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NUMBER 34 ISSN 0701-1776 SPRING 2001

Table of Contents:

Alberta Fieldwork News 2000 Page 4

SCAPE: Study of Cultural Adaptations in the Prairie Ecozone Page 9

Final Research Grant Report Wally's Beach - DhPg-8

Investigations at Fort Vermilion I (1798-1830): Sorting Out the Facts

y»i^iy;Niy-v Public Archaeology Programs

Upcoming Conferences

'ec.cen.tric Yik-'scn-triki ek-Y«*// 2 : deviating from an ' accepted pattern or from accepted usage . .. (Wcbsters New Collegiate Dictionary. 1974; p.359j ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ALBERTA Charter #8205, registered under the Societies Act of Alberta on February 7,1975 PROVINCIAL SOCIETY OFFICERS 2001-2002

President: Marshall Dzurko Peace River Archaeology Society 147 Woodfern Place Sw President: Clarence Christenson Calgary AB T2W 4R7 PO Box 144 Phone:403-251-0694 Valhalla AB T0H 3M0 E-mail: soniadzurko(S)home.com Phone: 780-568-2367

Past President: Neil Mirau South Eastern Alberta Archaeological Society 2315 20*81 President: Veronica Blocksage Coaldale AB TIM 1G5 11 Chow Avenue SE Phone: 403-476-0561 Medicine Hat AB TIB 2S9 E-mail: [email protected] Phone:403-526-0581 Email: [email protected] Executive Jim McMurchy Secretary/ 97 Eton Rd West Strathcona Centre Treasurer Lethbridge ABT1K4T9 President: George Chalut Phone:403-381-2655 147 1665 St E-mail: [email protected] Edmonton AB T5A-2E1 Phone: 780-476-0561 ALBERTA ARCHAEOLOGICAL REVIEW Email: [email protected]

Editor: Lesley Nicholls Department of Archaeology All members of the Archaeological Society of Alberta receive University of Calgary a copy of the Alberta Archaeological Review. Non-members Calgary AB T2N 1N4 and institutions may subscribe to the AAR for $15 per calendar year. Cheques should be made payable to the Alberta Phone:403-220-7131 Archaeological Review and should be sent to the Distributor, E-mail: [email protected] Carol McMcreary..

Distribution: Carol McCreary The AAR welcomes submissions concerning Alberta Box 611 archaeology lor that are of special interest to practising or Black Diamond AB TOL OHO avocational archaeologists in Alberta. Contributions may be Phone:403-933-5155 submitted to the AAR Editor at the address given. Articles may E-mail: [email protected] be submitted by e-mail, or on disk accompanied by a hard copy. A clean, typewritten copy is also acceptable. Figures and REGIONAL CENTRES AND MEMBER photographs may be embedded in the text or can be submitted separately for scanning. Formatting should be kept to the SOCIETIES minimum. Please contact the Editor for further information. Calgary Centre: Communications regarding membership in the Archaeological President: Brian Vivian th Society of Alberta or other matters should be addressed to the 216 29 Ave NW Executive Secretary/Treasurer. Calgary ABT2M2M1 Phone 403-276-5910 Views expressed in the AAR are those of the writers and do not E-mail: [email protected] necessarily reflect those of the Archaeological Society of

Lethbridge Centre: Alberta. President: Judy Sturgeon Cover artwork: Shane Tolman, Lethbridge Centre 92 McGill Blvd W Lethbridge ABT1K4C4 Clip Art © 1994-97, RT Computer Graphics Inc. NM Phone:403-381-1998 Letter Also in this issue is information on the Rocky Mountain Anthropological Conference to be held in Waterton in from the Editor late September. This should be a good conference and the entertainment and other events sound like a great time.

Lesley Nicholls At the Provincial Executive Meeting in March, I informed the Executive of my intention to relinquish my post as Editor of the Review effective the Spring issue in 2002. I took over the Review in December 1996 and I On the Move feel strongly that 6 years is long enough for any one person to do the job. So we are now looking for a new Editor. I have suggested to the Executive that it would THE ARCHEOLOGICAL SURVEY AND THE be preferable if someone were found early enough that HERITAGE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT they could help me put together the Fall and/or Spring BRANCH issues. Please see the notice on page 5 for details of the position. With recent changes, members of the Archaeological Society of Alberta might be wondering what has The joint CAA/ASA meetings were held in Banff in May. happened with the Archaeological Survey and its staff The weather cooperated and a great time was had by all. members. Jim Henderson was the public speaker and talked about applying his photographic techniques to two well known From 1973 to 1990, the Archaeological Survey of Alberta rock art sites. was a separate branch responsible for historical resource management. For most its existence, the Survey featured Thanks to a grant from the Provincial Society, Jim was a Research Section and a Resource Management Section. able to spend some time in Alberta to photograph the The research section handled professional archaeological degraded rock art at the Big Rock in Okotoks and at matters that ranged from assessment of development Grotto Canyon near Canmore. As many of you are impacts on archaeological sites to planning team work on probably aware, Grotto Canyon has been rumoured for the interpretive development of sites like Fort George- years to contain rock art unlike any other in Alberta; it Buckingham House or Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jumps. closely resembles some of the shamanistic figures from The Resource Management Section provided a single Arizona and Utah. There have also been rumours of a window approach for historical resources concerns for Kokopelli figure. Jim's technique for bringing out the developers, ran the Designation Program, and related hidden layers of paint certainly added grist to the rumour activities. mill and one of the final photos, a close up of the Kokopelli figure brought a collective gasp from the In a major reorganization in 1990, the Research Section packed audience. Having seen many Kokopelli drawings staff and the Site Data Compiler for the archaeological and carvingsall over the American Southwest it sure sites inventory became part of the Provincial Museum of looked like the Fluteplayer to me - and the other Alberta, while Resource Management staff members shamanistic figures would not be out of place on a rock became part of the Historic Sites Service. At that time, face anywhere in the Four Corners Region. Of course the Archaeological Survey was a unit in the Archaeology now the questions come; who did them, how long have & Ethnology Section that I headed within the Museum. they been there, etc. We will probably never know - just This had a number of positive consequences, not the least one of the many mysteries that makes archaeology such of which were the archaeological contributions to the a fun. award-winning Syncrude Gallery of Aboriginal Culture.

The photos taken by Jim will become the property of the Archaeological Society of Alberta and will be lodged at Despite such successes, the primary legislative mandate the Provincial Museum of Alberta. Jim's visit, research for the Cultural Facilities and Historical Resources and talk was sponsored by grants from the Archaeological Division (containing branches like the Museum and the Society of Alberta and Alberta Community Development. Historic Sites Service) of Alberta Community Provincial Museum of Alberta staff members with their Development remained the protection of historical requests. In March, Dr. Byrne became the Deputy resources throughout Alberta, including archaeological Minister of Alberta Community Development. Mark sites, as provided by the Historical Resources Act. One Rasmussen as Acting Assistant Deputy Minister of the consequence of the 1990 reorganization was that Cultural Facilities and Historical Resources Division has individuals working on historical resource management succeeded him. issues were scattered across four branches in the Division. When the Division went through a renewal All Heritage Resource Management Branch staff can be exercise in the late 1990s, a common theme staff reached through our Old St. Stephen's switchboard at members remarked upon was the lack of focus the 780/431-2300, and all Alberta Government staff e-mails Division had come to have in historical resource matters. are modeled on the format given [email protected], as in [email protected]. Consequently, Dr. William J. Byrne directed Larry Pearson of the Historic Sites Service, Andy Neumann of the Royal Tyrrell Museum and me to devise a plan of Dr. Jack Ives action that would better focus historical resource Manager, Archaeology & History management activities in the Cultural Facilities and (Provincial Archaeologist) Historical Resources Division. In December of 2000, Dr. Heritage Resource Management Branch Byrne announced the reorganization of the Division based on this planning process. A new branch was UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY created, the Heritage Resource Management Branch. Headed by Les Hurt, this branch is responsible for Dr. Peter Dawson will take up the post of Arctic historical resource management activities in Alberta, Archaeologist in the Department of Archaeology at the including the administration of Alberta Historical University of Calgary in July. Peter obtained his PhD Resources Foundation and the management of in situ from the Department in 1997 After holding a Post- historical resources across the province (Designations, Doctoral Fellowship at the Arctic Institute he accepted a review of development referrals, historical resources sessional appointment at the University of Winnipeg. impact assessment and mitigation, inventories of This position then turned into a full-time appointment. Geographic Names, archaeological sites, and historic Peter's current research has focused on the effects of building, and related tasks). The other branches in the government housing on the lifeways of the native Division are the Historic Sites and Cultural Facilities communities in the North. He hopes to return to the High Branch (now focusing on facilities like the Frank Slide Arctic in the not too distant future to continue and Jubilee Auditoria), the Provincial Museum of archaeological research begun as part of his PhD Alberta, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, and research. the Provincial Archives of Alberta. UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE The Archaeological Survey has become a unit with the Archaeology & History Section that I manage. I look Shawn Bubel has joined the Department of Geography as forward to reinstituting a practice from the past, in which Assistant Professor of Archaeology. Shawn was born in we advised Society Centres of talks and lectures our Calgary and raised in Northern Alberta. She received her professional staff members (which now include both B.Sc from the University of Lethbridge and an MA in historians and archaeologists) are prepared to give in the Archaeology from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in course of the year. Belgium where she is completing her PhD. Shawn has worked on archaeological excavations throughout Israel, As to other familiar faces, Society members should know Turkey, Egypt, Poland, Belgium and Canada. She is that our friend and colleague Jack Brink has remained currently co-director of the Veldwezelt-Hezerwater with the Provincial Museum of Alberta, where he is the excavations, a Neanderthal site in Belgium, er current Curator of Archaeology. Bob Dawe and Kristine Wright research focuses on the disturbance of archaeological will ably assist him in collections management and remains due to flora and faunaturbation. archaeological research there. Society members wishing to secure Disposition Certificates for private archaeological collections should continue to contact

-4- NEW EDITOR NEEDED FOR THE ALBERTA ARCHAEOLOGICAL REVIEW

The Alberta Archaeological Review is looking for a new Editor effective May 2002.

Requirements: Writing ability, familiarity with word-processing programs (Word and WordPerfect), text graphics, scanning etc. The successful applicant must have access to a good computer, email, a scanner and a laser printer. Familiarity with Alberta archaeology and those practicing it are essential. A small honorarium is paid.

Term of appointment: Minimum two years.

Duties: Aside from actually producing the Review, you will be required to contact potential authors, read papers submitted and make editorial comments and decisions on them; you may also need to submit some papers for review. There is some correspondence regarding submissions etc. (Usually all done via email). The busiest time is the couple weeks prior to the Review going to the printer. You will also be expected to attend Provincial Executive meetings and the AGM, and provide reports as needed to the Executive. There is an informal editorial committee consisting of the Editor, the Distributor (Carol McCreary) and one other member (currently Diane Van Iderstine) whose main purpose is to oversee the production of the Review and assist the Editor with any questions that may arise . Other members have offered their services to review papers submitted.

If you are interested in this position, please contact Lesley at 403-220-7131 or [email protected]. ALBERTA FIELDWORK NEWS 2000 ALWYNNE BOUDOIN PROVINCIAL MUSEUM OF ALBERTA

Alberta Fieldwork News 2000 Medicine Hat College and the City of Medicine Hat provided the infrastructure which permitted this project In total, 226 permits were issued for archaeological work to take place. in Alberta in 2000. This is the greatest number of permits ever issued in a single year. Since the Historical University of Calgary Archaeology Field School Resources Act came into force in 1973, 3499 permits (Michelle Schatz) have been issued. Work under permit in 2000 resulted in the discovery of 359 new sites, and 202 site revisits. The During the 2000 field season, the University of Calgary's inventory of archaeological sites in Alberta now totals Archaeology Field School and Programme for Public 26,503. Archaeology returned to Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary. Under the direction of Dr. Dale Walde and Medicine Hat College Archaeological Fieldschool teaching assistant Michelle Schatz 30 students and 50 (Laurie Milne) active members of the public continued to conduct archaeological investigations at EfPm-27, a bison kill Students enrolled in the 2000 Medicine Hat College site, and at The Historic John Glenn Building (EfPm-34), Archaeological Fieldschool returned to the Hillside the earliest permanent Euro-Canadian settlement in the Campsite (EaOq-8) which is located on the valley wall of Calgary area Seven Persons Creek, a kilometer west of the college campus and immediately north of the Saamis Site. EfPm-27 was originally tested in 1968 with initial full- Discovered in 1971 by MHC students, the site was scale excavations occurring in 1976 and 1979. Because originally tested in the fall of 1975. At that time four EfPm-27 is located on a terrace, downslope from the separate cultural occupations were discovered in the valley rim it may have been used as a pound or corral. upper meter of deposits. Only the uppermost and However, as of yet there has not been any concrete lowermost occupations could be assigned to recognized evidence to support this hypothesis. The site is 2 cultural phases, so a major goal of the 2000 fieldschool approximately 400m , although we have yet to determine was the recovery of culturally diagnostic artifacts which its southern boundaries. Cultural use of this site would pinpoint the cultural affiliation of the middle two encompasses nearly 8000 years of occupation. The upper occupations. component of the site which begins at the surface and extends to 20cm below surface has yielded a large From May 8th to 26th eight students, Mike Cowtan, amount of articulated bison elements, burned bone, fire Carrie LaRose, Dawn Lauter, Chandra Macaulay, Lauri broken rock, Late Prehistoric projectile points (Washita McKinney, Charity Niznik, Kristin Soucey, and Scott and Pekisko), four blue glass beads and a metal point, Thompson, joined instructor, Laurie Milne, in which suggests Protohistoric use of the site. In 1969 a archaeological excavations at the Hillside Campsite. We blue glass bead was recovered from EfPm-2, a campsite succeeded in determining the cultural affiliation of on the alluvial terrace directly below EfPm-27, this may another occupation but that of Occupation II remains suggest a direct link between the cultural components at unknown. Occupation I, the most recent site use, both sites. The second component, which lies between 30 represents the Old Women's Phase and is by far the most - 40 cm below the surface have been identified as a Late extensive occupation of the site, with considerable flake Middle Prehistoric processing station, and has yielded debitage, ceramics, and finished stone tools being fragmented bison bone and Pelican Lake projectile present. Occupation II is undefined but based on the points. The third and fourth components occur between similarity of lithic types may well represent an earlier Old 60 and 70 cm below the surface and have been identified Women's Phase occupation.Occupations III and IV are as Middle Prehistoric hunting camps, these layers have Pelican Lake Phase occupations; however, there is a yielded McKean, Duncan and Hanna projectile points and paucity of cultural material overall. An ash-filled basin limited lithic scatters. The fifth component was identified hearth provided enough bone for a radiocarbon date from in 1976 is located within a paleosol underlying the Occupation IV. Mazama ash. It has yielded lithic flakes and bone

-6- fragments, but no diagnostic points. had turned the building into a hazard. The University of Calgary and Fish Creek Provincial Park have developed The 2000 field season continued over a four-month a joint project to research the history, architecture and to period beginning in May and concluding at the end of establish a preservation strategy for the building. August. Excavations resumed in the six units that were Excavations initially took place in 1998 in eight units opened up in the previous year with thirty new units around the perimeter of the building, where, glass, metal, opened up to facilitate the growing interest in the site. slag, kitchenware, chicken wire, and nails where Five new units were opened up along the main west-east uncovered. During this past field season (2000) the datum line, seven along the secondary west-east datum concrete pad was removed and six units were opened up line, six along a west-east line in the southern portion of on the living floor of the building, where leather, metal, the site and twelve along the secondary north-south a copper disk with a floral design, bones, an American datum line. 1883 dime, nails, tools (partial saw blade and drill bit), pitch forks, possible floor beams and post moulds (that The faunal analysis conducted in 1976 by Lifeways of may suggest an earlier building which we do not have any Canada has indicated that the site was utilized during the record of) have been uncovered. Excavations continued winter months. However, the recent recovery of foetal in the units surrounding the building with the opening up bone may also indicate that this site was utilized during of three new units where railroad spikes, a corn seeder, the late summer and early spring. Recent excavations chains and still more pitchforks have been uncovered. have determined that the bone bed is the densest along The deeper excavation units surrounding the building the southern and eastern limits of the site, but there have have produced limited scatters of cultural material also been numerous articulated elements recovered within indicating at least two prehistoric components underlie the north south trending trench. As well, at least fifty the Historic John Glenn Building. Future plans are in the bison skulls have been recovered from the site, works for the building to be rebuilt in the park using as concentrated mainly within the northeast quadrant of the many of the original logs as possible. site. Excavations at both sites and analysis of the cultural The lithic artifacts recovered from this site are indicative material are still ongoing at present, which prevents the of a kill site, approximately 100 projectile points have drawing of conclusions. All of the cultural material been recovered within the last two years alone. The recovered from both EfPm-27 and EfPm-34 has been and Plains Side-Notched type represents the majority of the is presently being processed by the University of Calgary points, however Pelican Lake and McKean points have archaeology field school students, and student and public also been recovered. One interesting aspect that has been volunteers in the field school lab at the University of identified within the past field season, is the recovery of Calgary. The University of Calgary, the Archaeological a larger number of flakes, and broken lithic tools along Society of Alberta, the Calgary Community Lottery the northeastern limit of the site. Board and various other sources have provided funding for these excavations. The Historic John Glenn Building (EfPm-34) was built by John Glenn and his wife Adelaide in 1873. Initially they Wally's Beach (DhPg-8) (Brian Kooyman) left Fort Benton in Montana with all of their possessions loaded onto the back of a mule and headed north, Work by L.V. Hills and Paul McNeil (Department of following the 'Whoop-Up Trail'. They arrived in the Geology and Geophysics, University of Calgary), Calgary area at the junction of Fish Creek and the Bow Brian Kooyman (Archaeology Department), and River, where they built their homestead. In the years Shayne Tolman (Resources and the Environment following (1877) their farm was sold to the government Program) continued at the Late Pleistocene Wally's and turned into an Indian supply farm, which was then Beach site (DhPg-8) in southern Alberta. The site dates converted into a blacksmith shop and still later (within between 11,000 and 11,350 B.P. based on four AMS the past 50 years) concrete was poured over the floor and radiocarbon dates and includes faunal remains of bison the building was turned into a garage. {Bison bison antiquus), musk oxen {Bootherium bombifrons), horse (Equus conversidens), and caribou Initial investigations began in 1998 when the University (Rangifer tarandus) among others. The site has of Calgary's field school dismantled the building. The preserved tracks of a number of species as well, antiquity of the building along with the help of vandals including camel, horse, mammoth, caribou, and an

-7- unknown bovid. Flakes and flake tools have been assessment prepared by Jacques Whitford of a recovered in association with horse and musk oxen proposed hydro project on the Peace River. remains. Protein residue of horse and an unknown bovid have been recovered from Clovis points recently Golder Associates Ltd (Brian Ronaghan) eroded from the site. Work is planned to continue through spring, 2001. Grant Clarke and Brian Ronaghan of Golder Associates Ltd. continued a multi-stage mitigation DS Consulting (E. M. Gryba) program associated with development of the Muskeg River Mine. This development is a large-scale oil sands Eugene M. Gryba (DS Consulting) supervised recovery and processing project proposed north of Fort mitigation excavations of 20 square meters at an early McMurray by Albian Sands Energy Ltd, a consortium homestead house foundation and cellar (18977-1936) at headed by Shell Canada. The project represents the Upper Lakes Group Inc. Heritage Pointe systematic efforts to recover information from an development on the southern edge of Calgary. The apparently unique distribution of prehistoric sites excavations yielded over 4400 items, including related to Early Prehistoric Period occupation of a rectangular nails. landscape formed in the wake of a catastrophic glacial lake outwash event that occurred approximately 9,700 The historic remains lie near the entrance to an years ago Braided channel deposits consisting of linear exclusive housing development. Upper Lakes Group elevated ridges appear to have been extensively used as Inc. is preserving the cellar remains and plans an staging or hunt preparation areas during or after the on-site interpretive display. Archival research on two retreat of glacial lake waters from a flood zone that early families that occupied the site, James S. Ingram extends over several square kilometres. This area is and Patrick M. Kelly, is proceeding. thought to have been scoured of vegetation and topsoil during initial flooding and would have represented a Jacques Whitford Environmental Limited (Callum distinctly different, perhaps more productive ecozone Thomson) from that present in surrounding forests over a period that may have lasted around 2000 years. While Callum Thomson, National Archaeology Manager for subsequent reforestation has preserved these elevated Jacques Whitford Environment Limited, managed landforms, stratigraphic separation and faunal several projects in Alberta in 2000. In January, he preservation is absent and muskeg now covers participated in an assessment of the potential effects of intervening areas building a winter road through the southwest part of Wood Buffalo National Park, and followed this up in Excavations at a series of sites within the flood zone July with a reconnaissance of the 118 km route continue to support the proposition that this area was a between Garden Creek and Peace Point. Several new focal point of regional exploitation patterns between sites were found and sites originally recorded by Marc 9500 and 7500 years ago. Spear points recovered Stevenson and others were identified; mitigation during this program resemble specimens that date measures to safeguard these sites and procedures to around 9500 in Montana and Wyoming as well as locate and assess the potential for disturbance of Scottsbluff stemmed types characteristic of Cody additional sites during road construction and operation Complex occupations that occur on the Plains in the were recommended. Of note was the discovery during 9200-8500 year time frame. As well, excavations were the reconnaissance of a large number of bison on and conducted at Bezya (HhOv 73), a previously studied near the route, either dead or dying from the effects of microblade-bearing site, which has been dated by a anthrax. Callum and the rest of the team were airlifted composite charcoal sample at around 3900 B.P. No out to Fort Smith for medical consultations, and then additional microcores or blades were identified during returned to complete the survey. The report is still the excavations at this site but cataloguing is not yet under review by Parks Canada. Several other projects complete. However, other sites have produced possible managed by Callum were subcontracted to other microcore fragments that may suggest an earlier origin Calgary firms, including HRIAs of a subdivision in for this regional technological expression. Also, in northwest Calgary and one in Lethbridge, and a water consultation with the Fort McKay First Nation, a line route in northeast Calgary. The work of another collapsed trappers cabin dating possibly as early as the consulting firm was summarized in an environmemtal late 1940s was mapped and excavated as part of the mitigation program. As with previous years of this overlooks the lake. Current speculation about the program, members of the Fort McKay and Fort purpose of the feature is that it may have served as Chipweyan First Nations formed an integral component temporary dwelling or a hunting blind. of the archaeological team. Parks Canada Archaeological Field Work News for 2000 D'Arcy Green of Golder Associates Ltd. conducted - Alberta (Peter D. Francis) Historical Resources Impact Assessments in conjunction with comprehensive Environmental Impact Jasper National Park Assessments for two in-situ oil sands developments in northeast Alberta. Canadian Natural Resources Peter D. Francis (Parks Canada Agency, Calgary) Limited's Primrose and Wolf Lake Expansion Project reports that a variety of research and resource straddles the southern boundary of the Cold Lake Air management projects were carried out within the Weapons Range. The HRIA for this project was boundaries of Jasper National Park during the 2000 conducted with the assistance of members of the Cold field season. Several small-scale projects were Lake First Nation (CLFN), who provided a significant undertaken by Francis and John Porter (Parks Canada insight into traditional resource use within the area. Agency, Calgary) within the Athabasca Valley This study was completed in conjunction with a involving impact assessments and mitigations arising community-based Traditional Land Use study co­ from various development projects within or near ordinated by Alex Janvier and other members of Jasper Townsite as well as the inventory of unrecorded CLFN. Both studies benefited from information archaeological sites. The latter included the recording sharing. Early series air photos were examined to aid of late 19th or early 20th century cabin sites associated identification of trails and cabin locations reported by with the brief homesteader phase prior to the community members. Because areas within the establishment of the National Park. These and other Weapons Range have been largely inaccessible to the early Historic Period cabin sites were sampled by public for decades, a number of pristine historic site Chris Woods, heading a team from the University of locations exist. Several of the cabin sites revisited Victoria Tree-Ring Laboratory, who continued a during the HRIA contain extensive artifact assemblages project begun in 1999 by Dan Smith (Geography, due to circumstances surrounding the rapid relocation University of Victoria) to date dendrochronologically a of inhabitants with the establishment of the Weapons series of historic cabins in Jasper and Banff National Range. In some cases, ownership of these cabins could Parks. be determined through interviews with CLFN members. Three historic cabin sites and one stone A survey of the lower Whirlpool Valley by Francis and feature site were identified during the course of the Porter resulted in the identification and inventory of fieldwork. two previously unrecorded but historically known lumber extraction sites dating to the early and middle In addition, an HRIA was completed for OPTI 1920s. Another such site had been recorded in the Canada's proposed Long Lake Project near Anzac, valley during the 1980s. These operations provided the Alberta. Community members from the Fort McMurray raw materials for the production of railway ties, and the First Nation (FMFN) participated directly in the HRIA surviving log- and plank-built structural remains, from its initial stages. Marie Cheecham of FMFN including large bunkhouses, manager's houses, conducted interviews with Elders and trapline owners cookhouses, barns, sheds, sawmills, and corrals, are in to identify areas of cultural significance to the remarkably good condition with roofs surviving on a community within the development zone and Robert few of the buildings. A more thorough fieldwork Cree arranged for field crews for the assessment. The project is planned for 2001. assessment resulted in the identification and recording of a number of interesting sites including a 1950's A larger scale archaeological resource inventory was helicopter crash site, two historic cabin sites and two carried out by Parks Canada archaeologists Sharon precontact archaeological sites. Of particular note, Thomson and Bill Perry and Jasper National Park precontact site HdOs 4 is located on an island-like warden Rod Wallace within the Tonquin Valley from feature linked to the south shore of Kiskwatinaw Lake Maccarib Pass to the south trailhead at Edith Cavell. by a shallow dune. The site contains a variety of lithic Outpost Lake, Moat Lake, and the Eremite Valley up to material types as well as a deep pit feature that Arrowhead Lake were also surveyed. A total of 15 archaeological sites were recorded, of which eight were Since 1997, Francis, along with John Porter (Parks historic, four were precontact, and three contained both Canada Agency, Calgary) and student assistants from components. Nine sites were new finds and six, Simon Fraser University and the University of Calgary, identified in the 1980s, were revisited to assess have surveyed virtually all landforms away from the cumulative impacts due to their proximity to the main river terraces which had been the focus of earlier Tonquin hiking trail. Several of the Historic Period field work. By the end of the 2000 field season, over 60 sites were associated with early use of the National sites, both prehistoric and historic, have been added to Park, including two early Alpine Club of Canada huts, the existing archaeological inventory, including the outfitter's camps, and a boundary marker covered in remains of horse corrals and the footprints of several signatures, some dating to the 1920s. The majority of built structures associated with Brewster family precontact sites consisted only of thin lithic scatters, activities on the Ranch during the first decade and a predominantly of pink and grey quartzites. The likely half of the 20th century. Of historical interest and source of this material is a talus slope on the shore of practical use was the identification of several survey Outpost Lake, where an adjacent quarry and flaking markers placed by Dominion Land Surveyor M. P. station has yielded numerous bifacial and unifacial Bridgland during the course of his regional survey in tools. Another notable scatter of lithic debitage on a 1918. ridge high above Amethyst Lake contained a significant amount of quartz crystal. The high frequency of quartz During the 2000 field season, a more intensive crystal suggested a nearby source, although a thorough subsurface testing programme of higher potential search of outcrops in the area failed to identify its landforms has substantially augmented the evidence location. from surface finds at selected sites. With the assistance of Aaron Osicki (University of Calgary), discrete Alberto Musacchio (University of Alberta) continued Middle Prehistoric components were identified at sites his doctoral research on the geoarchaeology of the located by two large perennial ponds at the west end of Snake Indian River Valley in Jasper National Park. the Ranch. The recovery of diagnostic Oxbow and During the course of the 2000 field season, Musacchio Pelican Lake projectile points have provided more also conducted an advanced archaeological field contextual detail to the surface evidence at these sites. training credit course for the University of Alberta In addition, a substantial amount of non-local lithic within the general area of the confluence between the material types such as obsidian, chalcedony, jasper, and Snake Indian and Athabasca rivers. cherts was identified during the course of the field work. This project is scheduled to continue in 2001. Ya-Ha-Tinda Ranch Alberta Western Heritage (Terry Gibson) Peter D. Francis (Parks Canada Agency, Calgary) initiated a multi-year project in 1997 to systematically Maureen Rollans and Terry Gibson of Alberta survey the Ya-Ha-Tinda Ranch and create an inventory Western Heritage, and Peggy McKeand of Western of its archaeological resources (CAA Newsletter Heritage Services undertook assessment of 106 gas 19(1):32). The 3,945 ha ranch, a federal crown pipeline segments in the Cold Lake Air Weapons leasehold, is located 15 km east of the eastern boundary Range and surrounding area for AEC Oil and Gas. of Banff National Park in the Upper Red Deer River The HRIA involved plotting the segments on 1:50,000 region. Acquired by the Government of Canada in map sheets and determining heritage potential using a 1917, the Ranch has been used to breed, train, and specially defined evaluation methodology. All overwinter horses for the federal Warden Service since segments were flown over by helicopter, and high and 1930. Some 50 precontact archaeological sites had selected medium potential areas received ground been recorded within the ranch boundaries since 1970. inspection. A 166 km long distribution line proposed These are located principally along two broad valley by AEC Oil and Gas located in the same general study terraces formed by the Scalp and Bighorn Creeks and area was also investigated using the same survey the Red Deer River. With the completion of the Scalp methodology. Three small archaeological sites were Creek Threatened Sites Project in 1996 (CAA found during the two assessment projects. One site Newsletter 18(1):31), a 10,000 year record of multiple was avoided and two consisted of spot finds requiring discontinuous human occupations was established for no further assessment. the Ranch.

10- In May, 2000 Terry Gibson of Alberta Western undisturbed, the site required no further investigation Heritage began an ongoing program of historical and road construction was allowed to continue. resources management for Millar Western Forest Products forestry activities within its harvesting areas Between May and October, 2000, Terry Gibson in the Whitecourt region. This was the culmination of conducted assessment and mitigation work at the Bodo a two year long research program commissioned by Bison Skulls Site at Bodo, Alberta. The Bodo site, Millar Western to integrate heritage management into located 20 km south of Provost, was discovered in their annual forest planning process. Henceforward, 1995 in the middle of a large oilfield operation. all forestry developments which have the potential to Original assessment indicated that the site remains disturb historical resources will receive archaeological were perhaps 1000 years old, representing short term inspections in moderate and high heritage potential but extensive bison impoundment activities. Oilfield zones, as determined by a digital heritage potential development on the site was suspended until the spring model and other data sources. In September, 2000 a of 2000, when renewed drilling and pipe line pilot project was initiated by Alberta Western Heritage trenching required more detailed assessment and on behalf of Millar Western to extend this level of considerable mitigative excavation. Intensified heritage management and protection to numerous oil reconnaissance of the locality has expanded the size of and gas and other industrial developments within the the site to at least 140 hectares, with extensive company's operations in the Whitecourt region. This deposits of butchered bison bone appearing throughout project, undertaken with the cooperation of local the site area. In one abandoned wellpad locality, a 2 x industrial developers and Alberta Community 2 m excavation revealed a 50 cm thick midden of Development, will continue for several years. The discarded bison bone, complete with preserved hair goal is to determine the best ways to protect historical and at least 50 projectile points. Another 5 x 5 m and archaeological sites from a wide variety of excavation revealed an intact living floor with hearths, industrial developments in Alberta forests. pottery clusters and ochre stains, suggesting one or more residences. Work is continuing on this site to In July, 2000 Terry Gibson of Alberta Western permit oilfield development to proceed in areas that Heritage and Jim Finnigan of Western Heritage have been disturbed in the past, while preserving the Services undertook assessment of 125 km of proposed remainder of the site for future research and forestry access road construction in the region interpretation. northeast of Peace River for Daishowa Maurubeni Inc. The helicopter survey resulted in the discovery a Fieldwork news report compiled by Alwynne B. single archaeological site at a stream crossing. Beaudoin, with contributions from Joan Damkjar, Peter Subsequent detailed assessment of this site revealed Francis, Terry Gibson, Eugene Gryba, Brian Kooyman, remains of a possible hearth but only a few pieces of Laurie Milne, Brian Ronaghan, Michelle Schatz, and debitage in several localized areas. Though Callum Thomson.

SCAPE: Study of Cultural Adaptations in the Prairie Ecozone Report of Activities 2000

SCAPE (Study of Cultural Adaptations in the Prairie concentrated at three nodes: the Cypress Hills in Ecozone) is a five-year project, funded by SSHRC Alberta, the Saskatchewan River Forks area of central through its Major Collaborative Research Initiatives Saskatchewan, and localities in southwestern program (Grant #412-99-1000). The project focusses Manitoba, including the Lauder Sandhills and the Tiger on the Northern Plains, roughly the Prairie Ecozone Hills. These are all areas of resource diversity, and its periphery in the Prairie Provinces. The primary highlighted by topographic and geomorphic variability, objectives of the project are to reconstruct landscapes within the Northern Plains. The specific time slices are at five specific time intervals in the postglacial (9,000, chosen because they are intervals when there is 6,000, 3,000, 1,500 and 500 yr BP). These time-slice evidence in the archaeological record of major changes reconstructions are intended to include cultural and in lifeways and adaptive strategies of people inhabiting ecophysical components (such as landforms and this region. vegetation). Within this larger region, work will be

•11- The SCAPE project's unique contribution to the impact of SCAPE collaborators who were to examine understanding of human history in the Northern Plains this wall during the first weeks of July. The remainder is its focus on the integration of information from a of our field season was devoted to the excavation of wide range of disciplines including archaeology, units in an attempt to create a safe working anthropology, ethnography, ethnohistory, environment for the students during the second and geoarchaeology, GIS, and palaeoenvironmental studies. subsequent field seasons. The vertical walls would also A significant component also centres on the integration be easier to shore with sheets of plywood and 4x4 of traditional knowledge about landscapes and land timbers at the end of the 2000 field season. use, through collaborative work with contemporary First Nations in the region. Our intent is to get beyond Gryba's excavations at DjOn-26 extended to a depth of just data generation to a more holistic understanding of 3.85 metres and exposed numerous buried paleosols the Northern Plains. with evidence for a minimum of 12 cultural occupations. These occupations spanned an interval of The SCAPE project officially began in May 2000 and 7,250 years but an auger hole dug in the deepest unit is headquartered at Brandon University. This report revealed an additional two occupations at the site. To introduces the project and outlines the activities of the facilitate the recognition and correlation of paleosols first field season. We hope to provide summaries of across the excavation, we carefully cleaned the west progress to the archaeological community through the wall, which attained a depth of 3.70 metres and CAA Newsletter in subsequent years. The project's numbered the buried soils from 1 through 15. Some of progress can also be followed through its website at the paleosols did split into two or more identifiable http://scape.brandonu.ca. Anyone interested in units and these new pedogenic units were labelled learning more about SCAPE or becoming involved in using letters of the alphabet. In other words, Paleosol 5 the research may contact the Principal Investigator, Bev split into two identifiable units that were then labelled Nicholson, or any of the project team. Contact 5A and 5B respectively. Using this strategy, it was addresses and e-mail addresses appear on the website. possible to relate most artifacts to specific buried soils across the entire excavated area. Alberta (Gerry Oetelaar) During the summer, our excavations uncovered cultural The 2000 field season at the Stampede site (DjOn-26) materials in association with Paleosols 5 through 9. in the Cypress Hills of Alberta started on Monday, June Paleosols 10, 11, 12, and 13 yielded few, if any, 5, 2000 and ended on August 31, 2000. The field work cultural remains. Initially, the absence of artifacts was was led by Gerry Oetalaar (Archaeology Department, assumed to represent a lack of human occupation University of Calgary) and included a crew of students during an interval marked by brief episodes of from Calgary. The core field crew consisted of Trevor landscape stability. However, the presence of Peck, Elizabeth Robertson, Judith Klassen, and imbricated gravel lenses in Units 5, 6, 7, and 8 Janet Blakey. Several other graduate students spent indicated a possible change in the course of the stream several weeks working at the site. These include Susan during this time. If so, evidence of human occupation Tuppaka, Jason Gillespie, Kimberley Jones, and during this interval could be located north of this Andrea Waters. Two volunteers also participated in channel. Interestingly enough, the corresponding the excavations: Cynthia Temoin (Fort Macleod) and paleosols are better developed in Units 11, 12, 13, and Catherine Kopperud (Medicine Hat). 14 suggesting that cultural remains may be associated with these paleosols in units along the northern margin The Stampede Site was originally excavated by Eugene of the present excavation. As a result, our plan for the Gryba, who described his findings in two main reports upcoming season will involve the excavation of these (Gryba 1972, 1975). During the first two weeks of the units before attempting to expand the block excavation field season, we located the original datum stakes and to the south. used these to re-establish the grid, removed the fill from the main excavation in the vicinity of Gryba's unit Particularly dense concentrations of cultural materials 11E22S, and cleaned the walls of the original were associated with Paleosols 6, 7, and 8 in most of excavation. We then cleaned the floors of the deepest the units excavated this summer. More importantly, units along the west wall and covered these with plastic several hearths and a clearly defined pit feature were and plywood. This strategy was used to reduce the uncovered during the field season. The hearths appear

-12- as roughly circular, dark reddish-brown stains field crew led by David Meyer (Department of approximately 75 cm in diameter. These features are Anthropology and Archaeology, University of basin-shaped and attain maximum depths of 5 to 10 cm. Saskatchewan) and including field supervisor Nathan The pit feature was located approximately 25 cm south Friesen (Redstone Environmental), Steven Kasstan of one of the hearths and appeared to be associated and Wade Dargin (University of Saskatchewan with the hearth. Although portions of the feature had graduate students), and Cassidy Burns and Matthew slumped, the preserved remnant was ca 75 cm in Burns (James Smith First Nation), excavated at the diameter and 25 cm deep. The contents of the feature Below Forks site (FhNg-25). This site is located on the provide little information on its possible use although north bank of the Saskatchewan River, about a the base of a side-notched point was recovered from the kilometre downstream from the confluence of the fill. The possible function of the pit remains uncertain North and South Saskatchewan Rivers. This was the although it may have been lined with a skin and used as third time that excavations had been conducted here, a a container for food prepared by stone boiling. Three 1x2 m unit having been dug in 1980 (Wilson 1982:839- smaller circular stains were noted in the immediate 842) and another such unit in 1989 (Meyer 1990). This vicinity of another hearth. Two of these stains were site is dominated by a high cutbank, the upper three small, ca 5 cm in diameter, circular patches of dark metres of which contain a complex stratigraphic soil, perhaps representing the remains of a support rack deposit with many paleosols (organic layers). One of associated with the hearth. The third stain located in the deeper paleosols, at 2.3- 2.4 m below the surface, the vicinity of this hearth was circular, ca 1 cm in contains a rich occupation level which is evidenced on diameter, and yielded a dense concentration of the cutbank face as a nearly continuous layer of flakes, artifacts, including fragments of red ochre. The core fragments, pieces of fire-cracked rock and bits of possible function of this feature remains uncertain at bone. this stage. In 1981 we dated bone from this deep occupation level Although a number of tool fragments were uncovered at 5,845±140 yr BP (S-2245), while charcoal from a this summer, the bulk of the assemblages consist of tiny paleosol a few cm higher dated at 5,740±95 yr BP (S- flakes and bone fragments. The assemblages of 1994). Such dates place this occupation in the Early debitage are dominated by retouch and resharpening Side-notched period, a time that is not well known on flakes, most of which derive from exotic raw materials. the Saskatchewan plains. The latter include cherts, agates, and chalcedonies, many of which cannot at present be attributed to In the 2000 field season, we excavated 8 square metres particular sources. The assemblage of tools includes completely and started another seven. Some of these two complete Oxbow points, the basal portions of units were excavated to a depth of almost 2.5 m several other side-notched points of unknown through extremely hard, dry silty clays. The deposits affiliation, two scrapers, a number of biface fragments here contained not only the deep ca. 6,000 yr BP and an antler tine. At present, the artifacts are being occupation, but also three occupations in the upper washed and catalogued while many of the soil samples metre and a half (these have yet to be dated). are being processed in the laboratory. The bulk soil Therefore, multiple occupation levels had to be samples, in particular, are yielding interesting carefully exposed. We found that all of the occupations assemblages of molluscs, charred seeds, and were dominated by lithic debitage - thousands of flakes microdebitage. of Swan River chert, with a few quartzes and other cherts represented. However, the ca 6,000 yr BP Saskatchewan (David Meyer) occupation also contained numerous bone fragments, some fire-cracked rock, a few clam shell fragments and The Saskatchewan portion of the SCAPE project is occasional stone tools. The latter included two focussed in a region known as The Forks: the endscrapers and a projectile point preform which had confluence of the North, and South Saskatchewan been side-notched. With regard to the latter, in August Rivers. This project is to involve investigations at four of 1999 when visiting the Below Forks site, graduate archaeological sites, and work with the members of the student Bradley Novecosky and I found a broken side- James Smith and Muskoday Cree Nations. notched point in the cutbank face at a depth of 45 cm below the surface. Stylistically, this point appears to be From June 19 through August 18 this past summer, a Early Side-notched, and its fairly shallow depth

-13- suggests that there are multiple occupations of this The 2000 Brandon University Archaeological Field cultural period at this site - and that the deposition of school (directed by Tomasin Playford with the sediments occurred relatively quickly. assistance of Lori Mokelki) was conducted at the Twin Fawns Site (DiMe-23), which is located within a We plan to excavate at the Below Forks site again in dunefield in the Glacial Lake Hind Basin. Preliminary the summer of 2001. As a result of the 2000 field investigations at this proto-contact Mortlach site has season we have a much better idea of the nature of this involved shovel testing, and the excavation of small site and will concentrate on expanding blocks in two blocks of one metre squares. Research at the site this parts of the site. It is hoped that we will encounter past summer has focused upon refining the information some features, such as hearths, and increase our base, and building a larger sample of materials with recovery of tools and faunal remains. With regard to which to address the process by which European hearth features, exposed in the cutbank face there is an technology was integrated into traditional Mortlach orange, oxidized area with associated stones in the 2.4 material culture. In addition to conventional late pre­ m deep occupation level. This apparent hearth area will contact material culture, several ice gliders were be within one of our 2001 excavation blocks. recovered, and possible evidence of metal knife cuts on bone was noted. Manitoba (Scott Hamilton and Bev Nicholson) With the completion of the field school, a small crew The Manitoba component of the SCAPE project returned to the Tiger Hills. The late-phase field work initiated research with an ethnohistorical review, and was initiated with GPR survey of the Lowton Site archaeological reconnaissance at several sites in the (DiLv-3), the type site for Vickers Focus in southern Glacial Lake Hind Basin, especially in the Lauder Manitoba (Hamilton and Nicholson 1999; Nicholson Sandhills, and the Tiger Hills under the direction of B. 1991: 167). The survey was carried out by Harry Jol A. Nicholson (Native Studies Department, Brandon (Geography Department, University of Wisconsin - Eau University) and Scott Hamilton (Anthropology Claire [UWEC]) This extensive site has been cultivated Department, Lakehead University). Laboratory for over 80 years, and has yielded a rich array of research (by Sylvia Nicholson and Leanne Walker) archaeological materials. Previous work suggested that has focused upon completion and consolidation of intact archaeological features may lie below the plowed previously collected archaeological data that is relevant zone. The remote sensing survey sought subsurface to the goals of the SCAPE project, and the development anomalies in the GPR reflective patterns that were of a web site and a suitable archaeological cataloguing investigated through test excavations. A series of program. natural and cultural features were encountered and tested. Some anomalies proved to be concentrations of Ethnohistoric research (by Niki Daniels and Scott clasts of natural origin, or auger test holes dug in 1992 Hamilton) has begun the collecting and reviewing (Nicholson et al. 2000). Cultural features of interest manuscript maps of the northeastern plains, and include a small boiling pit and two rodent disturbed pit historic texts dating to the fur trade era. This review features that were exposed and investigated. Soil will ultimately provide information regarding samples from these features are currently being Aboriginal land use, place names and the historic biotic examined for macrobotanical remains by Matthew and hydrological character of the region. It will Boyd. In addition, a possible semi-subterranean house eventually be used in conjunction with the feature was identified through test excavation. This ethnographic literature and the Elders' knowledge to feature will be more fully excavated in the summer of develop interpretative models about historical patterns 2001. An ice glider was also recovered at this site. Also of Aboriginal land use. in the Tiger Hills, Scott Hamilton initiated a survey of potential Besant site locations to be excavated in the The archaeological research focused upon small-scale 2001 field season. reconnaissance and excavation. Work began with an extension of shovel testing initiated by Bev Nicholson While these test excavations were under way, regional at Wapiti Sakihtaw (DiLw-12), a Middle Woodland reconnaissance was undertaken to identify potential occupation located on the north-facing slope of "Big Middle Woodland sites suitable for excavation in the Tiger". This landform is the highest point of land 2001 field season. Local collectors provided a series of within the Tiger Hills upland. "site leads" located within cultivated fields. It was

-14- hoped that suitable undisturbed deposits would be Finally, Alwynne Beaudoin (Provincial Museum of encountered within the adjacent forest near these sites. Alberta) spent a week at each locality, primarily While several Besant/Sonota surface collections were assessing the excavations for potential for pollen and identified, the search for a suitable Middle Woodland other palaeoenvironmental work. She also began site will be resumed in the spring of 2001. Other sites collecting reference pollen and seed samples that will investigated include Late Woodland sites, most notably be useful for taxonomic identifications in future "The Bone Pile" site. This intact site appears to be a investigations. Several students, including Evelyn small bison kill site associated with a small slough, and Siegfried (Archaeology Department, University of with a nearby encampment area. This and other Calgary), Janet Blakey, Judy Klassen, and Kim Long, Blackduck sites suggest quite different site selection helped with some of this work. priorities than those associated with the roughly contemporaneous Vickers Focus sites. We hope to References address these divergent land use choices with future excavation. Gryba, E.M. 1972 Preliminary Report on the 1971 Field Season Other field activities and DjOn_117. Honours B.A. thesis. Department of Anthropology, University of In addition to the detailed archaeological activities Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada xiv +191 described above, the field work also involved four pp.( Site DjOn-117 was subsequently re­ "roving teams" that travelled between the three numbered DjOn-26, the Stampede Site.) localities. Garry Running (Geography Department, UWEC) and Dion Wiseman (Geography Department, Gryba, E. M. 1975 Brandon University) co-led a field school of six The Cypress Hills Archaeological Site students from UWEC and Brandon. The UWEC DjOn_26. Unpublished report. Alberta students, Josh Lahner, Kim Long and Casie Department of Recreation and Parks, Ollendick, worked on geoarchaeological problems and Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 186 pp. helped to acquire GPS data at the sites. Several of the students have developed projects that will be presented Hamilton, S., and B. A. Nicholson 1999 as posters at upcoming scholarly meetings. Dion Ecological Islands and Vickers Focus Adaptive Wiseman, assisted by Brandon students Brent Joss, Transitions in the Pre-Contact Plains of Jason Howden, and Candace Ashcroft, worked on Southwestern Manitoba. Plains Anthropologist collecting high-resolution GPS readings at each site. 44(167):5-25. These data are being used to develop DEMs (digital elevations models) of the terrain at each locale, and to Meyer, D. 1990 fix the positions of specific sampling initiatives. The Test Excavations at the Below Forks Site project has obtained a truck-mounted coring system, (FhNg-25), 1989. Permit 88-60.Unpublished the GeoProbe, for examining subsurface stratigraphy. report, Department of Anthropology and In Alberta and Saskatchewan, the GeoProbe crew was Archaeology, University of Saskatchewan, led by Andrea Freeman (Departments of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. 32 pp. Archaeology, Geography, Geology and Geophysics, University of Calgary), assisted by graduate students Nicholson, B. A. 1991 Jason Gillespie and Janet Blakey. Jason and Janet Modeling a Horticultural Complex in South- took the GeoProbe to Manitoba, where additional work central Manitoba During the Late Prehistoric was undertaken at the Flintstone Hill locality. Period - the Vickers Focus. Mid-continental Additional GPR investigations at Flintstone Hill were Journal of Archaeology 16(2): 163-188. conducted by Harry Jol and his UWEC student Ryan DeChaine. Karen Havholm (Geology Department, Nicholson, B. A., Harry M. Jol, Scott Hamilton and UWEC) and her student Nicole Bergstrom worked on Garry Running 2000 exposures in the Pembina Spillway (a glaciofluvial Ground Truthing Ground Penetrating Radar at landform adjacent to the Tiger Hills) and addressed the Lowton Site.Paper Presented at Joint some nagging stratigraphic questions at Flintstone Hill Midwest Archaeological/Plains Conference, St. and in the nearby Makotchi-Ded-Dontipi localities. Paul

•15- Wilson, J. S. 1982 Compiled by Alwynne Beaudoin, with sections Archaeology and History. In Environmental contributed by Scott Hamilton, Bev Nicholson, David Baseline Study of the Saskatchewan River, Meyer, and Gerry Oetelaar, and input from other Saskatchewan, in the Vicinity ofChoiceland SCAPE team members. and the "Forks ", edited by A. E. Pipe, pp. 753- 975. Saskatchewan Research Council Report The above two reports were originally published in the No. C-805-24-E-80. Saskatoon. CAA Newsletter, Spring 2001. Thanks to Andrew Martindale, CAA Newsletter Editor, and Alwynne Boudoingfor allowing me to reprint them here.

ARCH FUNDING AVAILAB 1

Grants of up to $5,000 are available to cover expenses directly related to research projects

Applications may be submitted by members of the Archaeological Society of Alberta or by individuals who are attending or teaching at colleges and universities in Alberta. If fieldwork is involved, the applicant(s) must be able to obtain a valid research permit as required under the Alberta Historical Resources Act. Projects that include field work opportunities for members of the Society are encouraged.

Deadlines: 1st September and 1st January

For application forms and full guidelines, contact:

Jim McMurchy, ASA Executive Secretary/Treasurer, 97 Eton Road West, Lethbridge AB T1K 4T9.

•16- FINAL RESEARCH GRANT REPORT WALLY'S BEACH - DhPg-8.

SHAYNE TOLMAN DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

The site is located in the St. Mary's Reservoir bed and Calgary, Dr. Brian Kooyman of the Department of covers an area of approximately 2 square kilometers. Archaeology, University of Calgary, Paul McNeil also Exposure of the lake bed due to high draw down and of the Department of Geology and Geophysics, and the construction of the spillway resulted in the exposure of author, determined that monitoring would best be thousands of artifacts, faunal remains and an extremely served by the author because of his proximity to the rare occurrence of extinct fauna trackways including site. With the assistance of the funding provided horse (Equus conversidens), wooly mammoth (which was used primarily for travel expenses) the (Mammuthus primagenus), caribou (Rangifer tarandus) following significant aspects of the monitoring program and camel (Camelops ). The site also yielded a variety were accomplished: of artifacts including most diagnostic forms recognized in Alberta. Constant monitoring is critical to locating archaeological/paleontological elements in the early The project for which funding was received included: stages of exposure. Once remains are located in situ, we are able to maintain their contextual integrity - the 1. An artifact storage system was designed and results being major contributions to our research constructed to accommodate the powerful search objectives. For example, the discovery of nearly capabilities of various databases under construction complete horse fossils (Equus conversidens) with that store the physical descriptions and metric data of evidence of human predation (artifacts found in situ the artifacts. Artifacts can be searched in a myriad of among scattered skeletal elements of the animals) in ways and quickly retrieved from the archiving system. combination with horse blood protein residues The storage drawers hold over 5,400 artifacts extracted from two Clovis points found in the general individually bagged with catalog numbers in ascending area of the remains, is among the best such evidence order. Each storage space has a foam protective ever discovered in the Americas for this species and is numbered sleeve to accommodate individual artifacts. changing the way we interpret the behaviors of early A new methodology for applying catalog numbers was paleo- Americans. This association also has developed and is currently being tested with promising implications for understanding causal factors in the results. early post glacial mass extinction of these fauna. Other faunal remains recovered in situ include caribou 2. After much consultation with Society members (Rangifer tarandus), muskox (Bootherium bombifrons), (Lethbridge Centre), we implemented a new and more bison (Bison antiquus), ground squirrel, badger, and a permanent method of marking the survey pins used on canid. site (previously identified with black permanent ink marker on survey tape). We needed a method of The monitoring program included mapping, recording, labeling that would withstand the extreme conditions and photographing extinct paleo-faunal tracks and including seasonal submersion. Cattle eartags were trackways. The collection of track data and faunal suggested by a society member and we are currently remains is restricted to those times during the winter field testing them. field season when wind storms are followed by a period of mild weather. Winter winds (primarily Chinooks), 3. The implementation of a primary strategy of our snow and rain severely crippled our ability to collect overall research plan. The monitoring of the site. data, and the funding provided by the Society enabled us to take advantage of the small windows of The investigating team, including Dr. Len Hills of the opportunity afforded us under extreme collecting Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of conditions. Provenience of surface collected artifacts is

•17- currently being individuals has yet analyzed with some been deemed interesting trends necessary. surfacing early in the investigation. Monitoring the Of particular physical conditions interest is the on site was also key concentration of to field preparations early period points in advance of on the north end of excavations under the the site. Constant direction of the monitoring of the investigating team. area where the The responsibility of unusual eccentric the author in this artifact fragments regard was to (Fig 1) were determine recovered was a investigation key component of potential, provide our monitoring interim protection of program. Although fragile elements unproductive in (primarily bone and retrieving more trackways) until excavations and fragments, we were Flint Eccentrics assured that the removal went area was not forward and, on vandalized by pot-hunters as evidence of their activities occasion, to prepare excavation grids. Funding were noticeably absent. We are confident more provided by the Society allowed this preliminary and fragments are still embedded in the paleosol now timely work to be done in advance thus increasing our blanketed with recent aeolian deposits. It is a low lying efficiency at completing our investigations once field area and only becomes exposed as the result of orth crews arrived on site. winds on the barren surface during periods of no snow cover. Several other artifacts were retrieved in the The Society's financial and volunteer support for the vicinity which hopefully will provide further insight project has contributed substantially to the into these amazing artifacts. development of methodologies unique to the site. For example, plaster jacketing techniques, developed in the Monitoring provided an on site deterrent against illegal paleontological field were applied to protect and collecting, vandalism, and off road activities. The transport fragile faunal elements from field to lab. As single most effective means of curbing these activities well, a track data recovery system was developed to in the reservoir bed is to have an individual or capture the ephemeral data sets on various tracks and individuals on site. Signs and patrols by Alberta Parks trackwaysas they became available. As a result, over and Recreation employees certainly contribute to the 500 tracks were mapped, measured, and photographed protection of the site but are minimal compared to the as well as individual tracks prepared for removal and success of our monitoring plan. Our monitoring further labwork. Again, this methodology could not activities provided access to the target group of have been implemented without the contribution of individuals most negatively impacting the site and funding by the society. opportunities opened to us to educate them on site. We consider this a highly successful campaign with most The author wishes to express sincere thanks to the individuals approached responding positively. Repeat Society for the grant of $2,000 to assist the ongoing offenders were rare and have moved activities off site work at DhPg-8. This money was fundamental to the for the most part. No legal action against any completion of some of the primary objectives of the

•18- overall research plan outlined above. Society members indebted to them, as we are to all Society members (namely Jim McMurchy and Judy Sturgeon from the who have contributed their volunteer services and Lethbridge center) have also contributed to the work wisdom. We look forward to a continued alliance with through their efforts to be on site during critical times the Society for assistance with monitoring, protecting, when the author or the other principal investigators and investigation of this spectacular site. were unable to maintain a presence there. We are

Investigations at Fort Vermilion I (1798 - 1830): Sorting Out the Facts

Heinz W. Pyszczyk Archaeology and History Section Heritage Resource Management Branch Alberta Community Development

Introduction in 1798. I was not optimistic about the success of the mission. The thick bush in northern Alberta hides its Historic archaeologists often sift through an array of secrets well. We (John Nicks and Karlis Karklins in evidence to reach some basic conclusions about the 1970; Heinz Pyszczyk in 1988) had looked for the fort human past. We always hope that the information before, without success. Yet it did not seem possible obtained from this evidence is clear and accurate and that a settlement occupied for over 30 years could not contradictory; but that is not always the case. In vanish without leaving a trace of its existence. this article I will share with you the search for the first Perhaps the mighty Peace River had swallowed up the Fort Vermilion, a late 18thcentury North West site; that, given the river's propensities, was not entirely Company (NWC) fur trade post. It is the tale of how out of the question. we found the remains of a fort and then tried to confirm what we had found using some vague and conflicting Prior to our trip, I searched for any reference to the evidence. Unfortunately for us, fur trade posts do not fort's location in the historic documents. The best come with signs revealing their whereabouts or description came from David Thompson who, in 1804 identity. wrote that the fort was 17 miles down river from the mouth of the Keg River on the right bank (PAC The Search for Fort Vermilion I (1968 - 1998) MG19, A8, VolVI:224). In 1970 John Nicks (Provincial Museum of Alberta) looked along that In the fall of 1998, our little party left Thompkin's stretch of the river and found nothing. In his field Landing on the Peace River, near High Level, Alberta. notes, Nicks said that the next time he would look for We cruised down the river on a houseboat owned by the fort on the opposite bank along the same stretch of Mike Mihaly, of High Level, Alberta. Marilee and Al the river. Toews, residents of Fort Vermilion, Alberta, along with Captain Mike accompanied me on this journey. Our We narrowed the search area to an approximate five objective was to find the long lost NWC post Fort kilometre stretch of the west bank of the Peace River Vermilion I (c.1798 - c.1831) in the bicentennial year where the terrace was flat and wide. There are only a of its founding by the Canadian Jean Baptiste La Fleur few bits of evidence that mark 200 year old fur trade

•19- post remains on riverbanks overgrown by shrubs and me what it could be. It was a small highly polished trees and covered with numerous flood deposits: piece of long bone (Figure 1). It had a series of incised Depressions from building cellars or privy holes, and lines and cross-hatching along almost its entire length. mounds from collapsed chimneys and hearths. If the I had seen similar pieces at late eighteenth century river had eroded parts of the site, artifacts and animal Saskatchewan River fur trade posts 20 years ago. It bones might be visible along the riverbank when the could be a bone gaming piece. If that were the case, water was low. then we were at a very old Euro-Canadian settlement, and perhaps FortVermilion I. After about four hours of searching in the dense bush, there were still no signs of the fort. As we headed to a The 1999 - 2000 Field Work and Results stretch of the river not yet searched, we began to notice large pieces of fractured animal bone strewn along the Over the next two years we returned to the site to riverbank. We searched above the bank on the terrace excavate it. We wanted to find the historic layer and for any other signs of the fort. There in the dense bush recover enough artifacts to date the site. I was also were about 10 depressions and one mound, about 20 - concerned that the site was being destroyed by river 25 metres back from the terrace edge. The pits were too erosion. Artifacts and building remains (i.e., parts of a big to have occurred naturally (e.g., tree throws). They stone hearth) already lay along the beach. So we also formed two lines oriented roughly at right angles excavated near the edge of the river terrace to establish to one another. One of the depressions was about five what structural features and artifacts were in immediate metres in diameter and over two metres deep. It danger. By the time we finished our work it appeared resembled many of the undisturbed fur trade fort cellars that there was not one, but two forts close to one that I had examined at posts along the another. North Saskatchewan River. As we headed back to the houseboat, I realized that we might have found the We recovered about 160 artifacts and over 4000 pieces remains of an old settlement on an isolated stretch of of animal bone after excavating about 12 square metres the Peace River. But, was this Fort Vermilion I? of the site. The artifacts all indicated a late 18th century - early 19th century occupation. The very low Next morning before returning to Thompkins Landing, density of artifacts too was similar to the remains of we scoured the beach beneath other early Peace River the site for any other signs posts. The meager artifact human occupation. The assemblages from these water was very low this time posts lay in stark contrast to of year. Thousands of burnt the rich assemblages pieces of animal bone lay recovered from the forts along the water edge. Large along the North quantities of animal bones Saskatchewan River. We would be expected at a fort found the east palisade ditch occupied for over 30 years, near the edge of the river whose occupants relied terrace. Fortunately, most primarily on wild game of the fort remains (IaQf-1) animals for food. But, where had not yet fallen into the were the European fur trade river. We also found that artifacts? the site was stratified, being flooded at least once - an Al Toews was also looking untouched, stratified fur for artifacts along the river trade site, a rarity in Alberta edge. He suddenly bent Figure 1. Bone gaming piece? archaeology. down and picked something up. He walked over and showed it to me and asked

-20- The Fur Trade Comes to the Fort Vermilion - High Documentary and Oral Accounts Level Region The fur trade archaeological sites (IaQf-1 and IaQf-2) In 1778 the American Peter Pond, journeyed up the that we found lie on the west, or left bank (as you look Clearwater River and entered the Athabasca River down river) of the Peace River (Figure 2). They occur where he established a small fur trade post below Lake on a section of the Peace River where it begins to turn Athabasca (Figure 2). Pond's endeavors opened up one towards the east. As mentioned earlier, the artifacts and of the richest fur trade districts in North America. It structural remains of these sites are from a late 18th - was not long before eastern Canadians realized that the early 19th century fur trade post. Athabasca and Peace River drainages possessed a wealth of furs. Also, by directly establishing trade The NWC probably erected Fort Vermilion I shortly relations with Aboriginal peoples, they gained a after abandoning Aspin House in 1798-99 (Smythe distinct logistical advantage over the Hudson's Bay 1968:264-65). In 1799 James Mackenzie already Company (HBC) who did not want to move their mentions La Fleur's post in his journal. Wentzel of the operations inland. NWC in 1800 and Harmon in 1808 also refer to the fort (Smythe 1968:265). However, they do not describe the The newly formed NWC, composed of eastern whereabouts of the fort, only that it was built along the Canadians, began to build fur trade posts along Lake banks of the Peace River. Even though David Athabasca and eventually in the Fort Vermilion -High Thompson gives a precise distance of the fort from a Level region by 1788 (Figure 2). By the late 1790s fixed geographical location, it is uncertain what he they reached the Rocky Mountains with their fur trade meant by this distance - river miles or a direct distance posts. The HBC was forced to follow to compete based on latitude? directly with the NWC in the interior of western Canada. By 1802 the HBC had built posts at Lake Although there are more documentary records after the Athabasca and moved up river to the present two companies join, they are also vague about fort community of Fort Vermilion to establish a post. location. There are however, more indirect, general However, they were forced to retreat in 1803 because indicators of fort location in the journals; they are of the ruthless tactics of the NWC. Finally in 1821, travel time and distance. In 1822, Colin Campbell, in after a bitter rivalry, the two companies joined to form charge of Fort Vermilion I, noted that it took two men the new Hudson's Bay Company. in a small canoe 12 days to reach the fort from Fort Chipewyan (HBCA B.224/a/2). Later on October4th, A Chronology of the High Level - Fort Vermilion Posts he states that two boats arrived, "...11 days from Fort Chipewyan."(HBCA B.224/a/2). On December 11th it In 1788 Charles Boyer of the NWC built his post at the took the men 10 days down and lOdays back, either by mouth of the Boyer River (Figure 2). By 1792 the horse, or dog sleigh, to reach Fort Chipewyan from NWC abandoned this post and moved further upriver to Fort Vermilion (HBCA B.224/a/2). establish Fort de Tremble (Aspin House) west of La Crete, Alberta. They abandoned this post in 1798 and In 1818, Joshua Halcro said it took seven days for the presumably moved further upriver to build Lafleur's men to reach Colevile House from Fort Wedderburn on post (Fort Vermilion I) that same year. In 1802, there Lake Athabasca (Figure 2). In 1821 George Simpson, was a small flourish of activity at Boyer River when the governor of the HBC, said that Fort Vermilion I was"3 HBC's Thomas Swain built Mansfield House to oppose days march from Colevile House" (Simpson 1938:383). the Canadians in the region. The companies In 1822 Colin Campbell estimated that Fort Vermilion constructed three posts at this spot, deserting them in was four days walk in the winter above Colevile House less than a year. There are two issues that need to be (HBCA B.224/e/l). Colevile House was built near the addressed about Fort Vermilion 1:1) the location of the confluence of the Wabasca (Loon) and Peace Rivers fort; and, 2) whether it had been moved between 1798 (HBCA B.44/a/l)(Figure 2). and 1830. I will evaluate and compare the How do these observations on travel time fit with the documentary evidence, oral accounts, historic maps and location of our fur trade fort? I divided the number of archaeological evidence to answer these questions. river miles by days to get the average miles the men

-21- Figure 2. Location of fur trade posts and places, Peace River, northern Alberta.

-zi- river miles by days to get the average miles the men 19 kilometres above Long Island. Estimates for the traveled per day. I used known distances from Lake time it took to travel from Fort Chipewyan to Fort Athasbasca to forts upriver for these calculations. The Vermilion I, could as easily apply to the La Fleur fort distance from Lake Athabasca to Colevile House is location. According to John Nicks (1970:3) however, approximately 167 miles. The distance from Lake other Fort Vermilion residents said the fort was on or Athabasca to Fort Vermilion II or Boyer River is about near a point of land, close to the northeast corner of 212 miles. The distance from Lake Athabasca to Metis Colony No. 1 (very close to our site). These IaQf-1 and IaQf-2is approximately 273 miles. In 1802, differences in the oral accounts could also mean that it took Thomas Swain and his men about eight days to there are two forts in at different locations. Currently, reach the chutes or the approximate location of we have not checked near Long Island to see if any fur Colevile House; they averaged about 21 miles per day. trade sites occur there. Joshua Halcro's estimate of seven days from Wedderburn to Colevile House in 1818 would come to Was there more than one location for Vermilion? In 23.8 miles a day. 1804 David Thompson said the fort was on the 'right bank' or east side of the Peace River. Then, in 1822 The distance from Colevile House to IaQf-1 &2 is about Colin Campbell stated it was located on the north 106 miles. Colin Campbell's four day walk between bank(left bank) of the Peace River (HBCA B.224/e/l). Colevile House and IaQf-1 &2 would then average out Historian A. S. Morton concluded from these to about 26.5 miles per day. The Fort Vermilion I references that the post had been moved; his journal references suggest the journey from Chipewyan conclusions are debatable. to Vermilion I took between 10-13 days; the men would travel an average of about 21 - 27miles per day. A careful read of Colin Campbell's 1822-23 journal The location of IaQf-1 &2 therefore fit these travel suggests that the HBC occupied the old NWC distances. Vermilion post in 1821. Campbell describes a fishery near the post: Other clues to fort location occur in descriptions of geographical locations. In 1828, Archibald McDonald, ...the country abounds in many small on his way to Fort Vermilion I, describes places along Lakes where Wild fowl are plenty the Peace River: spring and fall - Fish has been found in two of these Lakes - the fish being ...Boyer's River, Upper Cariboo River, upon the south side of the River and and Old Fort Liard, all in succession on about three days travelling from this our right....Wednesday, 20th. - Started where a fishery used to be made in the early. Breakfasted above big Pointe de fall until 1820 when it failed... (HBCA Roche, and dined near the little point B.224/e/l) of the same name, near old Forte de Tremble (Aspin House). At the C Apparently a fishery was already well established near by six; Long Island, which is half way this post by 1822. Campbell then goes on to say that, to the House, about eight; and did not "The advantages of this place are very few over any arrive at Fort Vermilion before ten... other except that it is that ground is tilled for our (McDonald 1872:14,paretheses mine) Gardens and being a critical place for the Natives to bring in their find." (HBCA B.224/e/l). He implies McDonald's description confirm that the location of the that the ground was already tilled when they got there. fort is the same as IaQf-1 &2. The fort is above Aspin And, this spot was also an established and important House (Forte de Tremble). Long Island (Moose Island) place for aboriginal people. It would have been is about half way between Forte de Tremble and Fort important earlier during NWC times and may explain Vermilion (the House). Long Island is approximately why the company moved such a short distance upriver 21 kilometres to Aspin House and approximately 19 from Aspin House in 1798. kilometres to our fur trade site. Vermilion, from McDonald's description is closer to IaQf-1 &2 than to In 1822, Campbell talks about abandoning Fort Long Island (Figure 2). Vermilion in favour of Colevile House:

La Fleur family oral accounts place La Fleur's post six - The suggestions to be made are - That seven kilometers above Long Island (Fort Vermilion it is thought advisable to remove the and District Bicentennial 1992:23). IaQf-l&2 are about Fort to Coleville House, a distance of

-23- % ^^risj^s^^

4/

Figure 3. Blueprint of a section of David Thompson's original 1813-14 map of the Peace River, northern Alberta (this copy reduced from original).

- 2.1* about 4 days walk in Winter below this Historic Maps - to be near the Fish Lake and Loon River where the one half of the Hunters For the sake of brevity, I cannot include here all the could be dispensed with for feeding the maps that show the location of the fort. Instead I people of the establishment. (HBCA discuss some of these maps (but not all) briefly and B.224/e/l) then deal in more detail with the chief one - David Thompson's 1813-14 map. Arrowsmith's 1811 map Why would the HBC build a new fort in 1821 and then shows a fur trade post named the New House. This is talk about abandoning it in less than a year? They likely Fort Vermilion I, which would have been then might consider such a move if they took over the old the New House or Establishment and Aspin House, NWC fort whose utility and location was no longer to Fort Laird and Boyer's Fort being the Old Houses or their liking. Establishments. Arrowsmith's New House is located approximately W116o 30' longitude, placing it about On May 11, 1822 Campbell wrote that, "...Four men 26minutes further east of IaQf-1 (on Figure 3, each line who are gone up to Isle aux [Saurow] to raft down a of longitude equals one degree, starting with 117 House from there, for the purpose of repairing our degrees on the far left hand side). This location is very Store..." (HBCA B.224/e/l). Then on, May 14th he closer to Long Island (where some oral accounts also he mentions that, "The men arrived with the timber place it) than our fort. The 1827 James Lloyd map from above and all hands employed in taking down the shows a New Establishment and Old Establishment; the old Store and clearing away to erect it anew" (HBCA latter is also located aboutW116o 30', and N57o 45', B.224/e/l). If the HBC had just built a new fort, they putting it about 26 minutes further east and south of our would not be pulling down the old store to erect a new fort site. one. It is more likely that they were replacing an old structure that had been there for sometime. The David Thompson (1813-14) map is problematic because there are different versions of the original; Was Fort Vermilion I the only fort along this stretch of however, not all contain the same information or are the Peace River before 1821? In 1815 John Clarke of the same size. One published version is found in an the HBC attempted to oppose the NWC at Fort edition Vermilion: of Thompson's Narrative (Tyrell 1916). On the bottom In 1815 John Clarke made a futile of this map is a caption stating that it is, "...reduced attempt to build for the Hudson's Bay from a tracing of photostats of the original Thompson Company near Fort Vermilion, but he map now housed in the Royal Ontario Archives; the was ill-equipped, and ended by having original was too dark for successful reproduction." to pledge all his property to the (Tyrrell 1916). No fur trade forts were shown on the Canadian William Mcintosh in return reduced version. for sustenance. (Smythe 1968:265) Fortunately there is a blueprint of Thompson's original How near did Clarke build to Fort Vermilion I and, 1813-14 map at the Provincial Museum of Alberta what did he build before he returned to Wedderburn? which I had not seen prior to our little adventure in We found another cluster of fur trade archaeological 1998 (Figure 3). On it is written Fort Vermilion very remains approximately 123 metres north of the 1998 close to the location of IaQf-1. The position of the fort findings. If our initial find (IaQf-1) was Fort Vermilion on Thompson's map, not only coincides with the I, then was the second fur trade site (IaQf-2) John position of our archaeological site, but also to his Clarke's ill-fated post, or some other unknown, reference to the fort being 17miles down river (river unrecorded fur trade opponent of the NWC? Or, miles) from the Keg River. However, on his original IaQf-1 could be the original La Fleur's post while the map Thompson puts Fort Vermilion on the left or north second fur trade site (IaQf-2) is the 1821-22 HBC's bank of the river instead of on the right bank as he re-occupation and rebuilding of this post a short claims in 1804. Also, no other Fort Vermilion appears distance away. Of course, Colin Campbell's either above or below the one he depicts on his map. If description of the men tearing down the old store the fort had been moved by 1813-14, he probably suggests a re-occupation of the original NWC post would have marked it on his map, as he did with all the rather than building a new fort somewhere else. other abandoned NWC posts in the region.

-25- Discussion and Conclusions Acknowlegments

Fort Vermilion would still be lost beneath the dense Many people have helped me with this project and I bush along the banks of the Peace River if it had not thank you all for your efforts in saving part of Alberta's been for the concern and help of local residents. We all history. In particular I want to thank Mike Mihaly, shared in the thrill of finding a lost fur trade site and High Level, for sharing his houseboat and Bailey's with faced the difficulties of confirming what we had found. us and Al and Marilee Toews, Fort Vermilion, for their Often in situations like this the physical, documentary continuing efforts to promote northern Alberta's rich and oral evidence do not always agree with each other. history. Sometimes records have been changed from the originals, like the published version of David References Cited Thompson's map. When evidence, such as the oral accounts of the fort's location, are contrary to other Fort Vermilion and District Bicentennial evidence, they need to be investigated further. If we go 1992 Fort Vermilion: People in our Vast and look, it may turn out that there is another fort Trading North 1788 -1988. Fort Vermilion and further down the river from IaQf-1 & 2 near Long District Bicentennial Association, Fort Island. Vermilion, Alberta. I believe we have found at least one (if not all) of the first Fort Vermilion posts. The location of the post Hudson's Bay Company Archives, Winnipeg. given in Thompson's 1804 journal entry and his 1818- HBCAB.44/a/l 1813-14 map are consistent with the position of the 1802-03 HBCA B.224/a/l archaeological remains. Therefore, based on the 1826-27 HBCA B.224/a/2 available evidence, it is more likely that the fort was 1822-23 HBCA B.224/e/l not moved until 1830. It may have always been on the north bank of the Peace River as shown on Thompson's McDonald, Archibald (1813-14) map. 1872 Peace River, a Canoe Voyage from Hudson's Bay to Pacific, by the Late Sir Did the fur trade site further north of IaQf-1 belong to George Simpson in 1828. Journal of the Late John Clarke and the HBC; or, was some other Chief Factor, Archibald McDonald. Ottawa. independent peddler trying to oppose the NWC? Could it be an extension or rebuilding phase of the later HBC Nicks, John S. Fort Vermilion I? Archaeological investigations at 1970 Survey of Northern Rivers. IaQf-2 have confirmed that it was occupied for at least Unpublished Notes. Provincial Museum and for some of the time when IaQf-1 was in operation. Archives of Alberta, Edmonton. Because both sites were flooded, it was possible to match the flooding events. IaQf-2 was not occupied Public Archives of Canada. either before or after IaQf-1. PAC, MG19, A8, Vol VL224 David Thompson Notebooks. This fur trade archaeological site is very unique. It was flooded at least once. There are distinct layers Simpson, George, containing Euro-Canadian artifacts - it is a stratified fur 1938 Journal of Occurrences in the Athabasca trade site and to my knowledge the only known one in Department, 1820 and 1821, and Report. Alberta. The remains of both fur trade sites lie Champlain Society. Toronto. dangerously close to the edge of the riverbank. We have already lost at least one building at IaQf-2 and Smythe, Terry will lose more remains in the next big flood. These and 1968 Thematic Study of the Fur Trade in the probably other fur trade sites along our major Alberta Canadian West: 1670 - 1870. Preliminary rivers are endangered. Long term solutions for their Report Prepared for Historic Sites and proper care and management are difficult and complex Monuments Board of Canada. Ottawa. to resolve. Short-term strategies include continuing to locate, evaluate and mitigate these resources before Thompson, David (edited by J. B. Tyrell) they are lost forever. It will take the efforts of both 1916 David Thompson's Narrative of His professionals and members of the community to save Explorations in Western America 1784 - 1812. sites such as this in the future. The Champlain Society, Toronto.

y>£_ PUBLIC ARCHAEOLOGY PROGRAMS

CYPRESS HILLS ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT 2001

During the summer (from now until August), the Cypress Hills Archaeological Project will offer a volunteer program for the general public. The program is designed for people who are interested in learning about archaeology and excavation but who do not want to take courses or do any formal training. The program offered by CHAP is run through the Department of Archaeology , University of Calgary and the Visitor Services Office of the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. Probably the best feature of the Volunteer Program is that it is free - there are no costs involved in participation. Volunteers will join professional archaeologists and university students as they uncover a site that is over 7,000 years old. They will learn about the prehistory of southern Alberta and help excavate the site.

The site is located near Elkwater Lake in the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. It is very close to the town of Elkwater which offers lodging, restaurants and other amenities. Those interested in participating in the program will be required to commit for at least two days (ether Thursday and Friday or Saturday and Sunday). They will be responsible for their own lodging, food and transportation (there is a camground close to the site).

Apply by calling 403-580-0205 or by mail to Program for Public Archaeology, Cypress Hills Visitors Centre Box 12, Elkwater. AB TO J 1C0

FISH CREEK PROVINCIAL PARK

The Department of Archaeology is again offering its public archaeology program at Fish Creek Provincial Park. This program is offered in conjunction with the Department of Archaeology's field school at Fish Creek. Participants in the program will work alongside students and archaeologists on historic and prehistoric sites within Fish Creek. Participants are asked to commit for at least two days. There is a charge of $15 per day or $100 for the whole season (once you've completed the initial two days you can more or less take part in the program whenever it suits you - you just have to let the Program know the days you will work).

For further information on the site and the program, check the web page www.fp.ucalgarv.ca/pubarky (where there is a downloadable application form) or call the Fish Creek Archaeology Interpretitive Centre at 271-6333 (there is an answering machine - leave your name and phone number and someone will get back to you).

GOING TO GREECE?

Here is a terrific deal offered through the Canadian Academic Institute in Athens. Join the Institute for $25.00 ($15 for students) and you can purchase from them a Cdn $10 pass to all the all the sites and museums run by the Greek Government. Given that the admission price to just the Acropolis and Parthenon is the equivalent of Cdn $25.00 you can see that you will very quickly recoup the cost of your membership and the pass.

For further information, contact:

The Canadian Academic Institute in Athens 59 Queen's Park Crescent, Toronto ON M5S 2C4 or go to their web page http://www.humanities.mcmaster.ca/~caia/ where there is a downloadable application form.

-27- UPCOMING CONFERENCES

CHACMOOL 2001: An Odyssey of Space

Rosza Centre

University of Calgary

November 14th-18th 2001

Most people would not consider archaeologists explorers of space but in fact this is exactly what archaeologists do, explore space. The study of the heavens by the ancient ones, the way landscapes were utilized and changed, the way families utilized the room within their homes, this is all related to the study of space. This year's Chacmool conference, will look at the many different ways in which space has been and is interpreted by archaeologists.

A wide-ranging group of scholars from all over the world will descend upon Calgary in November to take part in the conference; topics for discussion include, but are not limited to:

How Space is Defined—boundaries, enclosures How Space is Used—traditional ways in which space is divided in households and communities, as well as working and living space Public Space—plazas, courtyards, domestic vs. public, gender utilization Landscapes—systems such as fields, irrigation Archaeoastronomy—ie. The Cosmos—How did ancient peoples map out space? Mapping Space—remote sensing, GIS, and GPS Ideological Concepts of Space Sacred Space—perception of space, creation myths Ancient Maritime Utilization of Space—underwater archaeology The Temporalization of Space—the relationship between space and time Geoarchaeological Investigations Spatial Analysis—history and theory, trends, future Ethnographic Studies of Space Spatial Data Management within CRM Spatial Relationships in Mortuary Settings

For further information on the conference email: [email protected]. or check the conference web page: http://www.ucalgarv.ca/UofC/faculties/SS/ARKY/Dept Files/chacmool.html. To have your name added to the Chacmool mailing list, please call 403-220-5227 and ask to be added to the list. You will then receive notification of future conferences, publications etc.

-28- BEINNIAL ROCKY MOUNTAIN ANTHROPOLOGICAL CONFERENCE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ARCHAEOLOGY IN THE 21st CENTURY" Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta September 20 - 23, 2001

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

Sept 19th Evening Registration for Preconference Field Trip Participants at Bayshore Conference

Centre

Sept 20th Preconference Field Trip - Archaeology of Waterton and Northern Glacier Parks

Sept 20th Evening Registration and Mini Pow Wow (Peigan Drummers and Dancers) and Social Thirsty Bear Saloon

Sept 21st & 22nd Plenary Session, Symposia, General Sessions and Poster Session

Sept 21st Evening Bar-B-Que and Public Lecture (Andy Russell)

Sept 22nd Evening Banquet and Special Jack Gladstone Presentation @ Prince of Wales Hotel

Sept 23rd Field Trip - Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

September 21st Registration: 7:30 am -12:00 noon Opening Remarks: Co-chairs RMAC Blessing: Margaret Plain Eagle and Elsie Crowshoe, Piikani Elders Greetings: Peter Lamb. Superintendent Waterton Lakes National Park, Plenary Session 9:00 - 12:00 "Ascending New Peaks: Archaeology, Paleoecology, Traditional Knowledge and Rocky Mountain Ecosystem Management in the 21st Century. Chair: Barney Reeves Participants: Marty Magne, Parks Canada - Western Region, Ann Johnson, U.S. National Park Service, Peter Lamb, Parks Canada, Waterton Lakes National Park, Curley Bear Wagner, Blackfeet Reservation, Mike Metcalf, Metcalf Consultants, Alwynne Beaudoin, Provincial Museum of Alberta, Mark Stevenson, University of Alberta, Elliot Fox, Kainaiwa First Nation, Peter Snow, Nakota First Nation. Discussants: Cliff White, Parks Canada- Banff National Park, Don Despain, Montana State University

September 21 Evening Program Bayshore Convention Centre 6:30 - ? Bar-B-Que and No Host Bar Public Lecture: Andy Russell.

Sept. 21 (Afternoon) & Sept. 22 Symposia and Contributed Papers Sessions Proposed Symposia:

1." Postglacial Palaeoenvironments of the Rocky Mountains and Adjacent Areas from Palaeoecological and Geoarchaeological Records" Cochairs: Alwynne Beaudoin, (Provincial Museum of Museum ) and Bill Eckerle (Western Geoarch Research, Salt Lake City)

2." The Rocky Mountain Experience: White 19th - 20th Resource Exploitation and Development" Cochairs: Margaret Kennedy (University of Saskatchewan ), Don Hardisty

-29- 3. " Hunting the High Country: Precontact Rocky Mountain Alpine Hunting Patterns". Cochairs: Brian Vivian (Lifeways of Canada), Bill Butler (US National Park Service, Rocky Mountain National Park

4." First Nations, Roots, Routes & The Rocky Mountain Corridors. Cochairs: Marty Magne (Parks Canada) Jim Goss (Texas Tech) 5. " Real People Ate Meat?: Problems/Perspectives in Rocky Mountain Paleoethnobotany" Cochairs: Sandy Peacock (U of Victoria), Steve Aaberg (Aaberg Consultants )

6. " First Peoples: Early Holocene Occupancy and Environments of the Rocky Mountains" Cochairs: Allison Landals ( U. of Calgary) Bonnie Pitblado ( Western Colorado State College)

7. Pleistocene Holocene Transition in the Rockies: Synthesis and Current Research. Chairperson: Marcel Kornfeld ( U. of Wyoming)

8. Other Proposed Symposia and Open Paper Sessions

9. Poster Sessions

September 22nd Evening: Prince of Wales Hotel (National Historic Site ) 6:30 - ? Banquet Evening Entertainment: Jack Gladstone (Jack is putting together a new program especially for the conference)

September 23rd Post Conference Field Trip 8:00 - 2:00 Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre (private car). Guided Tour of Interpretive Centre and Drive Lane Complex. Group Admission and Guides courtesy Alberta Community Development. Lunch available at the centre.(at cost). This tour will end early enough for those participants who have booked an early evening departure from the Calgary International Airport to U.S. destinations to make their connections ( 2 - 3 hr drive to airport) For those travelling by car back to the U.S., the nearest crossing Peigan is an hour south (open till 11:00 PM).

Location and Accommodation

The conference and social events (excepting Saturday night) are at the Bayshore Convention Center located in the centre of the business district on Waterton Ave. The Saturday night banquet is at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel located a short drive (4-5 minutes) or walk (15 minutes) from the Bayshore

The Trail of the Great Bear our local facilitator has blocked 200 rooms in Waterton. Book early as the blocks come off August 1. Please Contact Trail of the Great Bear for full pricing and reservations, [email protected],

Ph. 1-800-215-2395 Fax 1-403-859-2621

Bayshore Inn $ 110 (suites also) (right next to the convention centre) Waterton Lakes Lodge (pool and exercise facilities also present) $112 - $150 Waterton Lakes Lodge Hostel $28 (a block from the convention centre) Northland Lodge $89- $115 ( 5 minute walk — historic lodge built by James J. Hill of the Great Northern RR) Prince of Wales Hotel $173 (5 minute drive or 15 minute walk from the Bayshore) Crandell Mountain Lodge $97 - $158 (suite) ( 5 minute walk from the Bayshore)

-30- This is a special registration rate for Archaeological Society of Alberta Members

Rocky Mountain Anthropological Conference

CONFERENCE PREREGISTRATION FORM

NAME:

ADDRESS (please include CITY/STATE/PROV/POSTAL-ZIP CODE/PHONE/EMAIL):

NAME & AFFILIATION AS YOU WISH IT TO APPEAR ON YOUR NAME TAG:

Event Price/Person Check one box per Person Regular Registration • • $55.00 Student Registration • • $30.00

Friday Night Bar-B-Q /Talk • • $25.00

Saturday Night - Prince of Wales Banquet/J. Gladstone D • $ 40.00

Thursday Field Trip - Waterton/Glacier (includes bus & lunch-limit=40) D D $ 30.00

Sunday Field Trip - Head-Smashed-In (no limit- drive yourself) no charge

TOTAL ENCLOSED

Please make cheques payable to: Rocky Mountain Anthropological Conference and mail together with this form to:

Rocky Mountain Anthropological Conference 107, 811 Manning Road N.E Calgary, AB T2E 7L4

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