of cemetery. Cemetery Master Plans Few Alberta communities and county associations have implemented Cemetery Master Plans that outline and discuss Provincial Guidelines the priorities and preservation work that needs to be done to Maintenance of Alberta cemeteries falls under the regulation cemeteries in their care. Successful master plans are usually of Service Alberta. Present legislation requires that cemeter­ implemented by people intimately involved with, and con­ ies in the process of closing take "necessary steps to ensure cerned about, the preservation of the cemetery. Key compo­ that the cemetery will be maintained so as not to give rise to nents of Cemetery Master Plans include defining legal juris­ any offence or public health nuisance" (Cemeteries Act, Al­ diction, maintaining documentation and mapping, identifying berta Regulation 249/1998, Section 30). Municipalities that what restoration and conservation work is required, identify­ take over closed cemeteries are supposed to provide mainte­ ing whether archaeological survey or other subsurface testing nance, but techniques and practices are not governed at a is required, outlining landscape maintenance and monitoring Provincial level and methods of upkeep are left to whatever methods, and determining how to maintain and promote

6 The Alberta Archaeological Review public interest in the preservation of the cemetery (Strangstad It was generally agreed that the Mary Ann Pike monument 1988). has suffered irreversible damage due to its age and environ­ mental conditions. While no baseline study had ever been Any attempt to repair damaged markers should be initiated completed, photographs of the monument taken in 2000 show with adequate research into proper monument preservation that the cracks in the terrazzo and marble plating were techniques, otherwise more damage could be done. When already present four years before Cheviot mine opened. MPEP&HA saw the initial signs of damage to the Mary Ann Pike name plaque, they attempted to seal some of the cracks In light of the proximity of future mining activities, Teck and fill in missing chunks with Portland cement Although chose to commission a documentary record of the cemetery their intentions were good, Portland cement has greater ther­ in order to create a baseline for future assessments of the mal expansion and contraction properties than most stone monuments. The plan was to record the current condition of (Trinkley 2009b). It shrank upon setting, and formed a barrier every monument and produce a map of the cemetery. against the migration of water already trapped behind the plaque, increasing the exfoliating damage. AMEC archaeologists visited the cemetery in 2011 and undertook the documentation of the state and condition of the Books and online guides are valuable sources of information cemetery and its standing monuments and markers (AMEC for ad hoc cemetery conservators (e.g. Association of Grave­ 2011; see also the Review No. 55, Fall 2012 pages 10 and 15 stone Studies). Individual contractors can also be hired to for a discussion of this and similar projects). Marker types conduct cemetery mapping projects, inventories, stabiliza­ and stylistic variables were noted along with the condition of tions, rehabilitations, landscape planning, vegetative manage­ the marker. A detailed map of the cemetery was prepared, ment, perpetual care fund analyses, and environmental audits and a catalogue spreadsheet with photograph references was of abandoned cemeteries. presented to Teck and the Historic Resources Management Branch for perpetual storage (Figure 3). Some Provincial counties are now looking at long-term solu­ tions to cemetery upkeep. These plans can include temporari­ ly removing monuments, re-landscaping, and the rearrange­ ment of the monuments by creating continuous concrete sills at either foot or head of a grave row and replacing the monu­ ments along the sill. The intent is to simplify cemetery maintenance and reduce costs, but this can raise concern among families of the interred and historians alike as original monument placements are altered. The care and attention outlined by Cemetery Master Plans require ongoing efforts that become the responsibility of the community. At present, Service Alberta does not require Cemetery Master Plans from custodial groups (Karen Carruthers, personal communication 2013).

Mountain Park Cemetery Documentation Project and Mitigation A conversation between Teck personnel, a stone mason, AMEC archaeologists, and members of MPEP&HA took place to discuss the condition of the Mary Ann Pike monu­ Figure 3: Members of MPEP&HA, Teck, and AMEC as­ ment. The stone mason, who had extensive experience in the sessing damaged monuments. Rocky Mountain climate zone, assessed the monument. It was determined that a variety of forces have been working against the monument. Teck has also conducted a series of vibration studies at vari­ ous locations around their open mine pits. In response to the When the monument was made the interior concrete was potential increase in vibration velocity and frequency, Teck reinforced with steel rods. Over time, a process known as has decided to alter their blasting strategy. Instead of using a "iron-jacking" occurred, wherein concrete-encased iron large explosive charge to reduce the rock over the coal seam, oxidizes or corrodes and in turn transfers this generated stress they will use a series of small blasts when working within the into the surrounding material. Cracks began to form and nat­ immediate area of the cemetery (Alex Popa, Harris McLeod ural weathering processes (water erosion, ice expansion) Engineer, Cardinal River Operations, Teck, personal commu­ have formed new paths of destruction. nication, 2011). An analogy used to describe the difference was instead of kicking the door open they would use a series Lichen growth has also exacerbated damage to the monu­ of toe taps to open the door. ment. Crustose lichen can degrade stone both mechanically and chemically, enhancing weathering reactions and decreas­ Benefits of Baseline Cemetery Reporting ing cohesion between mineral grains. Lichen also holds mois­ A documentary record of cemeteries (abandoned or not) is an ture against the stone, accumulates pollutants, and increases integral first step in the creation of a Cemetery Master Plan. the potential for frost damage (Trinkley 2009a). Counties and active community groups with historical

No. 56 2013 7 interest in local cemeteries should initiate these studies. References Developers who find that a cemetery is located within their AMEC Earth & Environmental project area (or within potential impact zones) should consid­ 2011 Mountain Park Cemetery Documentation Project er the benefits of a pre-developm ent baseline report that 2011. Report on file with Historical Resource includes noting the dimensions and condition of elements Management Branch, Alberta Culture, Edmonton, within the cemetery. It is in a community's interest to create Alberta. a complete historical record of its cemetery to preserve its Davies, B. identity and heritage. It is in the developer's interest to share 2001 Underground at Mountain Park: A History of Coal baseline information with a community to allow for compari­ Mining Fifty-Eight Hundred Feet above Sea Level. son in future years and avoid any post-disturbance conflicts Saka Inc. Edmonton, Alberta. with stakeholders. Den Otter, A.A. 1967 A Social History of the Alberta Coal Branch. At Mountain Park Cemetery, the documentation results Master's Thesis, University of Alberta. Edmonton. present a snapshot of the Mountain Park community. Marker Province of Alberta inscriptions and background research by MPEP&HA tell the 2012 Cemeteries Act. General Regulation (Alberta Regula­ individual stories of the dead, but the additional survey of tion 249/1998). Alberta Queen's Printer. Edmonton, monument raw materials, design and manufacture of markers Alberta. and fences, and engraved motifs and symbols provide addi­ Ross, T. tional detail about the community, how it treated its dead, 1974 Oh! The Coal Branch: A Chronicle of the Alberta how the dead were commemorated, and how the cemetery Coal Branch. D.W. Friesen and Sons Ltd. Calgary, continues to be used as a memorial park space. Alberta. Salzsauler, MX. and J.P.T. Wegert. Considering its age and continued use as a repository for 1999 Mountain Park Memories. Try Gra-Fix. Edmonton, memorials and cremated remains, the Mountain Park Ceme­ Alberta. tery is in good condition and has retained its heritage charac­ Strangstad, L. ter. There are large areas without markers, and while graves 1988 A Graveyard Preservation Primer. Published in co­ are known to exist, their markers were removed before operation with the Association for Gravestone Stud­ MPEP&HA could stabilize the Past attempts have been made ies. Altamira Press, Walnut Creek, California. to conduct a ground penetrating radar study of these areas to Trinkley, M relocate the graves, but it is believed that vegetation over­ 2009a The Role of Lichen in Stone Deterioration. Associa­ growth and soil conditions limited the results. Due largely to tion of Gravestone Studies Quarterly 33 (2): 15-16. the efforts of MPEP&HA, recent modifications and improve­ Accessed online December 2012 at: http:// ments have stabilized features and ensured the cemetery www. chicora.org/pdfs/AGS%20Conserv ation% continues to be a destination point for both descendants and 20Talk%20-%20Lich.en.pdf their families. 2009b Conservation Talk. Association of Gravestone Stud­ ies Quarterly 33 (3): 19. Accessed online December 2012 at: http: //www. chic ora.org/pdfs/AGS % At Mountain Park, the very industry that brought the commu­ 20Conservation%20Talk%20-%20OPC.pdf nity to the valley is now the same industry that surrounds this little patch of land. Community efforts have maintained the interest in Mountain Park Cemetery and kept its condition as an ongoing concern to the developer. The baseline cemetery report will act as a historical document to chronicle the state of the cemetery 100 years after it was started, but only by working together will the issues and concerns between com­ munity and developer be successfully managed.

8 The Alberta Archaeological Review British Block Medicine Wheel (EdOp-1) Field Trip for the 38ot h Annual Archaeological Society of Alberta Conference, Medicine Hat Southeastern Alberta Archaeological Society, Archaeological Society of Alberta Trevor Peck, Alberta Culture

On Sunday, May 12, 2013, approximately 100 people attend­ ing the 38th Annual Archaeological Society of Alberta Con­ ference in Medicine Hat travelled to Canadian Forces Base Suffield for the associated field trip. Janice Andreas and the conference organizers had arranged special permission with CFB Suffield personnel to visit British Block caim and medicine wheel (EdOp-1). Access to the base for non- military personnel is not an everyday occurrence; the high attendance on the field trip reflects the fantastic opportunity to see a site that few people ever get a chance to visit. The conference attendees were joined by some interested families from the Base, bringing an estimated total field trip attend­ ance to around 120 people (Figure 1).

Figure 2: Unexploded ordinance near British Block (photo courtesy of Carly Stewart).

Figure 1: Over 100 people enjoyed the field trip to British Block medicine wheel and cairn (photo courtesy Terry Quinn).

The group gathered at Ralston for an orientation. Captain James Hornell greeted the group. He and his staff explained Figure 3: The bus ride (photo courtesy of Jim Marshall). some of the hazards that were on the Base (Figure 2), such as unexploded ordnance! Then, after a few words about the Archaeologically, the Base has been professionally studied archaeology of British Block from Archaeological Survey since 1961. A total of 61 archaeological projects have been staff archeologist Trevor Peck, the group was off on a one- conducted on CFB Suffield. These studies have found 1822 hour bus ride to the site (Figure 3). sites. The types of sites recorded include: 19 historic sites, 46 campsites, 7 kill sites, 10 stone tool workshops, 27 stone tool CFB Suffield, or 'British Block' as it is called locally, is scatters, 1694 tipi ring sites, 2 burial sites, 8 isolated finds, 1 2,500 square km in size. The land on which the Base is situ­ rock art site, and 6 medicine wheel sites. ated was taken over from ranchers and homesteaders in 1941 by the Canadian Government for military use. It was used as British Block medicine wheel and cairn is a large stone pile, a British-Canadian scientific research area during WWII. In or cairn, on the highest hill top in the entire area. It can be 1971, the British army returned to train soldiers with such seen from miles away (Figure 4). Locally this hill top is continuing as of today under the Department of National called "The Lookout." British Block caim is 6 feet high by Defence. 30 feet wide. It is enveloped by a stone circle that is 80 feet

No. 56 2013 9 Margaret Hanna commented on the sheer size of the site, noting that archaeologists have for far too long focused on the medicine wheels and not taken into account all the sur­ rounding cairns and related features. Everybody was capti­ vated by the views that reached as far as the eye could see. Needless to say, a good time was had by all.

Figure 4: The highest hilltop in the area (photo courtesy of Don Hanna). in diameter. In addition to the large central caim, there is a small cairn to the west, a caim to the south, and another to the southeast, and a tipi ring immediately adjacent to the southeast of the medicine wheel. As well, there is a Napi effigy or a boulder outline of a man inside the stone circle of the medicine wheel on the east (Figure 5). Ethnographic in­ formation and Blackfoot elders state the effigy is Napi, a trickster figure in Blackfoot religious views.

The field trip attendees spent a few hours at the site under slightly cloudy skies. The event sparked a lot of conversation. Figure 5: The Napi effigy at British Block (photo courtesy Even seasoned veterans like Dr. Brian Reeves and Dr. of Rachel Lindemann)

10 The Alberta Archaeological Review The Laninga Collection: An Assemblage Near Spirit River in the Peace River Region of Northwest Alberta Todd Kristensen and Robin Woywitka Archaeological Survey of Alberta

Northwest Alberta has yielded impressive artifact assemblag­ (Figures 3-7). Since breaking ground on his homestead in es collected by land owners over the past 100 years (Le Blanc 1966, John, and later with the help of his son Beno, has and Wright 1990, Wormington and Forbis 1965). To docu­ recovered spear and dart heads, notched mauls, bifacial axes, ment these artifacts, Milt Wright (then of the Government of cores, chi-tho hide scrapers, spokeshaves, end scrapers, ovate Alberta's Archaeological Survey) began visiting local farm­ bifaces, flakes, unifacial and bifacial excurvate knives, and ers in the Peace River region in the 1980s. He teamed with hammerstones. The total number of tools in their collection is former Archaeological Survey staff Dr. Ray Le Blanc, Dr. approximately 65. Although they have identified many Jack Ives, and Dr. Martin Magne, as well as Bob Dawe, flakes, they have not collected them. The most abundant raw Darryl Bereziuk (current Director of the Archaeological Sur­ material is Peace River chert with a relatively wide variety of vey), Morris Burroughs, Nick Pookay, and others to photo­ quartzites, black chert, and grey chert. Three specimens of graph thousands of specimens and host numerous archaeolo­ obsidian are present, including two fragments of a large gy events. Public digs, demonstrations, "bones and stones" biface mid-section (artifact 15 in Figure 3) and a large scrap­ tours, and school lectures all increased the profile of archae­ er with cortex (Figure 6). Due to the rarity of encountering ology in northwest Alberta. This outreach work culminated in obsidian in Alberta with cortex and in such large pieces, we an unpublished manuscript called "Peace Past Project: An asked to borrow the specimens for geochemical sourcing, Archaeological Survey of the Peace River District" that con­ which John and Beno eagerly agreed to. Subsequent X-ray tained illustrations of hundreds of pieces in private collec­ Florescence by the Geochemical Research Laboratory at UC tions (P.R.A.S. 1991). The book was distributed to land own­ Irvine by Dr. Richard Hughes resulted in positive matches to ers across northwest Alberta and dog-eared copies can still be the Anahim Peak obsidian source in British Columbia, rough­ found on farmers' book shelves. ly 620 km to the southwest.

The intent of this article is to re-invigorate the dissemination Additional specimens of interest include Alberta, Scottsbluff, of some of the knowledge of northwest Alberta assemblages and Agate Basin points (Figure 3). These Late Paleoindian to the archaeological community. Slide scanners and digital points likely range in age from 8,000 to 10,000 years before photography offer new opportunities to share past photo­ present (Peck 2011). The raw material of the Agate Basin graphic archives. The authors are also documenting new base (artifact 16 in Figure 3) resembles Beaver River Sand­ assemblages. The current article format (the format which stone in colour, but lacks the typical large phenocrysts, and will hopefully become a regular contribution to the Alberta exhibits well-crafted transverse collateral flaking. Known Archaeological Review), includes a brief history of the col­ sources of Beaver River Sandstone lie approximately 500 km lection, a narrative of its documentation, photographs, and to the east near Fort McMurray. The largest biface was a 20 relevant data analyses conducted on the artifacts to date. Our cm long, irregularly flaked piece of Peace River chert with interpretation is intentionally light and largely limited to a rounded shoulders and a triangular base (artifact 13 in Figure discussion of site significance in relation to regional topogra­ 3). It is possible that this biface was a core for flake tools, but phy, as illustrated through LiDAR maps. We hope the dis­ it is not clear why a core would have a symmetrical base. semination of this material stimulates interest in the region Intentional basal grinding was not apparent on this specimen, and its archaeological record. but several of the spear bases had been ground.

This first article showcases collections from the Laninga Four specimens have flared stems, which is reminiscent of homesteads near Spirit River, roughly 3 km south of Peace Burmis style points from the foothills. One of these (artifact 2 River and 25 km east of the British Columbia border (Figures in Figure 3) was re-worked into a scraper after an apparent 1 and 2). We viewed a grainy photograph that John Laninga transverse break. Many specimens had transverse breaks typ­ and his son Beno had taken prior to visiting their collection in ical of impact fractures, but it is perhaps just as likely that October, 2013. The variety of projectiles in the photograph they were fractured by recent plowing. Additional points was impressive, but we were most intrigued by a large biface. resemble Oxbow and Mummy Cave, while the obsidian At roughly 2.5 times the length of an adjacent Alberta spear biface has distinct shoulders and a broken stem suggesting point, but without a scale in the original photograph, we pon­ Alberta or Scottsbluff affinities. dered the likelihood of encountering the largest biface we had ever seen, or of it being a 10 cm biface next to the world's Like many assemblages from the Peace River area, the tools smallest Alberta point. are notably large (Le Blanc and Wright 1990). While this could be due to the fact that local collectors are more likely The former proved to be correct; the biface was 20 cm long, to pick up large tools turned up in fields, conversation with and the remaining diversity of tools in the Laninga's collec­ the Laningas suggests that there is no collection bias for big­ tion was much greater than the original photograph suggested ger pieces. Both John and Beno are proud of their collection

No. 56 2013 11 Map1 Kilometers Figure 1: Location of the Laninga properties and artifact collections.

Map 2 Kilometers Figure 2: The Laninga properties and relationship to regional/local topography.

12 The Alberta Archaeological Review and have developed keen eyes for the raw materials during in northern Alberta. Their origin could be related to the melt­ decades of plowing. To this day they still argue over small ing of stagnant glacial ice, or the extrusion of saturated gla­ artifacts that they both spotted from their tractor at the same cial lake sediment caused by increased groundwater pressure time! The large size of some artifacts may be evidence of a (Pawley 2012). The lack of distinctive topographic features at link to Clovis traditions (Ives et al. 2013, Le Blanc and the Laninga sites highlights the difficulties of locating undis­ Wright 1990). A comprehensive quantitative evaluation of turbed Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene sites in the Peace River assemblages would provide great insight into the region. Future analyses of Peace River sites in relation to potential cultural affinities of this significant region to Late glacial lake strandlines and other terrain features may reveal Pleistocene and Early Holocene traditions further to the north patterns suggestive of site location strategies. We also hope and south. to continue building geochemical databases of raw materials used in northern Alberta, which may inform hypotheses of If the diverse tool assemblages represent several occupations culture contact, migration patterns, and colonization routes. through the Early to Middle Holocene (as suggested by pro­ jectile point typology), they are likely indicative of multi- In summary, the Laninga collection yielded an exceptionally component campsites. Why camp in these areas? Both Lan­ large biface, an array of early projectile points, large obsidian inga properties are relatively far from the current Peace River pieces, and various domestic tools (axes, scrapers, mauls, upper valley margin and were likely much further in the past cores, and chi-thos) that may be associated with Early to prior to significant river erosion through the Holocene Middle Holocene occupations. The lithics offer a rare (Figure 1). Perhaps the areas were in favourable proximity to glimpse at early campsite assemblages in northern Alberta. bison or other herds of game animals that grazed in the area. The Laningas (Figure 8) were gracious hosts and we thank Significantly, neither property contains prominent landforms. them for their hospitality and the eagerness with which they Both properties are characterized by low relief (1-2 m) shared their collection. Their passion for the past will con­ doughnut moraines (Figure 2). These features were formed tribute to the emerging story of pre-contact life in the Peace during deglaciation approximately 12,000 years ago River region. (Atkinson and Paulen 2010, Pawley 2012) and are common

9 10 11

10 cm

Figure 3: Projectile points and a massive biface.

No. 56 2013 13 Figure 4: Notched mauls and axes.

Figure 5: Quartzite cores.

14 The Alberta Archaeological Review Figure 6: Obsidian scraper with roughly 30% cortex on the dorsal surface.

Figure 7: Ovate bifaces and chi-tho/cores.

No. 56 2013 15 References Atkinson, N. and Paulen, R.C. 2010 Surficial Geology and Quaternary History of the Cleardale Area, Northwestern Alberta (NTS 84D/ SW); Energy Resources Conservation Board, ERCB/ AGS Open File Report 2010-11, 27 p. Ives, J. W., D. Froese, K. Supernant, and G. Yanicki. 2013 Vectors, Vestiges and Valhallas - Rethinking the Corridor. In Paleoamerican Odyssey, edited by K. E. Graf, C. V. Ketron, and M. R. Waters, Chapter 9, pp. 149-169. College Station, Texas: Peopling of the Americas Publications, Center for the Study of the First Americans, Texas A&M University. Le Blanc, R. J., and M. J. Wright. 1990 Macroblade Technology in the Peace River Region of Northwestern Alberta. Canadian Journal of Archaeology 14:1-11. Magne, M. 1987 Locational Variability of Archaeological Sites in the Peace River-Grande Prairie Region of Northeastern Alberta. In Archaeology in Alberta 1986, edited by M. Magne, pp. 79-95. Archaeological Survey of Alberta, Occasional Paper No. 31, Edmonton, AB. Pawley, S. M. and Atkinson, N. 2012 Surficial Geology and Quaternary History of the Southern Lesser Slave Lake area, Alberta (NTS 830/ S); Energy Resources Conservation Board, ERCB/ AGS Open File Report 2012-16, 33 p. Peace River Archaeological Society. 1991 Peace past project: An archaeological survey of the Peace River District. Unpublished manuscript on file, Archaeological Survey, Historic Resources Manage­ ment Branch, Edmonton, AB. Peck, T. 2011 Light from Ancient Campfires: Archaeological Evi­ dence for Native Lifeways on the Northern Plains. AU Press, Edmonton, AB. Wormington, H. M., and R. G. Forbis. 1965 An Introduction to the Archaeology of Alberta, Cana­ Figure 8: Mrs. and Mr. Laninga and their son Beno. da Proceedings Number Eleven, Denver Museum of Natural History, Denver, CO.

16 The Alberta Archaeological Review Alberta Archaeological Field-Work News 2012

Compiled and Edited by Alwynne B. Beaudoin, Royal Alberta Museum with contributions by Kurtis Blaikie-Birkigt, Christy de Mille, Amanda Dow, Terry Gibson, Brent Murphy, Martina Purdon, Jennifer Tischer, and Michael Turney

In 2012, there were 309 permits issued for archaeological work in Alberta. Work under permit resulted in the discovery of 713 new archaeological sites, and 463 site revisits. The Provincial inventory of archaeological sites totals 38,593 as of September 23, 2013.

AMEC Environment & Infrastructure Submitted by Amanda Dow

AMEC fieldwork started early in 2012 with a small well pad project by Murray Lobb on the east side of the Red Deer River north of Brooks (Permit 12-019). Situated near the multiple tipi ring sites of EfOx-55 and 56, the new well pad had potential to include stone features within its area. Unfor­ tunately, if there had been any stone features, they are now located in one of many historic plough piles scattered on the edge of a previously cultivated area. A piece of fire-broken rock (FBR) and a quartzite core were collected just outside of the project area in a patch of intact native prairie. These artifacts were found approximately 200 metres east of the intact stone rings, on the edge of the upper terrace, overlook­ ing the Red Deer River valley. Figure 1: Shading the hearth feature at EaOs-18 (Thirsty Nancy Saxberg returned to the Thirsty Prince site, EaOs-18, Prince) for photography (Nancy Saxberg, Aidan on the north bank of the South Saskatchewan River (just Burford, Alan Korejbo in photo). below the Suffield Medicine Circle) to conduct mitigation excavations (Permit 12-033) and construction monitoring Within the upper 100 cm, scattered finds associated with the (Permit 12-291). Part of EaOs-18 was to be disturbed by a Old Women's and Avonlea components were observed, but new raw water pumphouse facility that would service CFB not in any concentration or as a distinct living floor. At 2 m Suffield to the north. Thirty square metres were excavated, down (from the top of the terrace) another component was and initially uncovered the remains of three components uncovered. At least one other hearth and a scatter of bone and including Old Women's (1,090 ± 30 yr BP, Beta-320657) FBR were noted over a metre below the Avonlea component. and Avonlea (1,200 ± 30 yr BP, Beta-320658) occupations. A sample from the hearth was dated to 1,530 ± 30 yr BP. The assemblages were comparable to sites of similar antiqui­ While images of Cactus Flower danced through our minds, beyond this level, nothing else was observed in situ. A bison ty: emphasis on local lithic materials, small, thin side- skull was collected from a depth of 9 m, but was believed to notched projectile points, bison as a food source, and ceram­ be associated with river flooding and redeposited from some­ ics. Two hearth features were excavated, but the overall scat­ where upstream (or from across the river at yet untested ter of material was very sparse, and the site was stratified by EaOs-3). Work conducted for the pumphouse did not remove numerous repeat flood events (Figure 1). The project was the entirety of the site. The project proved to us the im­ granted clearance contingent upon monitoring during con­ portance of conducting backhoe tests and the necessity for struction. construction monitoring when those backhoe tests do not reach clay or glacial deposits. The final phase of monitoring Monitoring at EaOs-18 took place in the fall. The pit excava­ will occur in 2013. tion dug for the pump house descended approximately 15m down into the lower terrace before hitting the water table.

No. 56 2013 17 Murray Lobb conducted a large survey project over the sum­ form produced very little other cultural material. When sur­ mer months in an area on the west side of the Athabasca vey was done in 2008, Carmen Olson managed to find the River near Mildred Lake, and on the west side of the Mac­ most discrete little collection of flakes and plumbed them Kay River near the Dover River for the proposed Mildred almost in entirety. The lithic distribution perfectly suggests Lake Expansion project (Permit 12-110). Four new sites were an individual chipping episode wherein debris was con­ found on the west side of the Athabasca (HgOv-119, 120, strained by the legs of the knapper. We were lucky to find 121, and 122). Two were isolated finds, and one a small scat­ this collection of BRSS flakesi n the firstplace . ter, but HgOv-121 tempted us with a lovely knife tip (Figure 2) and a scattering of Beaver River Sandstone (BRSS). Pro­ Under the direction of Murray Lobb, a survey and mitigation posed development may put this site at risk, so additional was completed on the north side of MacDonald Lake, just work was recommended. east of Balzac in Rocky View County (Permit 12-147). Previ­ ous studies done on the south side of the lake proved the po­ tential for buried cultural material (Permit 00-217) and back­ hoe testing and excavation units proved the north side of the lake was also an area frequented by past peoples. EhPl-84 (dubbed The Lost Cows site) included a wide scatter of lithic and faunal debris within at least three conflated components. A quartzite core, two endscrapers, a sidescraper, retouched flake, and projectile point tip were collected along with a scattering of faunal debris. Varying levels of soil deflation, erosion, and rodent disturbance affected the final interpreta­ tion and characterization of the site, but AMS dating results of bone collected throughout the various components pro­ duced conventional ages at 2,030 ± 30 yr BP (Beta-331770), 3,750 ± 30 yr BP (Beta- 331772), and 4,200 ± 30 yr BP (Beta -331771). The Lost Cows site was interpreted as a lithic tool workshop and short-term carcass processing area contempo­ rary with Middle Period cultures. Upland areas east of Nose Creek should not be disregarded as holding moderate to high Figure 2: Summer student Alanna Robertson with biface tip potential for cultural indicators, especially on landforms near fromHgOv-121. permanent and seasonal waterbodies and wetlands.

In Edmonton's North Saskatchewan River valley, Saxberg Despite valiant efforts to find sites on the MacKay River, our directed several monitoring programs associated with the search yielded only one quartzite scraper on the edge of a decommissioning of EPCOR's Rossdale Power Plant, as well small dam-clogged tributary. The lack of sites on this stretch as a mitigation program associated with a new laboratory of the river was frustrating (especially after we learned that building for the Rossdale Water Treatment Plant (Permit 12- Jason Roe had found a couple of nice Precontact sites on the 046). The area has long been archaeologically known as the MacKay just upstream from our study area!). The geomor- Rossdale Site (FjPi-63) and includes Precontact components phological character (as well as previous oil and gas work in as well as a fur trade establishment (Edmonton House and the 1980s) has resulted in a lot of disturbance along the lower Fort Augustus II and IV were believed to be located on this terraces and any evidence of earlier cultures has been ob­ site between ca. 1802 and 1830). Elements of these early scured by landslides or carried away by river flooding.Th e forts have been observed by archaeologists before, hidden upper terraces are high and steeply-sloped. Additional testing beneath modern landscaping and parking lots. Surviving por­ will be done again in 2013. tions of the buried past are usually disturbed by linear fea­ tures (ductlines and utility trenches associated with the old Another summer survey project took place on the edges of power plant) or else obscured by active facilities. When an majestic Muskeg Mountain on the west side of the Athabasca older building with no basement was demolished to make River under the direction of Aidan Burford (Permit 12-196). room for the new laboratory building, the opportunity came In the words of Burford, "it was wet." Despite these condi­ to assess whether there were any pockets of undisturbed early tions, two Precontact sites were found on very low lobes of nineteenth century fur trade surfaces left behind (Figure 3). land in the middle of the muskeg. Although just small scat­ Several features were encountered during excavation. Man}'' ters, the presence of sites within this inhospitable summer of these were twentieth century utility trenches, footings, terrain shows us that ease of transport should not discount utility pole stubs, and disposal middens, but hidden between site possibilities. On the plus side, we were part of Canadian the disturbances were a series of historic period trenches Boreal Forest field trials for the Hydratrek (kind of like an along with a wide scatter of artifacts related to pre-mid- Argo on steroids). nineteenth century fur trade, including items of Aboriginal, eastern Canadian, and European manufacture (Figure 4). The Only one oilsands area site was excavated in 2012 under the artifacts recovered from the fur trade fills indicate that the direction of Nancy Saxberg (Permit 12-128). HiOs-6 required remains are that of Edmonton House/Fort Augustus IV, occu­ a small mitigative excavation. An additional 4 square metres pied between 1813 and 1830. excavated around the only positive shovel test on the land-

18 The Alberta Archaeological Review Emergency construction monitoring was conducted at EaOp- 52, the Medicine Hat Brick & Tile site in Medicine Hat by Nancy Saxberg (Permit 12-276). The construction crew res­ ponsible for conducting Ross Creek bank stabilization uncov­ ered some historic refuse (Figure 5) and work was temporari­ ly halted to assess the nature of deposit and make sure that it was not significant to the historic industrial occupation of the site, which was designated a Provincial Historic Resource in December of 2012. I I I 1 I

Figure 5: Bricks from Medicine Hat Brick and Tile site (EaOp-52) and Ross Creek stabilization efforts.

Lifeways of Canada Limited Submitted by Christy de Mille

During the 2012 field season Lifeways of Canada Limited Figure 3: View of excavation block on east side of EPCOR's held man}'' archaeological research permits for work in Alber­ Power Plant. ta. Fieldwork was undertaken in all areas of Alberta, includ­ ing but not limited to: Fort McMurray, the Coal Branch, Cal­ gary, and the Hanna region of south-central Alberta.

Lifeways completed several projects in and around our home base of the City of Calgary. Under the direction Christy de Mille, mitigative excavations were undertaken at EhPm-22 on the northwest edge of the City. EhPm-22 is on a small remnant area of native prairie on the edge of Simons Valley overlooking West Nose Creek. Excavations were undertaken in response to a planned housing development and focused on exploring the relatively large cairn present at the site. In total, 15 m were excavated, the majority of which were placed over and near the cairn. Excavations revealed that the cairn was primarily comprised of cores and tried cobbles and was likely a workshop dump area (Figure 6). A total of 441 lithic artifacts were recovered, including 367 pieces of deb­ itage, 65 cores and tried cobbles, and 9 tools. Overall, the prevalence of cores, tried cobbles, and split cobbles indicate that this site functioned mainly as a workshop, seemingly focused on the reduction of quartzite cobbles/slabs into blanks and large flakes. These were likely transported off the site and reduced into more formal tools elsewhere given the lack of late stage debitage recovered. Interestingly, two • • flaked quartzite erratics were observed near the cairn, further supporting the interpretation of the site as a workshop. The position of the site overlooking the valley affords it an excel­ lent view along West Nose Creek, where game could be monitored while workshop activities were undertaken. This small workshop site, focused on the initial reduction of local­ ly available quartzite cobbles/slabs, is unusual compared with Figure 4: All views of ground stone pipe (and possible re­ others known from the immediate area. construction) found during excavations at FjPi-63.

No. 56 2013 19 Notched projectile point places the Precontact occupation to sometime between 1,100 and 250 years ago. Lithic materials recovered indicate that the inhabitants camped here and col­ lected local rocks from the lake. The presence of various scrapers, utilized flakes, bifaces, and cores indicate that these rocks were used to fashion tools needed for daily domestic activities, including preparation of foods and working of hides. Faunal materials support this scenario and indicate a wide variety of local wildlife was procured, including fish and a number of fur-bearing animals. The faunal remains suggest that the site represents a late winter occupation, a time when furs are best and ice-cover on the lake made it easy to fish. This may explain the emphasis on procuring local lithic materials, as during the cold season, group mobili­ ty would have been reduced and lithic materials from more distant sources (such as obsidian or Knife River Flint) may already have been exhausted.

Figure 6: View south of partially excavated cairn, EhPm-22. The distribution of the artifacts was found to be highly pat­ terned. Concentrations of burned bone and fire-broken rock Also around Calgary, Brian Vivian completed excavations at suggest that a hearth was located in/or at close proximity to the EgPn-453 and EgPn-449 sites on the Paskapoo slopes in one excavation unit, while other bone and rock refuse were northwest Calgary. Analysis is currently underway, but a discarded several meters away. It appears that this fireplace strong Pelican Lake presence at EgPn-453 is indicated by the was a focus for preparing foods and working hides. Bones initial results. from diverse species and many of the stone tools were recov­ ered in units immediately adjacent to this locale. Overall, the Brian Vivian also completed final mitigative excavations at distributions of stone tools, bone, and fire-broken rock and FgPm-5, a Precontact site on the shores of Pigeon Lake in the suggested location of the fire hearth are similar to the west-central Alberta. A total 22 m2 excavated in two blocks highly structured use of space that has been documented resulted in the recovery of some 2,675 artifacts. This includes inside tipis. While no evidence of a stone circle was found, stone tools, lithic debitage, bone, and fire-broken rock from a the distribution patterns suggest activities constrained within Precontact occupation (Figure 7). A Late Plains Side- a tipi lodge and corroborates that this site likely represents a cold season occupation.

Although FgPm-5 was considered to be of High Local Signif­ icance when it was originally recorded, the 2012 excavation results suggest it is of elevated significance. FgPm-5 is one of 4*1 the few excavated sites in Alberta where fish bones have been recovered. Further analysis of the artifact assemblage has helped shed light on the nature of subsistence adaptations in the late Precontact period. Interpretations of these cultural materials place this site within a wider regional context, wherein this winter fish camp represents one of many which are likely found on the shores of Pigeon and the other large, nearby lakes, and it is suggested that this land use pattern was well established by the time the fur trade developed.

The archaeological inventory of Lac La Biche that Ed McCullough completed in the mid-1970s demonstrated the density of archaeological resources found along the shores of lakes in central Alberta. No informed archaeologist is sur­ prised by the rich archaeological resources that can be found around the margins of such lakes. Inventory surveys of Pin- ewood, Touchwood, and Buck Lakes are examples of more recent studies that have again proven this point. Yet these same waterbodies are rarely included in reconstructions of seasonal use models. Although Late Period sites are com­ monly found on these lakes (as exemplified by those located on Pigeon and Buck lakes), few of these have been studied in any detail, and reference to the Old Women's Phase contin­ ues to depend largely upon the many buffalo hunting sites Figure 7: Artifacts recovered from FgPm-5. found in southern Alberta used to characterize this period. In

20 The Alberta Archaeological Review part, this is due to researcher bias, and in part due to the fact season completing Phase 1 of the ATCO Hanna Region few of these lakes have attracted much archaeological re­ Transmission Development (HRTD1) in south-central Alber­ search. The initial survey undertaken at Pigeon Lake Provin­ ta. The 2012 field season was the third and final year of cial Park (Permit 11-129) was the first systematic survey HRIA investigations. These investigations have been very completed along the shores of Pigeon Lake; this despite the productive, newly recording over 100 Precontact and Historic fact that recreational housing developments on the shores of sites within the development area. The Precontact sites are Pigeon Lake have continued unabated for the last 30 to 40 varied and include campsites, stone features, artifact scatters, years. Other lakes such as Battle or Gull have never been and interestingly, pebble chert quarries and workshops. Don subjected to rigorous Historical Resources Impact Assess­ suggests that collectively these sites reflect a preference of ment (HRIA) studies and remain archaeologically unknown. past peoples (and groups) to seek elevated landforms that The overall success of our rather limited excavations at FgPm offer both a commanding view of the surrounding landscape -5 shine a light on the potential such lakeshore sites have in and easy access to reliable water sources. The Historic sites recorded during this project recount the early history of Euro- elucidating the nature of late Precontact adaptations in central Canadian settlement of the area and include the remains of Alberta. schools, residences, and farm structures among others. The 2012 field work confirmed earlier patterns observed during In addition to the work described above for Pigeon Lake Pro­ the 2010 and 2011 field seasons and added 21 new sites to vincial Park, Lifeways also undertook an archaeological sur­ the inventory. A total of 15 Precontact sites were recorded vey and historic resources inventory of the Two Lakes and including 2 isolated finds, 8 artifact scatters, and 5 campsites Gregoire Lakes Provincial Parks. Both parks were investigat­ (Figure 8). One small historic dumpsite, 2 farmsteads (Figure ed under the direction of Don Hanna. HRIA studies were 9), and 1 homestead were also recorded. completed at the Comfort Cabins study area at Two Lakes Provincial Park southwest of Grande Prairie and at the Anzac Day Use Area and the South Shore Area of Gregoire Lake Provincial Park southeast of Fort McMurray.

Investigations by Don at the Two Lakes Provincial Park revealed that the area has been subjected to more intensive past disturbances than had previously been recognized, and portions of the landform appeared to have been artificially flattened. A road adjacent to the study area has likely led to substantial disturbances and it is also suspected that the Com­ fort Cabin study area was used as a construction camp when the road was built. Not surprisingly, no cultural materials were identified in any of the test excavations at the proposed Two Lakes Provincial Park Comfort Cabin study area. How­ ever, an incidental find of a small Precontact campsite scatter (GcQw-2) was identified and recorded at the Gunderson Flats campground across the lake from the study area.

At Gregoire Lake Provincial Park several new sites were recorded and an attempt was made to revisit three previously Figure 8: Fire-cracked rock associated with hearth feature. recorded sites. Here, the Anzac Day Use area was walked and no additional high potential, undisturbed areas were iden­ tified. The area was found to be more heavily disturbed than expected, with abandoned road/trails and recent Parks infra­ structure (including an unused building). Consequently, shovel testing was confined to the previously identified high potential areas. A total of 54 shovel tests were excavated in the three targeted landforms which were all found to be par­ tially or substantially disturbed by past bulldozer/ construction work. The flat areas and berms created by this construction likely led (at least partially) to their identifica­ tion as high potential landforms. Extensive Historic Era can and bottle dumps (HcOs-10 and HcOs-12) were identified during our investigations and it appears clear that much of this area has been used as an informal garbage dump over the last half century. A possible cabin footing and Precontact campsite were also identified (HcOs-9), as was a small Pre­ contact lithic scatter identified in shovel tests (HcOs-11). None of the identified sites appear to be significant. Figure 9: View of southeast wall of standing structure at Don Hanna and crew were also busy during the 2012 field FaOp-75.

No. 56 2013 21 On ATCO's behalf, Lifeways completed both a general and detailed Historical and Archaeological Resources Protection Plan (HARPP) to be used by planners, construction contrac­ tors, and environmental inspectors to aid them in avoiding damage to all significant sites that have been recorded or may be encountered during construction, remediation, or other activities. Part of the HARPP included training of ATCO field staff on protocols to manage the Historic resources as well as on site and artifact recognition. This protection plan has thus far proved successful resulting in the (non- permitted) identification and avoidance of Historic and palae­ ontological finds (Figure 10).

Figure 11: Historic Culverts Site. Two wooden culverts under an abandoned roadway still divert water from a small drainage.

Figure 10: Fencing to facilitate avoidance of historic foun­ dation 2.

The 2012 field season saw Lifeways continue its involvement in the Coal Branch area. Kendra Kolomyja, with the assis­ tance of Dan Meyer, completed a survey of a seven kilometer stretch between Highway 16 and the CN rail line just outside of Hinton proposed for development as a new rail siding. The proposed development, in close proximity of the town of Figure 12: FiQi-24 privy excavation. Excavator Dan Meyer Hinton, made it obvious that there was high potential for sites in excavation block with privy deposit related to the early development of the town and other histor­ ic occupations in the area. The initial survey of the project rials. In one privy (FiQi-22), the MNI for cow (the most com­ area identified 7 archaeological sites including 2 Precontact mon animal represented) was 14 (based on femur count) and sites, 4 Historic Period sites, and 1 site with both Precontact over 65 kg of metal was collected from a 1 x 2 m excavation and Historic period components. An additional 3 Historic block. The other privy (FiQi-24) had similar artifact densities Sites (not archaeological) were recorded for the Heritage with 72.5 kg of metal and an MNI of 8 cows represented. Survey. One of these included a set of wooden culverts used to divert water below a now-defunct roadway (Figure 11). The overall assemblages of both privies seemed to be repre­ sentative of kitchen dumps for work crews or other similar occupations. The development of the CN Railway and the Four of the archaeological sites were recommended for miti­ construction of the Pedley Reservoir in 1928 were almost gative work prior to development. With the support of the certainly linked to the deposits at these sites. The opportunity client, and under the direction of Kendra Kolomyja, mitiga­ to conduct a full coverage survey of the project area has been tions were undertaken in October. FiQi-19 is a small Precon­ a valuable contribution to the body of research and discussion tact workshop believed to date to the Middle Period (7,750- of past occupation in the upper Athabasca Valley. The survey 3,000 years ago) based on comparisons with similar sites in and subsequent mitigations provides an interesting and in­ this region. The remaining excavations were conducted to formative sample of the broad types of sites that exist in this mitigate Historic Period features at FiQi-22, FiQi-24, and region. Few sites have been identified in this portion of the FiQj-23. Two privy depressions (FiQi-22 and FiQi-24) were Athabasca Valley and a survey of this nature brings a valua­ excavated and these both produced surprisingly large artifact ble contribution to the discussion of both Historic and Pre­ assemblages (Figure 12). The extraordinarily dense deposits contact occupations in this area. consisted mainly of cans and can fragments, and faunal mate-

22 The Alberta Archaeological Review Jason Roe also completed field investigations in the Coal Branch Area. Jason and his crew (Brian Beaulieu, Derrick Foster, and Courtney Lakevold) excavated a small historic site, FhQh-10, northwest of the hamlet of Mercoal. Although the site was originally recorded as a horse bam, the short, 3 ft high entrance and internal rooms suggest the structure was more likely used for storage or as a workshop. Jason and crew (Mary Attia, Derrick Foster, and Courtney Lakevold) also excavated three other Historic Period sites around Mer­ coal. FhQg-74 had originally been identified as a dairy bam associated with the town of Coalspur. However, the results of the excavation and interview with a local informant both sup­ port the alternate interpretation that this historic site repre­ sented a residential area for people working at the Yellow­ head mine to the west. Of particular interest was the excava­ tion of a mostly intact cold storage cellar (Figure 13).

Figure 14: Venus of Mercoal.

also completed an HRIA in the McKay River area and rec­ orded six new sites (HfPb-1 to HfPb-6). Two of the sites had Figure 13: Cold storage cellar at FhQg-74. projectile points. That recovered from HfPb-1 is the midsec­ tion of a Late Period point, and the second from HfPb-6 After completing excavations at the FhQg-74 site, Jason and appears to be a heavily reworked Fort Creek Fen Complex crew moved west to mitigate FhQh-13. FhQh-13 is a logging point. camp along McCardell Creek consisting of the remains often historic structures. While most of the structures were likely cabins, there was a larger structure, likely the mess hall. Interestingly, a marble was recovered from this site suggest­ Golder Associates Ltd. (Alberta, Nunavut, ing that children may have also lived at the site. Northwest Territories, and Idaho) Submitted by Brent Murphy and Michael Turney The final historic site excavated near Mercoal by Jason and crew was a pit feature associated with the extant portion of FhQh-22. Due to groundwater issues, the excavation of this Archaeologists from Golder Associates Ltd. (Golder), Calga­ pit feature turned into a challenging exercise in underwater ry and Edmonton had another busy field season conducting archaeology. A side trip to a nearby point of interest, the historic resource projects throughout Alberta, Nunavut, The Venus of Mercoal (a stone carving along the local rail line), Northwest Territories, and Idaho in 2012. Twenty-one histor­ completed this fieldwork (Figure 14). ic resource permits were held in Alberta last year by Golder staff archaeologists Vince Balls, Jessica Langer, Michael As well as the mitigative excavation work, Jason spent much Turney, and Dan Wyman. The majority of the work conduct­ of the summer survey ing for Lifeways5 forestry clients. High­ ed in Alberta includes both HRIAs for several in-situ oilsands lights of this work were finding FgQc-15 (a cabin with no developments and their associated facilities in northern door), and FfPx-8 and FgQc-18, both Precontact Period Alberta (Permits 12-148, 12-212, 12-237, 12-145, 12-260, 12 campsites. In addition to his work in the Coal Branch, Jason -263, and 12-174); and a number of HRIAs conducted in spent some quality time with the mosquitoes in the Fort advance of small scale oil and gas developments in southern McMurray region. Jason assisted Brian Vivian with an HRIA (Permits 12-008, 12-023, 12-066, 12-173, 12-300, and 12- in and around the Snipe Creek and Namur Lake area which 301) and central (Permits 12-183 and 12-184) Alberta. Addi­ included recording HhPe-4, a small quartzite quarry. Jason tional HRIAs conducted by Golder staff during the 2012 field

No. 56 2013 23 season included a large scale mitigative excavation for a con­ Class III cultural inventory of 17,363 acres of public land in ventional oilsands project (Permit 12-085), two HRIAs con­ Twin Falls and Owyhee Counties for the Bureau of Land ducted prior to development of transmission lines in central Management. During the survey, 111 sites and isolated finds Alberta (Permits 12-024, and 12-111), two HRIAs conducted were recorded including revisits of 14 previously known prior to forestry development in the Drayton Valley/Edson sites. Twenty-five of these sites are historic EuroDAmerican area (Permits 12-093) and the Sundre, Waiparous, Bragg sites, 35 are prehistoric Native American sites, 5 have both Creek, and Crowsnest Pass area (Permit 12-061), and a rock prehistoric and historic components, and 46 are isolated art monitoring program at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park finds. One of the sites is already listed on the National Regis­ (Permit 12-284). ter of Historic Places and 8 are recommended as eligible.

As a result of our work in Alberta 11 new historic resource Two projects of note that Golder worked on in 2012 are the sites were reported, 25 previously reported historic resource mitigation of ten prehistoric sites in advance of a convention­ sites were revisited and 10 sites were mitigated. The newly al oilsands mining project, and the rock art monitoring pro­ reported historic resource sites included 1 isolated find site gram at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park. (HhOx-32), 2 prehistoric lithic scatters (FeQa-2 and GjOt-5), 5 historic cabins (FiPu-1, 2, 3, 4 and GjOs-6), and 3 stone As part of Shell Canada Energy's ongoing long-term efforts feature sites (DjOx-8, DlPc-28 and DlPc-29). The previously to mitigate impacts of the construction of the Muskeg River recorded sites included historic logging flumes (DkOp-4 and Mine Expansion, Golder conducted mitigative studies just 7), 2 stone feature sites (DjOx-1 and DlPc-27), 1 cabin north of the Quarry of the Ancestors (Permit 12-085). During (GgOp-7), 1 small prehistoric workshop site (HhOx-4), and the 2012 field season, ten prehistoric sites (HhOv-490, 491, 19 rock art sites (DgOv-2, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 82, 83, 84, 85, 498, 522, 523, 524, 528, 529, 530, and 531) were mitigated, 86, 87, 92, 98, 99, 100, 102, 125, and 133). Ten of the previ­ resulting in the excavation of a total of 708 m2, and the col­ ously recorded prehistoric sites (HhOv-490, 491, 498, 522, lection of approximately 800,000 artifacts. Although analysis 523, 524, 528, 529, 530 and 531) were excavated in 2012. and reporting are currently in preparation, a number of pre­ liminary findings can be reported. Most of the mitigative Six archaeological permits were held in The Northwest Terri­ studies focused on one site, HhOv-528. While the artifact tories and Nunavut last year by Golder archaeologists Brent assemblage consisted almost entirely of Beaver River Sand­ Murphy and Julie Ross. The fieldwork conducted in The stone debitage and tools, other tool stone and faunal material Northwest Territories include an Archaeological Impact were also recovered. It is hoped that radiocarbon dates ob­ Assessment (AIA) for the remediation of a mine site along tained from recovered bone will greatly add to the local chro­ the shores of Beaverlodge and Hottah Lake north of Gameti nology. (Permit 2012-010), and a winter road associated with a mine near Nahanni Butte (Permit 2012-016). The AIA for the min­ Thirty-three complete projectile points and other diagnostic ing project along the shores of Beaverlodge and Hottah Lake artifacts were recovered indicating at least two archaeological resulted in the discovery of 13 previously unrecorded archae­ cultures. The majority of the projectile points (n=30) fit ological sites (LfPs-8, LePs-15 to 19 and LePt-2 to 8) and the within the Middle Prehistoric Period Beaver River Complex revisits of 5 previously recorded sites (LePs-5 to 8 and LePt- (Shield Archaic), with some additional projectile points (n=3) 1). Sites included Euro-Canadian uranium exploration camps, diagnostic of the Middle Prehistoric Period Firebag Hills mine sites, Tljchp fish caches, hunting blinds, and camp sites. Complex (ASTt). The large number of anvils (large stones with one or more pecked divots), wedges, and bipolar cores/ The four permits in Nunavut included AIAs for a proposed core fragments recovered from HhOv-528 is strongly sugges­ mine (Permit 2012-024A) and the remediation of three aban­ tive of a reliance on bipolar technology. This site should doned weather stations (Permits 2012-006A, 2012-007A, and provide a significant opportunity to further understanding of 2012-008A). Thirteen new sites were recorded in conjunction the varied use of bipolar reduction technology within the with the AIA conducted for the mining project, and resulted Beaver River Complex. in the mitigation of the following sites: KgJm-18, KgJm-20, KgJm-23, KgJm-24, KgJm-25, KgJm-26, KgJm-30, KgJm- Another unique feature of HhOv-528 is its deep, intact stra­ 35, KgJm-48 andKfJm-171. The abandoned weather stations tigraphy (Figure 15). During Stage II mitigation, six units were located on the east shore of Ennadai Lake, south end of were excavated to 120 cm below surface (cmbs), with a Nottingham Island, and on an unnamed island in Contwoyto quadrant in each test unit excavated to basal flood gravels Lake. Nine new sites (JgMf-12 to 20) were recorded and one (approximately 180 cmbs), to help determine site formation previously recorded site (JgMf-3) was revisited at Ennadai processes. During Stage III mitigation, an excavation block Lake, the majority of them being isolated finds. Four new allowing for 17.5 m2 of exposure of the basal flood gravels sites were recorded on Nottingham Island including 3 stone (approximately 2 mbs) was completed. The stratigraphy is feature sites (KgFr-1, 3, and 4) and 1 lithic scatter (KgFr-2). similar to that reported during the initial investigations of The AIA of the Contwoyto Lake Weather Station attempted HhOv-319 Locus 1 (Saxberg 2007). Although no cultural to revisit LePs-1 and recorded land use sites consisting of a material was recovered from below the clay (70 cmbs), the hunting blind and a wooden tent frame of fairly recent con­ deep excavation units will allow for better definition of the struction. environmental context and Quaternary history of sites in the vicinity of the Quarry of the Ancestors. In Idaho, Golder archaeologists Brent Murphy, Jessica Lang­ er, Vince Balls, and Dan Wyman completed a Section 106,

24 The Alberta Archaeological Review pepper quartzite artifacts with two tools. Only two of the sites produced any Beaver River Sandstone, perhaps not surprising as the study area is approximately 19 km northwest of the Quarry of the Ancestors, on the far side of the Ells and Atha­ basca Rivers.

Mitigation studies were also conducted at eight Precontact sites around the Ells River and Joslyn Creek. Sites varied from small lithic chipping stations overlooking a watercourse or beaver pond, to larger campsites producing tools made from a large number of local lithic materials (e.g., Northern Quartzite, salt-and-pepper quartzite, pebble cherts, high quality Beaver River Sandstone). One site yielded over 300 calcined bones (likely beaver) and more than 470 pieces of debitage, at least 57% of which is micro-debitage. Analysis is ongoing, but these small sites will add to our greater under­ standing of Precontact land use patterning and resource Figure 15: Deep excavation unit at HhOv-528 exploitation behaviours on the west side of the Athabasca River.

Golder also conducted a rock art monitoring program at Writ­ Andrea DeGagne conducted Stage II excavations at a Precon­ ing-on-Stone Provincial Park. This is part of an ongoing tact quarry site, FbPi-8, on the Red Deer River east of Red monitoring program that Golder has participated in for the Deer. In total, 60 m2 have been excavated from this expan­ last three years. Completed under Permit 2012-284, 19 rock sive site, and over 19,000 artifacts have been recovered, rep­ art sites, DgOv-2, 64, 65, 66, 61, 68, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, resenting over three kilograms of lithic materials. The majori­ 92, 98, 99, 100, 102, 125, and 133, including 38 rock art ty of the lithic artifacts are Red Deer Mudstone, although panels or 50 rock art faces, were revisited. As part of the minor amounts of chalcedony, chert, petrified wood, quartz, monitoring program, high resolution (RAW) digital images of each selected rock art site were taken, accurate UTM coor­ quartzite, sandstone, siltstone, and Swan River Chert have dinates for each rock art panel were recorded, and each of the been identified in the assemblage. Formal tools recovered selected rock art sites was compared with baseline photo­ include four projectile points, three scrapers, an awl, a biface, graphs and previous tracings to determine if impacts due to as well as numerous cores and core fragments and utilized humans, environmental deterioration, or visitation have and retouched flakes. Residue analyses of a scraper and a occurred. Although some human and environmental impacts piece of fire-broken rock produced no conclusive results, but were noted, generally the rock art was found to be in good radiocarbon dating successfully yielded conventional dates shape. Of particular interest is that new rock art was recorded between 1,840 ± 30 yr BP (Beta-337291) and 2,820 ± 30 yr at both DgOv-2 Panel 19 and DgOv-92. The RAW digital BP (Beta 337292). Reporting on this site is ongoing. images from a number of sites where faint red pictographs occur will be analyzed using D-Stretch (decorrelation stretch) Six new archaeological sites were identified in the Primrose image enhancement techniques in the hope that additional area during three HRIAs. All of these are all small sites, a rock art and rock art details will be discovered. combination of isolated finds and lithic scatters. The identi­ fied sites fit with the known model of Precontact use of the area, located on dry, slightly raised landforms overlooking substantial watercourses and/or small seasonal drainages. An Stantec Consulting Ltd. additional investigation in the Foster Creek area produced Submitted by Jennifer Tischer one Historic Period sickle, although no additional sites were identified along the remainder of the 80 km pipeline.

Dale Boland conducted an HRIA just southwest of Fort Jean-Paul Foster was fortunate to begin the field season this McMurray that resulted in the recording of a small, subsur­ past year working with Elders from Fort McMurray #468 face Precontact campsite, HeOu-17, on a terrace overlooking First Nation to explore the archaeological potential within the the Athabasca River. An HRIA conducted near the Ells River Clearwater River valley. Overcoming his deathly fear of north of Fort McMurray resulted in the recording of five Pre­ boats and water deeper than mid-calf, he and Kyle Belanger contact sites: one isolated find, three small lithic scatters (<10 spent three days in a jet boat with a group of four Elders recording two exciting new sites and revisiting two others, artifacts), and one large lithic scatter (>10 artifacts). Two of 5 these are of low heritage value and three were recommended while also recording the Elders personal recollections of the for avoidance or further investigation. One of the latter sites area. yielded a variety of materials, including heat treated quartz­ ite, siltstone, and chert, with expedient tools made of the Following that, he spent the bulk of his summer working on a quartzite and chert. A second site yielded only salt-and- lease between the Birch Mountains and the Athabasca River.

No. 56 2013 25 In total, 57 new sites were recorded, further enriching our turbed site uncovered a variety of lithic materials including archaeological understanding of the region. Included among local quartzites and petrified wood, but also Knife River Flint these sites are two which are worth highlighting. At HkOw- and one flake of Beaver River Sandstone. Bone was submit­ 17 two to three occupations were noted based on laterally ted for radiocarbon dating, resulting in a Late Period date for distinct concentrations of unique lithic raw materials. This the site of 1,590 ± 30 yr BP (Beta-335092). One biface sub­ site, located on a prominent ridge, had the highest concentra­ mitted for analysis was positive for porcupine, beaver, or tion of artifacts found within the lease this summer. Excava­ squirrel protein residue. Final reporting is currently under­ tion is expected to provide valuable information regarding way. the relationship between the various concentrations. HkOv- 110, meanwhile, yielded the highest concentration of tools, Laura Roskowski conducted an HRIA near the confluence of including two scrapers and a biface fragment, in two distinct the Muskeg River and Hartley Creek, approximately 60 km clusters on a very poorly-defined landform. The distance north of Fort McMurray. Until recently, this area was thought between the two concentrations of positive shovel tests is to be entirely covered by low-lying muskeg, and as such was suggestive of a single campsite with two activity areas, possi­ considered to be of low archaeological potential. The use of bly representing unique family units cohabiting the same LiDAR imagery during the 2012 field reconnaissance reveal­ location. Three of the sites contained sufficient calcined bone ed three small but well-drained landforms present in the to obtain radiocarbon dates. The resulting dates were 2,000 ± vicinity of the confluence of these two waterways. Shovel 30 yr BP (Beta-337912), 1,000 ± 30 yr BP (Beta-337911), testing of the three landforms yielded evidence of large multi and 70 ± 30 yr BP (Beta-337913), a broad range indeed! -component campsites encompassing the entirety of each of the landforms (sites HhOu-113, HhOu-114 and HhOu-115), Matt Moors spent the bulk of the field season this past year with occupations spanning from the Early to the Late Precon­ excavating four sites, including HhOw-16, HhOw-34, HhOw tact Periods. Typical of other sites in the region, these sites -53, and HhOw-56, near the confluence of the Ells and Atha­ are not stratified, but the activity areas appear to be horizon­ basca rivers. In total, 147 m2 were excavated, further enrich­ tally distinct. These three campsites are quite different in ing our archaeological understanding of the region. Recov­ nature than the sites found near the Quarry of the Ancestors ered from these sites were 17,338 pieces of lithic material, which yield massive amounts of Beaver River Sandstone including three projectile points, several bifaces, scrapers, an debitage. While all three sites are intriguing, only data from arrow shaft straightener, and other tools. As well as the exca­ HhOu-113 is available at this time. In total, 153 m2 were vation, Matt also worked on two major pipeline projects and excavated at HhOu-113. During the excavations two distinct two wind power projects. During these HRIAs Matt found 38 bone concentrations, six projectile points, at least fifteen end­ new sites, including 12 Precontact sites and 26 sites with scrapers, numerous bifaces and a variety of expedient tools historic structures. were encountered. These artifacts were fashioned from cherts, quartzites, massive quartz, siltstone, obsidian, and Barb Neal recorded two historic sites during assessment of a Beaver River Sandstone. The analysis is currently underway proposed subdivision at the north end of the City of Calgary, of the remaining assemblage recovered from this site. Field north of Stoney Trail and east of Center Street. The sites observations indicated that several distinct artifact concentra­ included an isolated windmill located in a pasture, and the tions were present. The artifact concentrations were deter­ Thomas L. Perry Farmyard. The Thomas L. Perry Farmyard mined to represent a wide variety of activities including core contains 31 standing historic structures including the original reduction and split pebble technology, biface reduction for farm house and a newer house, possibly dating to the 1970s. the future transport and curation of Beaver River Sandstone, Land titles indicate that Thomas Perry purchased the land food procurement and processing, cooking, and other from the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1907 and the land campsite activities. stayed in the family until 1971. The farmyard represents a typical western Canadian farm with structures and equipment One activity area of special interest is a small calcined bone associated with early settlement of the area continuing concentration from which a side-notched projectile point was through to the current use of the land for agricultural purpos­ recovered (Figure 16). The bone concentration was hand- es. trowelled and the point was recovered approximately 2 cm below the top of the concentration, with additional bone un­ Archaeological monitoring of the installation of a stormwater derlying the point. The bone appears to be from a large ungu­ diversion system in Canmore resulted in the identification of late, but analysis is not yet complete. A sample of the bone a series of intact soils below as much as one meter of colluvi- was submitted for radiocarbon dating, which yielded a con­ um. Although no cultural materials were identified during ventional radiocarbon age of 7,220 ± 40 yr BP (Beta- monitoring, the landform associated with Stoneworks Creek 333309). Given the direct association of the projectile point holds the potential for the identification of intact, deeply within the bone concentration it can be concluded that they buried archaeological components. are from the same occupation. The point is similar in style to those classified as Early Beaver River Complex (Reeves et Meaghan Porter conducted mitigative excavations at al. in prep). This point type is one of the most commonly campsite FkPg-183, northeast of Fort Saskatchewan, just east recovered points in the region suggesting that the area was of the North Saskatchewan River. Excavations at this undis­ substantially occupied during this time.

26 The Alberta Archaeological Review numbers were identified, including 81 Precontact sites, 13 historic sites, and 1 Precontact/historic site. In addition, 7 historic structure sites were revisited and 3 non-Borden historic trails were recorded. Of these 105 sites, 24 are newly recorded sites, and 81 previously recorded sites. Several sites of particular interest are summarized below.

Scale Two historic sites of interest were assessed. Site GfOp-9 con­ cmlini l i sists of a historic campsite, located on the southwest of Wolf Creek within the CLAWR. Site features include four pit depressions, two surface artifact concentrations and a raised midden feature, likely dating to between 1930 and 1952. Site GdOo-20 consists of a historic dwelling site located northeast of Moore Lake. During the assessment, two previously recorded wooden cabin structures were re-identified and an HhOu-113 additional depression feature (possible cold storage pit) was located. Three positive shovel tests were excavated. Figure 16: Projectile point recovered from bone concentra­ tion at HhOu-113. Precontact artifact scatters of significance included: GfOp-8, a surface/subsurface artifact scatter that produced an end- The artifact assemblage recovered in association with this scraper, retouched flakes, and debitage of several different bone feature will yield information on the types of activities material types; FlOp-46, a subsurface scatter that contains and technology employed by Precontact people during this both lithics and faunal remains; FiOr-16, which produced a time period. It is anticipated that analysis of the other activity projectile point (Middle Period atlatl projectile point, possi­ areas at HhOu-113, as well as those at sites HhOu-114 and bly from the Besant period suggesting a possible age range HhOu-115, will produce similarly interesting data and will ca. 2,100 to 1,500 years ago), as well as other lithics collect­ contribute significantly to the cultural chronology for the ed from the surface of a cultivated field/well pad. A number region. of Precontact campsites were recorded including: GdOp-32, which produced lithic artifacts, faunal material and fire­ In addition to the studies at HhOu-113, Laura and her crew cracked rock from a subsurface context; F10p-48, a surface/ also conducted six pre-impact assessments, mitigative exca­ subsurface site that produced lithic artifacts, unidentifiable vation at thirteen sites, and two post-impact assessments on mammal bone, fire-cracked rock, and one ceramic sherd the east side of the Athabasca River north of Fort McKay. (medium grit temper); and FeOt-17, a surface scatter/ During the pre-impact assessments the team recorded 40 campsite on an exposed hill top that produced a variety of newly identified sites near Cree Bum Lake and within the lithic materials and non-diagnostic tools as well as fire­ vicinity of the confluence of the Muskeg River and Hartley cracked rock. Creek, an area previously thought to be of low archaeological potential. Many of these sites are laterally extensive, yielding Precontact campsite FdOt-24, located on a tributary of Eagle in excess of 40 positive shovel tests, with some producing Creek, was originally recorded in 1993 and revisited in 2009. over 80 positives. While this shovel test density is typical of During the 2012 assessment, an additional nine positive sites in close proximity to the Quarry of the Ancestors, it was shovel tests yielded faunal remains (some identified as rather unexpected within these study areas. The crew also bison). Site FdOt-24 may represent the flood deposits of arti­ excavated total of 646 m at sites near Cree Bum Lake, just facts being washed west (downstream) from the kill/ north of the Quarry of the Ancestors, and near the confluence processing site FdOt-31 to the east or an activity area associ­ of the Muskeg River and Hartley Creek. The results of these ated with FdOt-32. Site FdOt-24 is considered to be of high studies will greatly add to the culture history of the area, archaeological interpretive potential and as such has an HRV including information regarding the transport of Beaver River of 3. Sandstone (the region's most common material type), travel routes into and out of the area by Precontact inhabitants, and FdOt-32 consists of an Avonlea/Besant campsite (ca. 1,350 - the cultural chronology as several bone features with associ­ 1,100 years ago), located on the uplands south of Eagle ated projectile points were encountered. Creek. FdOt-32 was originally recorded in 2009 and subse­ quently mitigated for the TransCanada Keystone Hardisty Alan Youell conducted an HRIA for a major pipeline project Interconnection Facilitates Project (Permit 09-061). During which involved the targeted ground reconnaissance of 345 the previous studies, a total of 41 shovel tests and 120 m2 km of permanent right-of-way and associated ancillary facili­ were excavated, resulting in the collection of 40 projectile ties. Starting north of the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range points, 42 lithic tools, 30 lithic cores, 889 pieces of lithic (CLAWR), the footprint is oriented north to south terminat­ debitage, 66 pottery sherds, 86 pieces of fire-cracked rock, ing southeast of Hardisty, Alberta. During the course of the and 6,545 faunal remains. HRIA, 95 historical resources sites with assigned Borden

No. 56 2013 27 During the 2012 assessment, an additional 83 positive shovel strongly influenced Tree Time's site prospection and evalua­ tests were excavated, and a controlled surface collection was tion procedures over the rest of the season, and contributed to conducted, resulting in the collection of 2,777 Precontact some interesting finds. artifacts and 1 historic artifact. A wide variety of lithic mate­ rials were recovered, and tools collected include 4 Late Pre­ Based on some of last year's findings of surprisingly exten­ contact projectile points, 2 endscrapers, 1 biface, and 4 sive sites, Tree Time continued to implement systematic retouched flakes. Six Precontact ceramic sherds were also extensive (20 to 40 m spacing) testing at Precontact sites this collected representing two distinct styles: cord wrapped season. This practice paid off with the identification of sever­ al extensive campsites and workshops in boreal hinterland object impressed, and obliterated textile impressed. Also col­ areas. FaPt-1, 27, and 28 are extensive lithic scatters or lected was a single historic artifact, a clear glass bottle base campsites on the northeast valley margin of the Tay River shard. The only identified taxon out of the faunal material southwest of Rocky Mountain House. No diagnostics were was bison, and 45% of that sample was burned or calcined. recovered, but the extent of the sites and the rich variety of lithic raw materials present suggest that the sites may have The current assessment extended the site area by 280 m significant interpretive potential. While FaPt-1 is limited to north/south and 190 m east/west, from that previously record­ the immediate valley margin, FaPt-27 and 28 extend well ed. The site now encompasses not only the aspen forested back from the valley margin across slightly rising terrain, area, but also the open rolling uplands to the southwest. Site with the densest artifact concentrations 30 to 50 m back from FdOt-32 is situated approximately 80 m to the west of the the edge. Also of note is that surveys across the valley in Hardisty Bison Pound (FdOt-31) suggesting that they are 2010 were unproductive. The presence of these and other associated. Site FdOt-32 is considered to be of high archaeo­ sites on the northeast side of the river may reflect a Precon­ logical interpretive potential and as such has an Historical tact transportation corridor from the Clearwater River Resource Value of 3. through the Tay River Gap in the Corkscrew ridge, connect­ ing with Prairie Creek. Stantec Palaeontology - Lisa Bohach & Emily Frampton Palaeontology field studies in the Edson area found a Paleo- We also identified an extensive complex of rich lithic work­ cene shell bed with vertebrate material, including mammal shop sites on a high, south terrace of the North Saskatchewan teeth. This is the first fossil mammal site recorded in the area, River valley 7 km west of the Gap. Sites FcPx-15 and 16, and and it may be one of the youngest of the Paleocene sites in FcQa-34 to 44 were identified during post-impact audits of the Province. Archaeological backhoe testing in the central to blow-down salvage blocks. They are similar in character to north-central part of Alberta found three late Pleistocene/ FcPx-7 to 11 identified by Altamira in 2009 immediately west of the Gap. The sites consist of extensive scatters of Holocene shell beds. Radiocarbon dating on the shell materi­ early stage debitage, predominantly local siltstone and Nor­ al from the Vermillion River produced a calibrated data of degg chert, but with minor components of other materials. approximately 13,000 yr BP. Faunal analysis found a com­ Two discarded retouched flakes of Knife River Flint were pletely freshwater fauna of snails (Valvata, Stagnicola, Gy- recovered. Two probable Besant points, both of local silt­ raulus, Armiger, Promenetus, Helisoma, Physa, Lymnaea), stone, were also collected. The sites appear to represent a pea clams, ostracodes, and fish. significant retooling station. These sites contrast with FcQa-1 to 12 (recorded by the University of Calgary in 1972) on the lowest terrace on the north side of the river, which all contain fire-cracked rock and fragmentary bone. Perhaps this differ­ Tree Time Services Inc. ence reflects distinct occupation patterns during different Submitted by Kurtis Blaikie-Birkigt Precontact periods. This area has a lot more to teach us.

We identified another large campsite, GjPl-2, in the northern 2012 was another growth year for Tree Time Services arch­ Slave Lake region this season. Inspection of small prominent aeological division. Our forestry heritage management pro­ landforms on an uneven lower terrace over the upper Fawcett grams expanded to include Tolko High Level and Millar River identified what were initially thought to be three small Western Boyle, and we added Elenore Hood as a full-time lithic scatters. Subsequent site evaluation determined the Archaeologist. Elenore brings with her experience throughout presence of a continuous low-density artifact distribution central and northern British Columbia. between all three scatters, extending over at least 250 m of the terrace. No diagnostic or datable artifacts were recovered, In July, Kurtis Blaikie had the opportunity to participate in but artifacts were collected from two distinct occupation the Green Zone Adaptive Management Program excavation levels at ca. 5 and 30 cmbs. The site has been avoided and at the Hummingbird Site, FaPx-1. The opportunity to talk and has significant information potential. work with other boreal forest archaeologists on such an inter­ esting site was one of the highlights of Kurtis' career so far. We also had some smaller finds of note. GjPk-3 is a small The stratified, multi-component campsite with excellent scatter on the top of the Pelican Mountain plateau. The site is organic preservation was an eye-opener as to the potential for located on a small terrace overlooking a beaver-ponded head­ such sites in the boreal forest. Observations of the site for­ water drainage that contributes to Drowned Horse Creek and mation processes at work at FaPx-1, coupled with discussions thence to Wabasca Lake. The site is typical of very small about method and theory with other forestry archaeologists, finds (single positive shovel test) in these hinterland regions,

28 The Alberta Archaeological Review but is notable for the presence of two pieces of Beaver River Geoarchaeological work focused on documenting the deposi­ Sandstone. GgPs-3 and 4 are large scatters identified on a tional context of recovered artifacts using detailed strati­ high ridge in the Boulder Creek valley, leading up to the graphic recording and interpretation, and assessment of sedi­ Grizzly Ridge plateau. The site locations are similar to sites mentary history using a portable optically-stimulated lumi­ on the headwaters of Chalmers Creek in the Deer Mountain nescence (POSL) reader. This work resulted in several signif­ locality, and may indicate that other areas on the margins of icant findings (Figures 17 and 18), perhaps the most interest­ the Grizzly Ridge plateau have similar potential. Finally, ing being that the upper 35-50 cm of the stratigraphy is com­ shovel testing of a high, upper terrace in the House River posed predominantly of loamy sands and sandy loams, which valley near Drop Off Lake identified buried palaeosols 30 to are interpreted as aeolian in origin. All artifacts recovered 70 cm below surface. Although no artifacts have been recov­ during the assessment were collected from aeolian contexts. ered from these buried soils yet, charcoal samples were col­ Highway 63 Unit 4 lected for dating. These buried soils indicate that the Hum­ West wall mingbird Site is not alone and there is more potential for OSL profiling ti PnMOn COurrM stratified, datable occupations in the boreal hinterlands than previously assumed. mw I—J' UJ^S — 20 — 30

Western Heritage Submitted by Terry Gibson

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The Alberta offices of Western Heritage were busy in 2012, (~) Sanoyttom II OSt profiling wm» working principally in central and northern portions of the I' I Sandy day I Hoturon Ntanbar Province. As part of its long-term commitment to the im­ rnj so.1 • OSL Oaong umpla provement of its cultural resource management services, I0VF 413 Munaea Cotom Western Heritage began a pilot program to incorporate a geo­ archaeological approach to mitigative excavations in 2008. Figure 17: Results and interpretation of optical profiling, This approach was continued on selected projects over the Unit 4. H=halt in deposition (hiatus). See Figure next three years. In 2012, Western Heritage expanded this 18 for interpretation. initiative to include archaeological work associated with HRIAs, principally on selected sites that were newly discov­ ered during field surveys. This work was undertaken by Group Layer Sample Interpretation of OSL Profile 16 Inverted stratigraphy and/or disturbance. Likely reflects modern or near- D 1 Krista Gilliland with the assistance of Terry Gibson. Methods 15 modern surface disturbances, such as bioturbation or cultural activities. included stratigraphic description and interpretation, field 14 13 magnetic susceptibility measurements, rapid assessment of 2 12 Intact stratigraphy and relative lack of disturbance, with two episodes of the optical history of sediments using a portable optically- 11 erosion indicated: (1) following Sample 7. and (2) following Sample 10 (i.e. C stimulated luminescence (POSL) reader, and soil micro- 10 3 increase in counts relative lo underlying samples-may reflect bioturbation (i.e. morphology. The geoarchaeological approach allows survey 9 intrusion ol sediments trom above). 8 crews to obtain detailed stratigraphic and sediment-based 4 7 data in relation to artifact contexts in order to reconstruct the 6 6 Intact stratigraphy, relative lack of disturbance. Photon counts much lower general landscape and dates when the site remains were laid 8 5 than in Group A, suggests a depositional hiatus and/or erosion following deposition ot Unit 9 (i.e. Sample 3) down. This greatly enhances the interpretation of sites that do 8 4 9 3 not produce diagnostics, by far the majority of sites discov­ Samples 2 and 3 suggest intact stratigraphy: Sample 1 counts may reflect A 10 2 grain size or mode of deposition. ered in northern Alberta. Besides enriching the understanding 11 1 of the archaeological record, the geoarchaeological data will also be used to enhance the development of new heritage potential models for the Province. Figure 18: Interpretation of optical profile, Unit 4.

This will likely have significant implications for interpreta­ Several projects took advantage of this new initiative, one of tions of this site and other sites in the boreal forest, as the them being field assessment for Alberta Transportation that current stabilized landscape of the boreal forest is not condu­ involved proposed improvements to Highway 63 north of cive to substantial accumulations of aeolian sediments, which Fort McMurray by Cara Pollio. Of particular significance require an exposed sediment source and destabilized (i.e., resulting from this assessment was the relocation of site non-vegetated) land surface. Therefore, preliminary work HgOv-31 within the Beaver River Quarry Archaeological suggests that a drier, more open environment, such as a Site Provincial Historic Resource reserve area. The site was forest/grassland transition, prevailed during the period(s) of originally identified in 1975. Artifacts recovered during aeolian sedimentation and associated cultural activity at the limited excavation included projectile points (including a site. If bome out by palaeoenvironmental and chronometric Besant point), lithic tools, lithic debitage, and hammerstones. data, this work has the potential to have a considerable im­ These items were recovered up to 50 cmbs, significantly pact on the way that Precontact boreal forest sites in northern Alberta are envisioned and interpreted. POSL data also sug­ greater than previously reported. gested that optically-stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating

No. 56 2013 29 of the sediments would be appropriate, and represent an the other two areas demonstrated several intact zones, despite important new means of dating sites with little or no organic their proximity to existing pipeline developments. Analysis preservation in northern Alberta. using POSL was particularly useful in identifying disturbance within an ambiguous-looking shovel test, and demonstrated Geoarchaeological studies were also at the centre of an HRIA that the western half of the profile was largely intact, while related to the maintenance of existing pipelines within the the other half had been re-deposited during pipeline construc­ Bodo Archaeological Locality, in eastern Alberta. The as­ tion. sessment program was undertaken to ensure maintenance impacts were avoided in the archaeological zone, associated Geoarchaeological recording and interpretation of the soils with an organic-rich palaeosol that is continuous across the and sediments was also undertaken during deep testing of the very large (approximately 2.5 x 5 km) site. Artifact concen­ Scotford Aggregates gravel pit on the southern bank of the trations from at least two older occupations are also common­ North Saskatchewan river near Smoky Lake by Kevin ly associated with intact, buried soils that are discontinuous Whately. The gravel pit is located on the lowest of three ter­ throughout the locality. races along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. Western Heritage had already conducted two previous HRIA Western Heritage implemented a geoarchaeological approach studies in 2006 and 2007. One archaeological site (FlPd-9) to the HRIA at Bodo, with particular attention paid to the was discovered during that work. Located on a large bench context of artifact recoveries (i.e., disturbed or undisturbed, extending along the south boundary of the development area associated with a soil or not). As part of the assessment, 50- adjacent to the river, the site had four possible hearth fea­ 100 cm wide shovel tests were excavated to between 70 and tures, debitage, a few stone tools, fire-broken rock, and frag­ 120 cmbs. Given that previous work at the locality has mented, unidentifiable faunal materials. During the 2012 demonstrated the close association of older occupations with assessment, 39 additional shovel tests were excavated in ad­ intact buried soils, profiles that exposed these soils were in­ dition to three backhoe trenches. No new cultural remains terpreted as indicating the possibility that associated intact were identified, but this time a detailed geoarchaeological cultural materials could also be encountered at these depths analysis of these trenches was completed (Figure 20). (Figure 19). During the HRIA, Western Heritage also collab­ orated with Dr. Kennedy Munyikwa from Athabasca Univer­ This analysis indicated that the landscape first developed sity in conducting a pilot study testing the effectiveness of beginning in the Early Postglacial/Early Holocene Period assessing sediment disturbance using POSL.

Scollofd Aggregates Key Profile BM3 North wall p'o'lk The HRIA documented significantly disturbed deposits in August 2012 two of the four areas designated for development. Testing in • - I;.:; -.1 aw**™ A SendyUam

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•«featiigOMioiaont-K»i»'w«oM«on rwx

Buried soil 2 Figure 20: Detailed stratigraphic drawing and field interpre­ tation, Backhoe trench BH3, Scotford gravel quarry.

(12,000 - 11,000 yr BP) and from then to the Middle Holo­ cene Period (approximately 6,900 yr BP) progressed through a phase of landscape evolution where soils were deposited on Figure 19: Test Pit 012, west of the battery at FaOm-1, the the floodplain, alternating with periods of stability and sedi­ Bodo Archaeological Locality. Artifacts were ment non-deposition. This is likely associated with the lat­ recovered from the re-deposited sediments, and eral/northwards meander of the North Saskatchewan River also from the two intact buried soils, document­ channel, which would have moved the active floodplain ing the presence of multiple occupations and northwards. The Late Holocene/Recent Period is interpreted demonstrating the close association of buried to have been a predominantly aeolian landscape in the devel­ soils with artifact concentrations at this site. opment area, showing periods of stabilization allowing the

30 The Alberta Archaeological Review growth of vegetation. The sediments from several strati­ . !r*E.' graphic sections were charcoal-rich, indicative of forest or • • •••> -.-, .»w":- ---.:».. grass fires. It was during this final period that the site FlPd-9 was occupied.

Finally, preliminary geoarchaeological work began as part of forestry related assessment work in northeastern Alberta. The assessments were undertaken by Kris Sullivan in the region north of Lac La Biche, where an anomalous cluster of archae­ ological sites was discovered on the Logan River. On two sites, four stratigraphic profiles were expanded into 1 m2 units from shovel tests. They were selected according to the type and number of artifacts recovered from the adjacent areas, and in two cases, by the presence of reddened sediment suggesting hearths or burning. These possible hearths yielded few artifacts (such as lithics), but the sediments themselves appeared to provide a record of cultural activity and environ­ mental information. This record was accessed through docu­ mentation and characterization of sediment properties, which was accomplished through detailed stratigraphic recording Figure 22: Collecting field magnetic susceptibility readings and interpretation, field magnetic susceptibility measure­ using the handheld Terraplus, Inc. KT-10. ments, and assessment of sedimentary history using a POSL reader. Preliminary results from POSL analysis of the sediments outside of the reddened area indicated stratigraphic integrity, and at least two depositional hiatuses, with most of the insitu One of the possible hearths demonstrated an extensive area of artifacts being recovered from depths that follow the first reddening, with some areas more intensely rubified than hiatus. Overall, the POSL results indicate that sediment- others (Figure 21). In order to test whether this reddening based chronometric dating using OSL would likely result in was in fact due to repeated episodes of heating (which would archaeological meaningful ages for the site. Indeed, samples suggest a hearth), field magnetic susceptibility measurements were collected from this profile for formal OSL dating and were collected in a 10 x 10 cm grid pattern across the vertical soil micro-morphology (thin-section analysis), in anticipation stratigraphic profile (Figure 22). The reddened sediment of the possibility of further investigations of site formation demonstrated noticeably elevated readings compared to non- processes, specifically, the nature and timing of sediment reddened areas, with the highest values taken from the red­ accumulations at the site and of the origin (i.e., cultural or dest portion of the stratigraphy. These results support the natural, insitu, or redeposited) of the reddened material. interpretation of a hearth that underwent repeated cycles of heating. The geometry of the reddened sediment, as well as Sullivan also undertook forestry work in areas north, west, the differentiation in colour and magnetic susceptibility read­ and northwest of Wabasca, in the Conklin region, and areas ings suggests that the feature may represent multiple hearths east and north of Wandering River. In north-central Alberta, or an area of cultural deposition, in which people were dis­ Kris carried out forestry impact studies in the Swan Hills carding burnt hearth materials. region, the Whitecourt region, and in the area around Fox Creek.

Forestry-related impact assessment work by Petr Kurzybov resulted in the discovery of 11 new archaeological sites be­ tween the Athabasca River and McMillan Lake. The area was evaluated with reference to high resolution LiDAR elevation data that aided in effective selection of high potential habita­ tion landscapes. The majority of the sites that were discov­ ered were found to be confined to the rounded terraces and continuous edge of the Athabasca River upper valley margin, while one site was found along the middle valley margin. Recoveries represented either isolated finds or small lithic scatters of quartzite, quartz, and chert debitage. Of particular interest was a small leaf-shaped biface made of black chert from the site GiPe-2 (Figure 23).

Forestry-related assessments in northwestern Alberta by Jocly Pletz resulted in the discovery of over 30 new sites. These sites were spread across the northwestern part of the province Figure 21: Logan River stratigraphic profile 'Lost Hearth;' between the Peace River and Grande Cache, and from the note concentrations of reddened sediment. B.C. border to Highway 43. Eleven of the sites discovered this past field season were moderate to large in size, measur-

No. 56 2013 31 ing over 30 m in at least one direction. The remainder con­ rounded logs with notched ends. Some chinking, composed sisted of isolated finds or smaller lithic scatters. Unfortunate­ of sand, clay, and grass, was visible between the logs on the ly, no diagnostic tools were recovered from any of the sites outer side of the southeast wall. Portions of the roof and (Figure 24), apart from a single projectile point that exhibited walls had collapsed into the structure. Sub-surface testing no distinguishing features. The sites varied in size and densi­ was conducted within the development right-of-way adjacent ty from being small isolated finds to larger campsites with a to the cabin site. The shovel tests did not produce anything moderate amount of artifacts recovered. This year the areas associated with the cabin remains. They did, however, uncov­ that crews worked in proved to be more of a challenge, with er a small lithic scatter, including 69 pieces of quartzite deb­ more work being done in the steep, undulating terrain near itage, near the edge of the ridge. In an attempt to avoid the the foothills. Nonetheless, the crews thrived in this working archaeological site, the proposed development was moved to environment, as attested to by the number of sites and areas the east. Subsequent testing identified an extension of FjQf-4. surveyed. This second locality produced six pieces of debitage and two possible quartzite tools: a perforator and chopper. The devel­ opment was re-routed again to avoid disturbing the site. The fact that these two locations produced a significant amount of debitage suggests that other areas along the edge of the same ridge, and even in between these two localities, have a high potential for additional subsurface Precontact materials.

More early historical remains were discovered in a gravel pit development on the south side of the Peace River near Fort Vermillion by Petr Kurzybov. Remains of an early settlement period homestead were located on the south floodplain of the river, in an area heavily impacted by previous developments, including residential activities. The shovel tests exhibited intact sequential historical deposits that are believed to repre­ sent the remains of the earliest historic occupation of Fort Vermillion settlement. The site requires further study prior to 5 t in d ev e lopm ent pro ce ed ing.

o 1 References Reeves, B.O.K., J. Blakey and M. Lobb Figure 23: Biface from the site GiPe-2. In prep. A Chronological Outline for the Athabasca Low­ lands and Adjacent Areas. In Alberta's Lower Atha­ basca Basin: Archaeology and Palaeoenvironments, edited by Brian M. Ronaghan. Athabasca University Press.

Figure 24: Artifacts recovered from GbQr-4.

West of Edson, in west-central Alberta the foundation of a log cabin was identified by Karmen Van der Zwan, adjacent to an oil and gas development just north of the McLeod River. The site consists of a collapsed cabin and outhouse, two refuse piles, a cast-iron stove, and wood pile. The cabin, situated near the edge of a steep ridge, was constructed of

32 The Alberta Archaeological Review The Mortlach Site Report is available for purchase once again!

The Mortlach Site was the first professionally excavated archaeological site in Saskatchewan, back in 1955. The report has been out of print for a number of years but has been resurrected by the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. It is now available for purchase through the Queen's Printer (provincial government), and can be ordered online at http://www.publications.gov.sk.ca/details.cfm?p=68379

If you have any further questions, contact Dr. Evelyn Siegfried, Curator of Aboriginal Studies, Royal Saskatchewan Museum Ph: (306) 787-1644 or email: [email protected]

OCCASIONAL PAPERS OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ALBERTA These are published by the Society and fill the vacuum left by the discontinuance of the "Blue Series" published by the Archaeological Survey of Alberta. The present series is in the capable hands of Dr. Brian Reeves and Ms. Joanne Braaten, Editors. Ten volumes have now been published. To order, please contact Joanne at [email protected] or 403-239-3970 or Jill at order form included and mail to address provided Head, T, W. Unfreed, and L. Gorham. 2003 (April). Saahkomaapina (Boy Chief) - EeOv-68. Volume 1. Walde, D. A., 2003 (November). The Mortlach Phase. Volume 2. Landals, A., B. Kulle, and D. Cockle. 2004 (April). The Mniota Site: An Avonlea Component in Southwestern Manitoba Volume 3. Unfreed, W., and S. Van Dyke. 2004 (November). Archaeological Investigations at the Junction Site (DkPi-2). Volume 4. Clarke Green, D. 2005 (May). A Re-Evaluation of the Oxbow Dam Site (DhMn-1): Middle Holocene Cultural Continuity on the Northern Plains. Volume 5. Dau, B. 2005 (May). Oldman River Dam Stone Features Study Prehistoric Archaeology Mitigation Program Technical Series. Volume 6. Vivian. B., A. Dow, and B.O.K. Reeves. 2006 (April). Historical Resource Impact Assessment and Conservation Excava­ tions at Cougar Ridge Off-Site Sewer Services. Volume 7. Laureen Bryant. 2007 (April). Long Creek Site Revisited. Volume 8. Stanley Van Dyke. 2008 (April). Oldman River Dam Prehistoric Archaeology Mitigation Program Campsites Study. Volume 9. Alison Landals. 2009 (April). Oldman River Dam Prehistoric Archaeology Mitigation Program Killsites Study. Volume 10. Vivian, Brian, Amanda Dow, Janet Blakey and Jason Roe. 2011 (June) The Everblue Springs Site and Early Transitional Bison Kill Sites of the Alberta Foothills 7,200 Years Ago. Volume 11.

No. 56 2013 33 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ALBERTA

OCCASIONAL PAPERS OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ALBERTA $25.00 plus $9.00 postage, add. $3.00 postage for each additional book. No GST!

Saahkomaapina (Boy Chief) —EeOv-68 (Volume 1) Number; $ Cost $ Postage; $_ Total The Mortlach Phase (Volume 2) Number; $ Cost $ Postage; $_ Total The Miniota Site, An Avonlea Component in Southwestern Manitoba (Volume 3) Number; $ Cost $ Postage; $ Total Archaeological Investigations at the Junction Site (DkPi-2) (Volume 4) Number; $ Cost $ Postage; $ Total A Re-Evaluation of the Oxbow Dam Site (DhMn-J): Middle Holocene Cultural Continuity on the Northern Plains (Volume 5) Number; $ Cost $ Postage; $ Total Oldman River Dam Stone Features Study Prehistoric Archaeology Mitigation Program Technical Series (Volume 6) Number; $ Cost $ Postage; $ Total Historical Resource Impact Assessment and Conservation Excavations at Cougar Ridge Off-Site Sewer Services (Volume 7) Number; $ Cost $ Postage; $ Total A Reanalysis of the Long Creek Site: 45 Years after the Excavation (Volume S) Number; $ Cost $ Postage; $ Total Oldman River Dam Prehistoric Archaeology Mitigation Program Campsites Study (Volume 9) Number; $ Cost $ Postage; $ Total Oldman River Dam Prehistoric Archaeology Mitigation Program Killsites Study (Volume 10) Number; $ Cost $ Postage; $ Total The Everblue Springs Site and Early Transitional Bison Killsites of the Alberta Foothills 7,200 Years Ago (Volume 11) (NOTE****$35.00 each FOR THIS VOLUME) Number; $ Cost $ Postage; $ Total

GRAND TOTAL Cheque or Money Order only — Payable to the Archaeological Society of Alberta. Ship To: (Please Print) Send Orders to: Name Archaeological Society of Alberta Address % Carol McCreary Box 611 Black Diamond, AB TOL OHO

34 The Alberta Archaeological Review Johan (John) Dormaar Award

This award was established by the Archaeological Society of Alberta to honour the memory of Johan (John) Dormaar (1930 - 2011).

The John Dormaar Award will be presented by the Archaeological Society of Alberta (ASA) to an individual who, through production of a substantive piece of written work, has significantly advanced the understanding and appreciation of Alberta archaeology and related disciplines.

The John Dormaar Award will be qualified as an "Occasional" award and will be announced at the ASA An­ nual General Meeting.

Guidelines: The nomination/application deadline is March 1st for presentation at the AGM. Nominations are accepted throughout the year.

An Award Selection Committee will be created each year by the Society Executive to evaluate the nomina­ tion/application; recommendations will be then be presented to the executive. > There may be an option of making a joint nomination for a pair of members whose contributions are inseparable. > There may be an option for a posthumous nomination for a deceased member of the ASA.

The applicant/nominee shall be a member in good standing of the Archaeological Society of Alberta (ASA) and embody all their principles.

The Award serves to recognize a written piece of work by a student, a professional or an avocationalist, for a professional or general audience. > Dissemination in a provincial or regional journal, a book, a monograph, on the web, or in the visual arts; > Or in a newspaper, or a magazine. > Or as an unpublished piece, such as a manuscript. > Or a presentation at an ASA AGM followed by written submission of the paper or poster material.

Priority will be given to nominees/applicants that who's research involved more than one discipline: History, Archaeology, Native studies, Landscape Science, such as Geology, Soils, Geomorphology, etc, as long as ar­ chaeology was a part of it. This recognizes John's multi-disciplinary expertise.

The topic or the work submitted should be based in North-western North America.

An Award amount of $1,000.00 will be presented to the recipient, as well as a suitably inscribed parchment that will be signed by the Provincial President and Executive Secretary-Treasurer.

Nomination/Application: > The nomination/application must include reasons for nomination based on above guidelines. > Nomination/application should include a background of the work done by the individual or group. > Nomination/application should not exceed three (3) pages. > The piece of work being recognized should accompany the nom ination/application if possible. > Two (2) letters of support for the nom ination/application.

Deadline for Nominations: March 1st

Send Nominations to: Archaeological Society of Alberta (ASA) 97 Eton Road West Lethbridge, AB TIK 4T9 [email protected]

No. 56 2013 35 39th Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Society of Alberta AFCHAEOIOGOLSOO EI Y

osted by the Bodo Archaeological Society in Bodo, Albert May 9 -11, 2014

Friday, May 9 - St. Norbert's Church, Rosenheim 6:30 pm to 9 pm: Registration and Reception. Rosenheim Historical Society will provide tours of the largest rural Neo-Gothic church in Alberta, built in 1922.

Saturday, May 10 - Bodo Archaeological Centre, Bodo, AB 8:00 am: Registration continues 9:00 am to 4:00 pm: Speaker Sessions 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Cocktails, Dinner, Banquet Speaker

Sunday, May 11 - East Central, Alberta 8:30 am: Fieldtrip: Misty Hills Pebble Chert Quarries, the Mud Buttes & more (details to be announced).

Banquet Speaker: Bruce Cutknife Indigenous Education Coordinator for the Nipisihkopahk Education Authority, Maskwacis, AB

Indigenous Place Names One of the first acts of colonization and settlement is to name the newly "discovered" land in the language of the colonizers or the "discoverers". The next step is to change the existing names of the colonized landscape. All or most of the prominent rivers, lakes, landmarks and settlements are given new names in the language of the colonizer. This is done in spite of the fact that there are already names for these places that were given by the original inhabitants. These names are more significant as having some sort of connection to the people. This connection may have a spiritual, cultural or an historical significance as they are often called by the same name by other tribes as well.

The process of creating an inventory of local name places will be another exercise in reclaiming the Indigenous languages. It would also increase the understanding of the Indigenous people's relationship to the land. The culmination of this activity is to produce a map with the original Indigenous name places for the rivers, lakes, landmarks and other prominent landscape features.

36 The Alberta Archaeological Review